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why do you need a machine to clean records?

I need the RCM because many records I deal with have accumulated layers of dirt and crud. Many times these are the only copies I can find but otherwise sound condition. The RCM used correctly can turn these from noisy to nice sounding.
 
soundtroll said:
bump
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Sorry, RCMs will only remove bumps if the "bump" is dried-on taco filling, hash pipe residue, a booger, or a lump of cheese from that Ritz cracker commercial.

It will not remove a "bump" if it's a casting flaw, surface damage, or a lyric, such as "Bump-bump- out went the lights!"....

Cheers,

Paul
 
day67 said:
Simple for me. Can't afford a RCM, do them by hand and while not vacuumed, my process seems to eliminate residue, no stylus "dust" or that type stuff. I did spring for the "Groovemaster" label saver -- very well made, made locally, and while I hated to spend the cash it pales in comparison to a RCM -- and does make the undesirable task of cleaning by hand a lot easier!.... Someday though.
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Sounds like you're the perfect candidate for a Spin Clean, it's not that pricey (like $70-$80 v $350-$1000) and it's also a market improvement over just sink washing. I use to wash my records in the sink as well but after getting a spin clean I don't see the point. I have yet to do a comparison between the Spin Clean and a more expensive cleaner but I would say the Spin Clean takes care of about 75-85% of all dirt induced surface noise and I've had a near impossible time justify the price for a "high end" RCM just to gain that extra 25-15%. Still would love to try out a Nitty Gritty machine.
 
Just lay all your records out on the floor and use a Swiffer. Then go over it with your vacuum cleaner. Bada bing bada boom. :D
 
The reason I use a RCM is simple and its not at all about having more gear. The RCM does a better job than handwashing AND its more convenient than handwashing AND its faster than handwashing. In my experience its really a no brainer. The RCM is the single best upgrade to my vinyl system I ever bought.
 
Seems To Me....

you have gotten plenty of responses on why record cleaning machines work so well. There really is no drawback to them except their cost, and possibly the room they take up.

So I can only surmise that your bump is about trying to find justification that a hand cleaning process is going to be as good, or nearly as good as a RCM machine. Well that just ain't the way it is. Maybe it will be passable, but its not going to be the equivalent.

Now if cost is an issue, and you wnt to do this as inexpensively as possible, there are a few options. Watch the used internet sites like a hawk, and you may be able to snag an Audio Advisor Disc Doctor machine on the cheap. But they get snapped up lickity split, so you gotta have your A game on.

Secondly you can DIY, or maybe do the KAB system. A vacuum machine is not rocket science. Use a shop vac, and either put velvet on the crevice tool, or build a wand of PVC and velvet. Its a bit ungainly, but it will work.

As far as a Spin Clean, they do work, but not as good as an RCM. A record store I buy vinyl from uses one to clean their stuff. I thought it was a nice service, and certainly added value to their records. But when I got the vinyl home and gave it a play, it was still noisy. Ran it through my VPI and it got noticeably cleaner. The Spin Clean may work, but its not going to give you the cleanest records. How it compares to a wash in the sink, that I cannot say.

But as far as your opening post, I would say you have had your answer many times over.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
slate & ssmith make me laugh. all the rest make me think hmmmmmm. and I want to know how JBL knows I have hash residue on my records? I never did trust these damn web cams!!!
 
Ever notice how it's those who don't have/use a RCM that are always saying that you don't need one? That their method is just as good...

I've been playing records for fifty years and nothing, not a single one of the other methods of non-machine cleaning does as good, as competent, as consistent a job of cleaning records that I have had for forty years, that I have bought used with who knows what kind of previous care, or that I have bought new...it constantly amazes me that cleaning records that I thought clean, or had cleaned previously with the Disc Doctor's solution and special brushes with a double distilled water rinse, or especially that dreadful Discwasher piece of crap, can end up sounding so much better, with less surface noise, fewer ticks and pops, and more clarity, all from simply instituting a proper vacuum cleaning regimen with my VPI and good quality substance from AIVS and MoFi...

I WILL NOT GO BACK TO DOING IT WITHOUT A MACHINE!

And, I've been doing it this way for a decade now....

Best audio investment I have ever made!

.
 
It's real easy for me to say this, since I got my VPI almost literally for free from a "garage/barn cleanout" guy at a flea market, 15 or so years ago...

BUT... I consider it an indispensable component in my rig. Before I lucked upon it, I had a Nitty Gritty 1.0, which, although a pain to use, still got the job done.

I still enjoy the "wow" factor of taking a thrift-store record that looks like it ought to be noisy as hell, and finding it quite listenable after a ride on the cleaner. I make my own very basic fluid; probably less than ideal, but good enough to work with a decent vacuum machine.

So, just from previous experience, I'd own a RCM, regardless. Just one guy's perspective.
 
I have not said a RCM is not needed. I don't know so I asked the question. I've gotten many passionate responses in favor. I would love to A/B the processes and judge for myself. I certainly won't be spending x hundreds of $ on a VPI etc. as that would represent a doubling or more of my system cost. How many of you can say that? I may try a DIY at some point to satisfy my curiosity. There are many cool designs on the AK and I'm glad to hear everyone's positive experiences.

I honestly didn't know what I was starting. I mean I can't tell the audible difference between surface noise, static, and dust. I fact, I think I treat it like I treated my parents and my son treats me. Tuned out.
 
soundtroll said:
...I certainly won't be spending x hundreds of $ on a VPI etc. as that would represent a doubling or more of my system cost. How many of you can say that?...
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Ah- I can. At least initially. My original system including stylus actually cost less than the used VPI 16.5 I bought.

I still think of it as my smartest investment in vinyl playback.

Nowadays it's a much smaller percentage, but still worth every penny, plus, to me.
 
Mister Pig said:
As far as a Spin Clean, they do work, but not as good as an RCM. A record store I buy vinyl from uses one to clean their stuff. I thought it was a nice service, and certainly added value to their records. But when I got the vinyl home and gave it a play, it was still noisy. Ran it through my VPI and it got noticeably cleaner. The Spin Clean may work, but its not going to give you the cleanest records.
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Would you say this is due to the vacuuming of the liquid off the record with the RCM or some other factor? How does the VPI scrub the record (not all that familiar with it)?
 
thisOne said:
It's mostly about posession of gear, not about cleaning.

we could wash dishes by hand, but we own dishwashers... :scratch2:
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I concur - exactly the reason. None of us really "need" any of the stuff we have; We don't even "need" a stereo system.

The reasons for having a RCM are as follows:

  1. Because I want it!
  2. It is supremely convenient and easy to clean records with one.
  3. Speed - keeps one from getting all screwy in the head with obsessive cleanliness. Clean the record and be done with it.
  4. It is another neat gadget that we get to play with.
  5. The RCM is impressive looking and shows our dedication to vinyl maintenance.
  6. Like having a compound mitre-saw instead of a hand-saw, it's yet another tool to possess which improves efficiency.
 
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