Affordable Record Cleaner

[BHaines]

I've started doing some research into purchasing a record cleaner. Seems like anything decent is in the $500+ range. The budget I am working with is more like $100-$150. Can this be done?

 

[jazzwolf]

For 50.00 more you can get The Record Doctor V for 199.99 from Audio Advisor. It's an excellent machine!

 

[BHaines]

Just found a thread on here with tons of good info on the Record Doctor V. I also saw mention of a KAB EV-1. The KAB goes for $169 though (vs the $199), but requires a separate vac. Does anybody have an opinion on the Record Doctor vs The KAB?

 

[mfhale]

Just found a thread on here with tons of good info on the Record Doctor V. I also saw mention of a KAB EV-1. The KAB goes for $169 though (vs the $199), but requires a separate vac. Does anybody have an opinion on the Record Doctor vs The KAB?

IIRC, aside from the built-in vacuum, they are both Nitty Gritty 1.0 RCMs.

 

[BmWr75]

Spin Clean - $125

http://www.amazon.com/SPIN-CLEAN-CO...024&sr=8-2&keywords=spin+clean+record+cleaner

 

[keithpgdrb]

The kab ev1 is the way to go. Have it. Love it. All the advantages of the big boys. Better then spin clean by miles

 

[BHaines]

Im thinking about going with the Record Doctor V and eventually upgrading the bearing to the KAB Gliding Platter as others have suggested. The idea of having to buy a separate vac turns me off to the KAB unit.

 

[El Pee]

Spin Clean - $125

http://www.amazon.com/SPIN-CLEAN-CO...024&sr=8-2&keywords=spin+clean+record+cleaner

Spin Clean for $80

http://www.needledoctor.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer

 

[jazzwolf]

Im thinking about going with the Record Doctor V and eventually upgrading the bearing to the KAB Gliding Platter as others have suggested. The idea of having to buy a separate vac turns me off to the KAB unit.

:thmbsp:

You'll love it. I have a Nitty Gritty Record Master which is essentially a NG 1.0 and I eventually upgraded to a VPI 16.5. There is no difference in cleaning between them. The only difference is in having to manually turn the record on the NG as opposed to the VPI. If you have a large record collection it will be a chore but you'll get used to it. That's a great price for a vacuum cleaning machine.

 

[bean_counter]

:stupid:

The idea of having to buy a separate vac turns me off to the KAB unit.

That was a actually a big plus for me; I had a spare vac hanging around. I figure whatever vac is in a RCM isn't going to be as robust, nor cheap to replace.

An EV-1 and a thrift store vac if probably cheaper, if a wee bit less elegant :stupid:

 

[keithpgdrb]

Im thinking about going with the Record Doctor V and eventually upgrading the bearing to the KAB Gliding Platter as others have suggested. The idea of having to buy a separate vac turns me off to the KAB unit.

first off, if you were about saving money, the Kab would be the way to go. vacuums are cheap at goodwill.

But, if you want to bump up to the $200 mark, the NG is a nice looking choice, and does the same thing as the kab, in a nice box.

 

[AJD1964]

Spin Clean for $80

http://www.needledoctor.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer

I think the difference between the $80 version and the $120 one is the latter adds in the extra set of brushes and the 8oz bottle of "soap". I bought the $80 version several months ago, and it only came with 1 set of brushes, and the 4oz bottle.

It works "okay", but kind of cheezy for 80 bucks. After 1 really dirty record, and the water needs to be changed.

If I was the OP, I would spend a little more for an RCM off the bat... as I would do if I had to do it over again.

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

The KAB EV-1 is the way to go. Have it. Love it. All the advantages of the big boys. Better then spin clean by miles

+1 :yes: www.kabusa.com

 

[majick47]

Either way a KAB EV-1 or the Record Doctor are the starting place for a serious/effective "record cleaner". At $125 the Spin Clean makes the step to either system to close to be ignored especially the KAB EV-1 if you already have a vacume.

 

[tim4]

Do they make a battery record cleaner that works okay?

 

[majick47]

Between the KAB EV-1 and the Record Doctor both priced in the $150-$200 range they are well worth the small premium over the Spin Clean. The Spin Clean offers a lot less performance/convenience for close to what you would spend for the two RCMs. It's almost unheard of for someone to say they regret purchasing a vacuum RCM.