I want to get into vinyl soooo bad. I heard a "good" rig a while back and was blown away. But you all are talking about entry level VPI's that are so out of my price range it's crazy. I mean, I'm in the Goldring, Pro-Ject Debut range at this point and I don't have the knowhow to set up and fix a used deck. I realize that for the better sound I'll have to spend the dinero, but that'll have to wait till the kids are a little older. I'm fortunate that my integrated amp is a late 70's model with a phono stage, so I can get by without an upgrade there for a while. A cleaning machine? ummm, mine would have to be manual.
There is no need to reach the Scout level to enjoy vinyl. Pic up a Goldring GR-1, Rega P2 or P3 or an mmf-5 and you are on your way to vinyl bliss. I have an mmf-5 and I love it. I will move up to a Scout in the future but for now, I am very happy.
Moderator Headphoneus Supremus: Moderator and SHAman who knew of Head-Fi ten years prior to its existence
I don't have the funds at the moment to go VPI 16.5 even though I would really like to. So I am looking at a manual solution (perhaps fully, no vacuum, just perhaps some Disc Doctor fluid and brushes? or something similar? Then perhaps a Nitty Gritty.
I don't have enough records yet to justify the high cost of VPI when my budget is strapped already.
So, I too am quite interested in the answer to the above post. I use Zerodust for my stylus. I brush each record with a carbon fiber brush before each spin.
I think I need to get a Zerostat device though, there is definitely some static going on.
Those of you without an automated cleaning machine, what is your ritual to clean the disks (and stylus)? Zerostat, fluid? what brushes?
Also, how often do you have to check your setup...alignment, what not?
BTW, I will likely go with Todd if I take the plunge...I'm leaning to VPI.
I use an Audio Advisor Record Doctor III with Todd's Vinyl Zyme (I do NOT use the fluid that came with the machine) - it would cost you a total of 250 dollars for the machine and the fluid. I also got a better brush from Todd (I don't know who makes it - though if you ask Todd what the hard brush was that he sold to Andrew, he'll tell you what it is).
This method for me has been fantastic. It cleans and preserves my records like never before. Some people even prefer the use of manual rotation because then they are confident that they are getting a good clean. To me, the only thing that you are getting from paying more for a more automated machine is the convenience factor (and that's no big deal for me).
Moderator Headphoneus Supremus: Moderator and SHAman who knew of Head-Fi ten years prior to its existence
Aman: Do you use a vacuum? I have read that vacuums are not necessary depending on the solution used. There are so many different opinions out there. One this is certain, I need some cleaning solution ASAP.
I've had success with LAST cleaning solutions...they make a potent cleaner and a daily cleaner. Got both from amusicdirect.com. Both bottles come with applicators.
My regament is to clean a new record once with the potent cleaner...use my audioquest brush for the next few plays and the daily wash afterthat and then back to the brush (is that confusing?).
Michael Fremer has a great article on cleaning at his site musicangle.com...it's on the front page at the bottom...it's called something like "zen and the art of record cleaning"
Thinking about building my own cleaning machine with a wet vac and a motor from an old Fisher TT.
I read the entire article you quoted on record cleaning, "Zen and the Art..."
I must say that when he mentioned using endless clean orbitrac pads, donning gloves, 3 different solutions, in a specific order, drying brushes, brushes to clean the brushes...etc.,etc.,etc. A 5 page article to clean a disk, with the admonishment that if you don't do the whole process...don't bother, I was taken aback. If that isn't enough reason to stick with digital, I don't know what is. OTOH, he may have OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder)
Seriously, does anybody actually do that procedure , and do you do that every time you play a disk? I don't have that much time. I used to use a disk doctor brush and put some D-1 fluid on it, and while the disk was spinning on my TT I'd "clean" the disk. Obviously I was(am) an heretic.
I'll look up the Record Doctor machine.
Comments, anyone!
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Its really about the music, but great sound sure helps!
I am an innocent abroad here, I know it, but are you guys saying that all the old evils of vinyl have been tamed. It's, um, twenty years since I listened to records, and to tell the truth I was glad to see the back of them. Of course, I miss the sleeves (and the smell). But I don't miss the experience.
Here are the evils I remember.
1) Having to get several copies of a record before finding one that didn't crackle or skip.
2) Remembering to turn the volume down on the amp so that the lead in/out procedure didn't blow your speakers and your ears.
3) Static.
4) Dust.
5) Surface noise.
6) Distortion that increased towards the end of each side of the record.
7) Having to clean the records and stylus without damaging either.
8) Having to replace the stylus every so often.
9) Remembering not to fall asleep and let the run out groove wear the stylus to a nub.
10) Having to learn juggling to get the record out of its sleeve onto the deck without scratching it, fingering it or dropping it.
Have they really solved all those problems?
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"Do what you wanna, do what you will, but don't mess up your neighbour's thrill" F Zappa
Grado SR60, Shure E2c, Cyrus Mission 1, Yamaha SW1000XG, Archos gmini400, EAC/LAME
I am an innocent abroad here, I know it, but are you guys saying that all the old evils of vinyl have been tamed. It's, um, twenty years since I listened to records, and to tell the truth I was glad to see the back of them. Of course, I miss the sleeves (and the smell). But I don't miss the experience.
Here are the evils I remember.
1) Having to get several copies of a record before finding one that didn't crackle or skip.
2) Remembering to turn the volume down on the amp so that the lead in/out procedure didn't blow your speakers and your ears.
3) Static.
4) Dust.
5) Surface noise.
6) Distortion that increased towards the end of each side of the record.
7) Having to clean the records and stylus without damaging either.
8) Having to replace the stylus every so often.
9) Remembering not to fall asleep and let the run out groove wear the stylus to a nub.
10) Having to learn juggling to get the record out of its sleeve onto the deck without scratching it, fingering it or dropping it.
Have they really solved all those problems?
These problems can only be solved by you - and I have NONE of the problems you mention.
If you put in the time, and the effort, vinyl will be a rewarding experience. If you decide that 600 dollars and your entire vinyl collection isn't worth your care, then go ahead and treat them like you did.
Zanth: I disagree completely. I've been through all the ins and outs of record cleaning, and the RCM right now is the only thing that has given me good results. Record Cleaning Machines are essential to anybody who wants to listen to vinyl for a good percentage of the time. Trust me on this: I have used all different brushes, different methods, different fluids - the only thing that has given me the results I expected was the Vinyl Zyme/Record Doctor solution.
Besides a tracking force guage, the only other necessity for vinyl is a record cleaning machine. It will allow for a better life of the vinyl, and also of the stylus and cartridge. Vacuums are the only way to go to get the results of a clean, quiet record. Dynamics and details all are improved - since you can hear SIGNIFICANTLY less surface noise and the stylus will have an easier time tracking, so you will hear better sound quality overall.
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