VINYL SURFACE NOISE

I had the record doctor cleaner and did not think it was to effective. I bought a VPI 16.5 and it made a big difference, plus the brush that comes with the VPI is great. I also purchased a Zerostat gun and that made an improvement. If you can set up a clamp on the Rega go for it.

I have a Rega 3, modified, with an older Benz 3 low output MC. I use a Nitty Gritty 2.5 cleaner which works great, and there is no need for a Zerostat ( I still have the one I bought in the late 70's) because the wet vac. cleaner removes static. As far as I know Record Clamps are not recommended for Regas. My suggestion: buy import LP's (english, german, Japanese) whenever possible--these almost always are pressed better w/less surface noise to begin with. Imports are just hard to get. MFSL lp's are the best. Also, don't you have noise problems with a Grado mounted on a Rega? that always was the case years ago.

86 the Record Doctor and carbon fiber brush (even the best shed fibers into the grooves and they tick). Buy and use a good record cleaning machine - Nitty Gritty or VPI (even a manual model if cost is a factor). For damaged disks (from playing while dirty or mishandling), treatment with LAST can help. Severely damaged or poorly pressed disks of standard vinyl have limited recovery. Wet cleaning with a machine takes care of static adequately. You do not have to clean with every playing if you handle carefully and return to good sleeve immediately after play. Of course, ensure that your tonearm/cartridge are aligned properly (vta, tangential) and stylus pressure is correct. Keeping humidity correct and vacuuming with a machine that retains dust rather than spreading it (Rainbow) provides a better vinyl environment especially for uncovered tables. Use a good record mat and keep it clean - mild detergent and water, shake and air dry. There are probably disagreements and other suggestions, but these work. Ex audiophile vinyl dealer.