• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Just ordered the VPI 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine

seek/destroy

seek/destroy

Active Member
I finally did it. Late late late last night, I placed my order for the VPI 16.5 Record cleaning machine. I have been planning this purchase for about a year. I've never used one of these or even heard any records cleaned with a vacuum machine, but I am sooo ready. I've got my fingers crossed that it gets here tomorrow. If not, it will be monday. Anyone remember waiting for theirs?
 
Register to hide this ad
Congrats! I was lucky to find a dealer in Phoenix with units in stock. I do remember the anticipation though. You won't be disappointed.
 
seek/destroy said:
That's great to hear. How long have you had yours? Any secret tips I should know about?
Click to expand...

There's tons of valuable info an AK search will turn up (mostly in the Turntable forum). I think I've had mine for 3 years maybe? Still going strong.

Big tip: it's pretty loud for the wife. Setting it up in the living room prob ain't such a great idea.
 
Besides being noisy, I can see no downside to a vacuum RCM.

No joke, it's the best investment I've ever made.
 
thedelihaus said:
Besides being noisy, I can see no downside to a vacuum RCM.

No joke, it's the best investment I've ever made.
Click to expand...

Seriously?! That's awesome. Ive gotta have this tomorrow! I dont know if I can make it through the weekend. UPS still doesnt deliver on saturday, right?

Anyway, I ordered a package deal that comes with some MFSL cleaners, A MFSL brush, an extra cork pad, inner record sleeves (I ordered extra too!). That way I can get right to it when it arrives.
 
meggy said:
There's tons of valuable info an AK search will turn up (mostly in the Turntable forum). I think I've had mine for 3 years maybe? Still going strong.

Big tip: it's pretty loud for the wife. Setting it up in the living room prob ain't such a great idea.
Click to expand...


Does she have a problem vacuuming while you're watching football?



:D
 
Seek/destroy your going to have fun cleaning/listening to all your lps. Go easy on the fluids it doesn't take that much to clean the LP. As Deli said a huge/major upgrade that you won't believe till you hear it.
 
Ugh. I was off work the day mine was to come. I got hungry but kept waiting. I live across the street from McDonald's. I left, but I timed it; I was back within 11 minutes, and I missed the deliver guy :tears:They told me they could hold it at the local pickup facility the next evening, so I could get it after work. They didn't and I had to wait another extra day. So that lousy McDouble cost me two days' wait time, and the only reason I went to McDonald's in the first place was to make sure I didn't miss the delivery guy.

Sometimes I think, "There is a god, and he is screwing with me."
 
PickyEars81 said:
Ugh. I was off work the day mine was to come. I got hungry but kept waiting. I live across the street from McDonald's. I left, but I timed it; I was back within 11 minutes, and I missed the deliver guy :tears:They told me they could hold it at the local pickup facility the next evening, so I could get it after work. They didn't and I had to wait another extra day. So that lousy McDouble cost me two days' wait time, and the only reason I went to McDonald's in the first place was to make sure I didn't miss the delivery guy.

Sometimes I think, "There is a god, and he is screwing with me."
Click to expand...

I swear at times, you, and I must be related! :yes: Mark
 
I found the felt-covered brush was great. The white nylon bristled brush was scratching my albums. I wrote a thread on it. I ordered more of the felt brushes, and have never looked back.
 
seek/destroy said:
Seriously?! That's awesome....
Click to expand...

Sometimes I really think if I didn't have an RCM to clean my purchased used records, I'd probably just go back to only spinning CDs.

It made that much of a difference on my records that I've purchased used.

No kidding.
 
Congrats on your new toy. As others have said already, you will not regret it. I had the 16.5 but sold it when I got a great deal on the 17F. If it wasn't for that, I would still have the 16.5. Not only is it great for cleaning your vinyl it's also great to get rid of most guests who overstayed their welcome! :D
 
That's no chit, if you really want to tee off your significant other, run the machine while she's trying to speak to you!

Congrats, and welcome to the 16.5 family.

I take it, is was a package deal from MusicDirect.

Read the instructions carefully, always keep the hose clamp locked shut while using the machine, drain every 5-6 records, until you're familiar with the machine, drain after using, and it helps to tip the machine rearward while draining into a cup.

Drain again when done, leave the Wand off for 24 hours so all dries out thoroughly.

Clean Wand periodically, and clean before storage.

Give the cleaners time to work. Always use a pure water rinse as a final step.

Don't flood the top of the machine like it's a fish tank, Mop up spills as they occur with a kleenex.

After some time, you'll get braver, give the machine a shake down inspection, and check of all screws, etc.

I know this machine inside, and out, and will be here to help, and give advice if you need it. Others here know well too.

There's no dumb questions!

Enjoy your new machine, and you, will certainly come to the exact same conclusions as I have, and that is, how you wish you bought such a long time ago! Mark
 
thedelihaus said:
Sometimes I really think if I didn't have an RCM to clean my purchased used records, I'd probably just go back to only spinning CDs.

It made that much of a difference on my records that I've purchased used.

No kidding.
Click to expand...

Never really thought about that, but you're right. Or, I'd go broke buying new LP's. Of course "you don't know what you don't know" so then again maybe we'd all be just happy as a clam with pops and clicks. I didn't have one starting out in the 70's, so...
 
Another tip: On the 16.5 remove the vacuum tube or swing it out over the platter before you close the lid when done otherwise you may break the tube with the lid. The first time you forget to do that may send a shiver up your spine. I did it twice but I was lucky both times. It would be nice if they would change the design a little so that this would not be a problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom