[net.audio] The ULTIMATE record cleaning method.

kimr@tektronix.UUCP (Kim Rochat) (10/11/83)

I purchased a VPI HW-16 record cleaner recently for $239 (dealer demo).
I have not compared it with the Monks machine, but the Absolute Sound did
compare it to the $2500 Monks machine and the VPI won.  (Their criteria -
records cleaned on the Monks machine always sounded better after being
cleaned on the VPI, but not vice-versa).  The VPI doesn't have an automatic
dispenser (you have to squirt the solution on by hand), but it sucks it all
off in 10 seconds, greatly speeding cleaning and reducing the time the
solution sits on the record.  Not only does a good cleaning rejuvenate
old records, it gets the manufacturing crud and "mold release" out of
new records.  Cleaning greatly improves depth and imaging, so your $239
investment is as good as buying a new piece of stereo gear.  

I spent a year considering the purchase of a record cleaning machine, and
I'm glad I waited since I got the unit on sale, but with the new Nitty
Gritty machines, the VPI and the new Monks machine now available, everyone
with a substantial investment in records or a desire for the best possible
sound should own one of these machines.  I say own because mine sits right
next to my turntable, and for the next several years I will be cleaning
each record (until they all get cleaned) before playing it.