2. analog
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overwhelmed by record rituals

Hi all-

I'm new to vinyl and starting to build a collection. Because I am just buying new audiophile quality vinyl (so far) it never occurred to me I should be washing the vinyl before I play it. So far my process has been to use a bit of Last stylus cleaner on the stylus (maybe after every 3 or 4 plays) and to use an Audioquest brush on the record before dropping the needle. I am starting to get some pops and clicks, though, so wondering if I should be doing more. I read through record rituals and I am a bit overwhelmed and looking for a simple process. My first question is if I should invest in a record cleaning machine before I invest in more vinyl? Is VPI a decent (modestly priced) one? Second, this article in Stereophile on Last record preservation made me wonder if I should be doing that?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/last-record-preservation-treatment
So I guess that would mean my process might be VPI (or other record cleaner) for a new record (and periodically, I'm assuming, after that) followed by a one time treatment with Last record preservative. Using the carbon Audioquest brush and Last stylus cleaner as I have been all along?

Any guidance?

Thanks!

mc
mcanaday
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I always clean my brand-new records before I play them at all. This is to wash off any excess mould release that may be left on from pressing. The spin clean is another reasonably priced manual cleaner.
Jeff you mentioned that ultrasonic is a pain? Which one do you have and what don't you like about it?
discojoe
12 posts
 
New records should be cleaned as well as used records. There is always a trace of release agent left in the grooves after pressing. If not removed before playing the heat of the stylus will make the residue permanent.
I have used VPI record cleaners for over 25 years. The 16, then the 16.5 and now the 17F.
tubehead21
23 posts
 
I'd also suggest that you're using the stylus cleaner too frequently. If dust accumulates on the tip, just use a little dry brush to get it off.

If you over clean your stylus with fluid, in time, the fluid will travel up the cantilever and start to eat away at the suspension of your cartridge and then you'll need a new one.

I made the same mistake a few years back.

I clean my stylus with fluid maybe once or twice a month and only after I'm done listening for the night.

A used VPI 16.5 would be a great investment. I use the "One Step Forumla No. 6" cleaning fluid with mine and have very good results. My favorite fluid to date and I've tried three or four.

If you get an anti-stat gun, two or three pulls and releases of the trigger at various points over the record surface will suffice. I wouldn't point it at the cartridge.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Get a KL Audio machine makes it simple.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
A Spin Clean is inexpensive and works…all my old LPs got the cleaning and I clean any new ones…once…they aren't getting dirty. An anti static carbon felt mat, anti static LP sleeves (Mobile Fidelity), and a good anti static carbon brush every time I play a side…if I still have a static issue I don't hear it. I use Last on the stylus with its little scrubbing thing once every few LPs, and all of this works swimmingly.
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