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Clearaudio Smart Matrix record cleaning machine advise

guiller

guiller

Toscaninichus Australis
Hi,

After working for a few months in a DIY record cleaning machine, I've gave up. There are many problems I cannot solve and the machine does not appeal to me. Anyway, just for the fun of I will post some pics on the DIY section.

I therefore decided to spend as much as I can ( about 1000 USD) to get a decent record cleaning machine to service my ever-growing LP collection. I've seen many good comments about the VPI 16.5 machine, but this brand is not available locally in Buenos Aires. The only machine I've been able to locate here is Clearaudio Smart Matrix ( http://www.clearaudio.de/eng/sr_smatrix.html ). Is this a good machine? Are there any AK'ers who own one of these units? I'm planning to give it a good use.

sr_smatrix.jpg


Many thanks for any input!
 
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Hi Guiller,

I have had some experience with that machine and have examined it pretty closely. It does the same job as the HW-16.5 plus it has a platter that turns in both directions, which can be helpful at times.

It would seem that the noise level and parts quality are mostly equal or better than the VPI, and the build quality is excellent.

You may also want to check to see if you can buy the Okki Nokki or Moth machines in Argentina. I have not seen either of these machines in person, nor have I tried them out, but customers in other parts of the world have commented on them positively.

Best regards.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
573-696-3551
info@audiointelligent.com
www.osageaudio.com
 
Yes, this is a very good machine, similar in some features, and operation to the VPI 16.5. It appears to be a "prettier" machine than the 16.5, is the best way I can explain-describe it, but will function similarly, and be just as effective. Also has a better warrantee, 3 years, versus only one year for VPI machines.

These machines will help you more effectively, and economically use the cleaning fluids, and rinse waters.

Like the VPI 16.5, it is manual application of fluids only, but if you choose to use a multi-step cleaning process, that is the best way, is to manually apply, and remove, then move on to the next step.

Use a dedicated Cleaning Brush, or Brush Pad for each cleaning step.

I say go for it, you will be happy you did. Mark
 
I bought on on A'gon that still had the plastic film on the acrylic lid for $500. I then sold my Vpi on eBay, so the cost was minimal. The build quality of the Smart Matrix is way better than the VPI, but it should be, it retails for double the VPI.

As far as I'm concerned, all vacuum rcm's do the same thing equally, it's not rocket science.
 
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