Record Cleaning Machines

Does anyone have experience with record cleaning machines like the Clearaudio Smart Matrix Pro, VPI or Oki Nokki? How effective are these in reducing surface noise? Essential necessity or save your money and utilize it elsewhere?

Hi llsaw,
    Last time when i was doing some investigation into something like this, i came across extreme ultrasonic cleaning. I am sure there is very well done audiophile unit out there that cost serious money. Or u can try a bit of diy. Afterall, the ultrasonic cleaner is 600 to 1k in aliexpress. While the turning jig needs to be of ur own little invention. 

Consider it essential. The more expensive units might do a slightly better job but generally you are paying for speed, lower noise and convenience. The difference however between a record cleaner and none at all is night and day!

Very essential...

To reproduce the sound from the groove as best as possible, there should be minimal dirt between the stylus and the groove. 

Also, a clean record helps to prolong the life of your stylus.

Thanks. Just ordered the Clearaudio Smart Matrix Professional. Should be arriving next week. Will report out on its effectiveness.
Really hoping it will reduce surface noise. I find practically all the new records I buy dirty with lotsa vinyl dust, etc. Exact opposite of CDs.

Yes... even brand new LPs will benefit from a good clean up. Do update us on your new purchase and how effective it is.

Hi llsaw,
Yes, getting a RCM is the way to go. Don't forget to replace the paper inner sleeves if they are moldy. Plastic sleeves can be cleaned though. If your outer sleeves also happen to be moldy, do clean and dry them otherwise with a bit of moisture (as in our climate) and over time, they get dirty/moldy again.

Thanks for the tip Bro. Using Mofi inner sleeves and Japanese resealable outer sleeves from Elusive Disc in the US

llsaw... dont forgetabout the cleaning fluid as well.

Currently using this

I have washed about 40+ lps to-date but I find there is minimal effect on surface noise amount. Aesthetically the vinyl looks pristine but the clicks and pops are still there and sometimes more. Bear in mind I only own new lps and these are regular contemporary recordings vs audiophile pressings. With audiophile pressings I don't even have to clean the vinyl for it to have much less (downright negligible to zero) surface noise. Comments/advice anyone?

Used lps are more prone to pop and clicks. We can't eliminate them entirely, however, if I could reduce them I'm more than happy. So it's a matter of getting used to it.

When your system is turned on and the volume is at regular listening level, how much background noise do you hear from the speakers?  Some phono stages tend to amplify the surface noise.  Also, if your tonearm and stylus have been setup for audiophile records, when you play thinner records (what you call contemporary recordings), the stylus rake angle may not be 100% correct, causing more surface noise.  Turntable isolation is also very important to reduce surface noise.

Anwar wrote:When your system is turned on and the volume is at regular listening level, how much background noise do you hear from the speakers?  Some phono stages tend to amplify the surface noise.  Also, if your tonearm and stylus have been setup for audiophile records, when you play thinner records (what you call contemporary recordings), the stylus rake angle may not be 100% correct, causing more surface noise.  Turntable isolation is also very important to reduce surface noise.

Bro,

I've tried with 3 different phono stages (Audiolab, Primare R32 and my current Allnic H1201) and I'm pretty sure the clicks and pops are bout the same. I find the vinyl from audiophile labels generally quiet and most of the Music on Vinyl pressings. Just not the common pop/rock albums unfortunately though some are very good. I'd guess the quality of current and new vinyl pressings are on the downturn quality wise.

I realise current reissues and new vinyl pressings (audiophile mostly) are carefully manufactured and using the best virgin vinyl or use purest raw material they can source from. This process is a major contributor to lowest surface noise. In those days when vinyls were pressed by the millions, it was rumored the labels also knew very well to cut cost and used recycled vinyl or plastics that can be questionable, afterall its the music that matters to most customers, not just to audiophile and golden ears during the vinyl heyday. Most people wouldn't really care about surface noises, how thin the LP, whats it made of, its all about the music and price. What I'm pointing out probably a contributor of surface noise can be from the kind of vinyl quality used even though it maybe pristine in every aspect but there's still audible noise that can't be cured despite attempts on tweaking the turntable or amplification. Well, much later on, common knowledge the CD was designed to counter most of the shortcomings of the vinyl format, of course, SQ is another matter. My opinion.

I started vinyl with Clearaudio Concept and I had exactly the same problem, i.e. can only listen to audiophile records.  The Concept is not good with regular records.  When I listened to regular records at my friends's systems with high-mass platter TT, I was very surprised how much better it sounded.  Eventually I bought a used high-mass platter TT and wow, non-audiophile records are so listenable and enjoyable.  I grounded the bottom of platter shaft to reduce/eliminate static noise.  I upgraded the phono stage as well with the TT upgrade.

I suggest you bring your records and test at your friends' systems or hi-fi shops with high-mass platter TT.  You also need to check your TT VTA and see if it was setup correctly.  I used digital microscope to ensure the stylus rake angle was setup properly and Fosgometer to ensure left and right channels are balanced.

One more thing.  Use a small torch light and shine it on the records (on platter) after you have cleaned it.  If dusts are still there, you can see it.

Anwar wrote:I started vinyl with Clearaudio Concept and I had exactly the same problem, i.e. can only listen to audiophile records.  The Concept is not good with regular records.  When I listened to regular records at my friends's systems with high-mass platter TT, I was very surprised how much better it sounded.  Eventually I bought a used high-mass platter TT and wow, non-audiophile records are so listenable and enjoyable.  I grounded the bottom of platter shaft to reduce/eliminate static noise.  I upgraded the phono stage as well with the TT upgrade.

I suggest you bring your records and test at your friends' systems or hi-fi shops with high-mass platter TT.  You also need to check your TT VTA and see if it was setup correctly.  I used digital microscope to ensure the stylus rake angle was setup properly and Fosgometer to ensure left and right channels are balanced.

One more thing.  Use a small torch light and shine it on the records (on platter) after you have cleaned it.  If dusts are still there, you can see it.

TW Acustic Ravens ranked very highly in my list of turntables but at this level one will probably need a home audition. Are you aware of any dealers in Penang?

The importer for Singapore/Malaysia is Audio Note Singapore and they are setting up a branch at Jaya One, PJ.  Once a while used Raven appear at their website http://www.hifi.com.sg/

Anwar wrote:The importer for Singapore/Malaysia is Audio Note Singapore and they are setting up a branch at Jaya One, PJ.  Once a while used Raven appear at their website http://www.hifi.com.sg/

Thanks. Kinda next to impossible to set up a home audition though given the distances involved.