AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Vinyl Circle => Topic started by: JoshK on 7 Jan 2003, 04:13 pm
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I would like to start a thread with this circle's compilation of recommended vinyl accesories for getting the most out of your vinyl. Much discussion will insue in other threads about tables, platters, motors, arms and carts but I don't want to overlook the things that help you get the most out of your gear and vinyl.
I would like to compile a list of accesories that you all feel that every vinylphile should have along with a few highly recommended brands or specific products. We should probably split this up into two (or more categories), such as, e.g.
#1 Vinyl care and treatment products/accesories
#2 Hardware care & accessories; including cart care products, alignment tools, strobes, etc.
So please add your comments, recommendations and feedback for what you feel every vinyl lover should have. Just like a starting woodworker or machinist must start to compile the necessary tools, we vinylphiles must compile the appropriate tools for getting the most out of our hobby. Also, add comments on what you feel is highly recommended if not necessary.
And for ease of organization please add whether it belongs in category #1 or #2 or whether we need another category or further breakdown.
If I get a lot of response, feedback and participation on this thread I might add a sticky to it so that our list will be easily found and referenced.
Cheers,
Josh
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Well, here's a list of links to websites that allows you to print alignment tools (hence free;) )
Strobe Disk DOS program
Phono Cartridge alignment template
Another free protractor
As for stuff you have to buy..
1. Bubble level (2-3 bucks a piece at Home Depot)
2. Shure Stylus Force Guage(available at audioadvisor.com)
3. LAST #4 Stylus Cleaner(also available at audioadvisor.com)
As for vinyl care, I'm a little unsure of what would be the best since I haven't tried any of the products out. I did try the Last Power Cleaner but for 30 bucks for 1/2 fluid ounce (ouch!) and didn't find it to clean dirty records well (as to expected since all you did was scrub the liquid on the vinyl and somehow thats supposed to miraculously lift all the dirt particles trapped inside the grooves).
I do have a few candidates though...
The Spin-Clean Record washing system, seems to do a good job wet cleaning from what I gather over at aa.com
The record doctor the cheapest vacuum system I found by far. Also seems to do well for the ppl over at aa.com
Anyone have experience with either of these two products?
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I would recommend adding the Disk Doctor cleaning process before something like a Vacuum based cleaner. It is a set of brushes and cleaner that is used by a number of archives and is highly rated by all the rags.
I just got mine and though it is expensive, I can see the quart of cleaner I got lasting for hundreds of records.
The cleaning process is mainly a brushing/rinsing one. The vacuum just helps in drying/removing dirt. I think I could live without a vacuum based machine....
-MA
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I bought a KAB record cleaner. You turn it by hand and provide your own vacuum cleaner. It was $130 bucks which is dirt cheap by most standards, but once you see it in person you'll say: :? Hey, it works fine, but surely this is a DIY project. Inside there's a crevice tool attachment with a piece of styrofoam on it held in place with Liquid Nails or something. I bet a crafty person could cobble something up very similar for a few bucks.
Whatever you do, don't hook it up to a Data Vac vacuum cleaner. This is the worst piece of junk I've ever used. This vacuum cleaner is so weak you have to pick up the dust and THROW it down the hose. Makes a lot of noise and gets hot too. In the record cleaning application it takes about 50 spins before the record is dry. Sheesh!
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www.vinylengine.com has a lot of info, in case some here haven't seen it.
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Second the reccomendations on the Shure stylus gauge and the Last stylus cleaner. I have not used any of the printable alignment tools but can say that the DB Protractor (audioadvisor has them) works very well for setting overhang and cartridge alignment.
Also, for those times when you don't wish or need to do a full blown cleaning a good record brush is nice to have. I use the Hunt EDA carbon fiber brush. I'm not sure how it compares to some of the others but it seems to work just fine. I keep a roll of 2" wide masking tape with the brush. Works wonders for getting the dust off the brush and is dirt cheap.
Mike
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#1The Disc Doctor record cleaner is a must.
#1 stylus cleaner:
I was using the Disc Doctor stylus cleaner, but just bought the extremephono solid state cleaner and it works great.
#1 I use the Hunt EDA dry brush before every play.
#2 Isolation feet or spikes offer a cheap and significant tweak.
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Thanks guys keep them coming. Maybe I should start some polls over time with whether we feel that, say, a cart demagnetizer is a neccessary product and have discussion about it. We could overtime go through a list of things and then compile the final list of what we feel is and is not necessary for the great enjoyment.
FWIW, I picked up a VPI HW16.5 lightly used on audiogon. I have heard both good and bad about the Disc Doctor record cleaner. My dealer is a big fan of their brushes and their liquid but thinks the owner is full of it and that vacuuming is still needed. He argues a pretty convincing arguement. He is also a pretty smart guy, a fellow U of Chicago alumn (chemistry).
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HFNRR test record. Also, the Shure era IV trackability test record (long out of print, but pops up in shops and on ebay now and again for a few dollars) if fun to play with.
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Josh,
I second or third the following:
Disc Doctor Record cleaner and brushes
Hunt/EDA dry brush
Shure stylus gauge
Best thing I have found so far is proper isolation of a turntable, separate from other equipment. My solution, an IKEA Lack end table with spiked
legs. Provided a noticable improvement over placing TT on a rack with
other equipment, better isolation from vibration and noise.
NB
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Slick 50 or Marvel Mystery Oil for spindle bearing. Dropped noise nevel for me on Thorens. Stylast, bubble level (can't underestimate level surface for playing records), carbon fiber brush (good old Rat Shack), Record Doctor fluid.
I've used the VPI vac cleaner - it's great - really makes records sing, don't own it cause I don't listen to enough licorice anymore and want one less 'box' in my room. Ideal would be to find a dealer who'll rent by the record..I used to have a dealer in NY that rented for $0.25 a pop and I cleaned 100 or so years ago. I bought a buch of gear from him and sent friends, so it was a near giveaway for him, I think.
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Here's my list - ie. the things which I've accumulated for improving vinyl playback over the last 30 years ... I've tried to put them in order of importance (in my opinion, anyway):
1. A vacuum cleaning machine - I have a basic, hand turned Model 2.0 Nitty Gritty. Nowadays, you have to buy second-hand LPs, as well as new, so a wetcleaning/vacuum dry system is essential !! As well as removing (well, reducing!) pops and clicks, it prolongs the life of your stylus - it's the dirt which is the major wear factor on the diamond tip.
2. To go with this (actually I do this before Nitty Grittying) - Permastat anti-static spray and buffing pad. If you don't antistatic the LP first, I've found the cleaning fluid does not spread as easily into the grooves. It's a once-off treatment ... I still play LPs I bought over 25 years ago and I've only ever had to anti-static them once!
3. A brush to give the LP side a 'once-over' before and after each play. I use the Discwasher D3 pad.
4. A cartridge protractor, to get the stylus correctly located in the headshell (for those of us that don't have tangential arms). There are lots around but the ever helpful Steve Rochlin supplies a free one from his <www.enjoythemusic.com> website.
The best set of tools for cartridge and arm setup comes from Wally Malewicz - go see him at <www.simplyblack.net/english/Wally/>.
5. A stylus cleaning device - I use an Ortofon ultra-sonic stylus cleaner (battery operated).
6. A bubble level - the best one I know of is made by Mana (the English stand people). This is a cylinder of aluminium with a hole in the underneath for the turntable spindle. It weighs as much as an LP, so it loads the turntable suspension properly (important for sprung suspensions like the LP12).
7. A stylus guage, to measure the down-force of the stylus. The Shure guage is still available from many places and doesn't cost much. Or, if you can afford expensive toys, buy one of the super-accurate, digital guages (US$300!!). Or, if you know some elementary mechanical principles and can use tools ... make yourself a guage out of pieces of perspex and buy some laboratory weights.
8. A Test Record, which can help you get your bias set right - as well as lots of other things!! The HFNRR disc is very useful but there's been many others produced over the past 35 years. The 2 Cardas 'Sweep' records are good too.
9. Anti-static 'rice-paper' (they're not, really!) inner sleeves - like MoFi used to use. You can still buy these from various places.
10. A turntable accoustic isolation device. If you've got the cash, buy a Vibraplane. If you haven't, you can go to <www.enjoythemusic.com> and build yourself a DIY equivalent ... well, almost equivalent!!
Happy listening!
Andy
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Sorry - I forgot one!!"
11. Cartridge demagnetiser. I own a Sumiko 'Flux Buster'. I'm in two minds as to whether their use is good or bad as I've read dissenting opinions. Surely if it's good for one MC cartridge it must be good for them all?? All I can say, for my Benz Ruby 2, it certainly hasn't killed it but I'm not too sure whether I can hear any diffeence after I've flux-busted! (Maybe I should add accessory #12 ... cotton buds to clean my ears out!!)
However, I believe you should NOT use a flux buster on a MM cartridge?
Any comments out there??
Andy
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i prefer just a small standard carpenter level. i level the tt in the left to right plane and then the front to back plane.
the round bubble levels are sooooo dificult to figure.
other items used
ratshack carbon fiber brush
vpi record wash brush for sink washing.
a fine mist sprayer to moisturize my watts preener
discwasher brush
discwasher sc2 stylus brush
sota reflex clamp
toysRus tt isolation tweek mod (search on audioasylum.com vinyl asylum)
enuf for now
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From my knothole, the basics:
1. Disc Doctor vinyl cleaning system
2. Nagaoka CL-152 roller cleaner
3. Orsonic AV series headshells
4. ExtremePhono donut turntable mat
5. ExtremePhono stylus cleaner
6. Shure tracking force gauge
7. KAB record clamp w/detachable bubble level
8. Audioquest anti-static brush
Retired my Discwasher brush when I had a friend pick up the Nagaoka in Japan... the thing is incredible. Too bad they're not marketed in the States. Retired the SC2 when I got the Extremephone glop -:)
Bob A
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Here's some :
1. A strobe light and disc - well, speed check is mandatory in our opinion (unless one can't control/change the turntable's speed). One can use just the strobe disc, but the strobe light really makes everything clearer and easier.
2. The Cartridge Man Digital Tracking Force Gauge - not exactly a basic tool, but an evolution :) Sure, the Shure gauge is great and is absolutely essentially basic, but once one starts using this digital gauge, it's difficult to go back to the Shure, paranoid even to use it.
3. A round toothpick - necessary when changing cartridges. As cartridge pins are not standard, some may be bigger than other brands', the toothpick should help ensure one doesn't break the pins when trying to tighten these to fit another cartridge which has smaller diameter pins.
4. A flashlight - well, helps save one's eyesight :) for setting up cartridges, or even cleaning them ...
5. A strong magnifying glass, preferably those used by jewelers, at least 20x strength ... for checking cartridge cleanliness usually
6. A good lip brush - great for wet or dry cleaning cartridges - like this -> http://www.lancome-usa.com/_us/_en/catalog/ProductMakeupAccessories.aspx?prdcode=803689&categorycode=AXEMakeup^F1_Accessories^F2_Acc_BrushAccessories^F3_Acc_Bru_Brushes&vname=name&
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as someone had already mentioned about getting a SOTA record clamp, you should consider getting 'a' record clamp, as you will hear a difference...
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Keith Monks record sweeper.
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I recently purchased a 10X lighted magnifying glass. It's really small and only cost around $10.00 on the Internet. It really helps, when trying to get the needle extremely clean.
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I would recommend the Lift or the Lifter to save your stylus as a very nice piece to add to your enjoyment.
http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift/lift.html
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Get the BUGGTUSSEL VINYL ZYME It will blow you away. It is that good. I have about 3000 records and vinyl is on 95% of the time :P . This is the best cleaner I have ever used and I used a bunch :o. I also use the VPI 16.5 with the Vinyl Zyme.
Analog stuff
VPI 16.5 Record cleaning machine
Vinyl Zyme record cleaning fluid
Onzow Zerodust stylus cleaner
Milty ZeroStat Anti-Static Gun
Mike Hunt record Brush
H.A.L.'s Way Excellent Turntable Mat
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I ordered a bottle of the concentrate from Quest for Sound but haven't used it yet. Do you use the concentrate form? Do you use a spray pump? I still haven't set aside time to play with it--though it was $35 for the bottle! :o
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You pour the consentrate intoa gallon of distilled water. Then pour back into the spray bottle. I use about 8 to 10 sprays per side.
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i also strongly recommend a kieth monks record sweeper (francisco - where'd ya ever hear about these? :wink: ). arthur salvatore, whose hi-end audio site caused quite a ruckus a while back, may still have some nos ones left. do a websearch to find him... if not, keep yer eyes peeled for one used, or a watts *dust-bug*, or something similar... these tings will keep the record clean, & dust off the stylus, while the record is playing. they are li'l arms mounted opposite the tonearm that track the record - but have a brush, instead of a needle...
i also highly recommend a record lifter, tho i use an ancient thorens iteration, which does the same ting...
doug s.
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Here's some better and free strobe discs.
http://www.extremephono.com/free_turntable_strobe_disk.htm
Sunny.
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Another ditto for a carbon fiber brush, although IMO the Hunt is seriously over priced. Also another vote for a stylus force gauge, alignment tool and bubble level. Turntable Basics (http://www.turntablebasics.com/) carries all of these and quite a bit more for very reasonable prices. FTR, I have no connection with this site, other than as a satisfied customer.
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I'm going to recommend the following:
Spin Clean (from the first post) price is right, I like the fact that the record is fully immersed in fluid while cleaning, and that the design allows for DIY testing of different cleaning fluids.
I do not know about vacuum systems, but I could never justify the cost until the TT I use costs at least ten times what the vacuum system costs. Right now I think I have that ratio more or less... MMF-5 (499) Spin Clean (49.95)
Gruve Glide... I think it makes a difference...It's cheap enough that you can try it and if you don't hear anything, no harm done. If you hear, like me, "something" it's great!
All that free srobe stuff already recommended is cool as well.
And the number one thing I recommend....and this is the most important....
Cheap garage sale LPs.... just offer them 10 bucks for the whole bunch...they will say yes. Then clean em with your Spin Clean and LISTEN TO MUSIC...get off the computer....!! :D
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More than a tweak, the Expressmio heavyweight is a must for Rega tonearms . This transformed my P3.
Better mids, bass and highs.
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More than a tweak, the Expressmio heavyweight is a must for Rega tonearms . This transformed my P3.
Better mids, bass and highs.
i found it completely unusable on all but perfect records. it accentuated surface irregularities, & wouldn't even track on some of my warped lp's... i much preferred the sonics of the stock counterweight, even on my good records. of course, i tried the expressimo, mebbe it's different from the expressmio? :lol:
ymmv,
doug s.
ps - i noticed that your profile lists you as an electronics retailer - you don't happen to sell these, by any chance, do you?
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Interesting doug. Whats the associated gear that it was connected to?
Ps. no longer selling, went back to cooking
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I happily use the JA Michell arm stub/counterweight on my Rega P25/RB600, currently with a Roksan Corus cart. I used to use an Iron Audio Acrylic platter with the stock counterweight; however, after I switched to the Michell counterweight, I preferred the sound with the stock glass platter, in my system, with my components (see the A-Gon link for system).
Still looking to upgrade the cartridge to a low-output MC, but will take my time since the Roksan sounds even better after upgrading to the Michell armstub/counterweight. :mrgreen: I've auditioned some carts recently, but none has fit my wallet/blown me away. Anyway, I have heard the Dynavectors work well with Rega arms, but can't afford a new XX-2, and feel I can do better than the high output 10x5. I also wonder if the Denon 103R would work well with my table and tonearm combo, but am concerned the Denon might not be the best fit with the RB600 lowish-mid compliance arm (how can you beat the 103R's price [$265 or so delivered]/performance ratio without spending tons more - someone want to send me one to try out?). Opinions appreciated. Please. FYI - I use an Odyssey Tempest for my preamp, which can run both MMs/MCs (Mr. Bunge recommends MCs no lower than 0.2 mV output).
Also use a Shure stylus gauge, the Rega Baerwald protractor downloaded for free from The Vinyl Engine (also was sent a protractor from a fellow Vinyl Circle member - thanks again!), and a Zerodust Stylus Cleaner. My P25, IMHO, is very well isolated - see my relatively low-cost solution on my A-Gon system link + the last thread comments on the system. The speed of the P25 keeps strobing accurately, so I'm not contemplating a power/motor upgrade at this time.
Furthermore, I'm considering purchase of the Disc Doctor brushes and album cleaner. I currently use a homebrew for album cleaning, and it seems to work fine. (Don't have $ for a record cleaning machine, and don't want one.) Again, opinions appreciated. Please.
A reminder - check The Vinyl Engine frequently for tons of freebies including on-line manuals (wish they'd get one for the P25 and the RB600, sigh - anyone want to scan theirs and submit it?), data, and advice.
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About 1971 I had a device (inexpensive---like $19.99 or so) called a Reco-Vac.
It held the record vertically, and would spin vacumn it with brushes mounted on each side of the slot the record slid into. It made a noise like a hair dryer and the record spun around propelled by rollers against the outside edge.
I know my description gives you no clue to what it did or looked like, but I'm very surprised it hasn't succeded since it was cheap, simple and seemed effective.
I would wash the records and the cloth dry them then stick them in the Reco-Vac for a minute and it would dry and shine them.
Does anyone have one of these, or remember them? I used it during a "hazy" time in my past (the 70's) so maybe I'm remembering it better than it was. :oops:
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John, I barely remember seeing this ad with picture ina a magazine. I think.
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audiochef,
my o-l modified rb250 is connected to an early wersion of the oracle delphi, sinec updated to mk-v specs, excep for power supply, which was converted to o-l dc motor kit, powered by a mondo hp lab-grade power supply.
re: record care, i have never liked brushes. except for the type on the end of a separate tonearm-like thing, that track the record whilst it's in play. i now have a keith monks record sweeper, which also has a grounding wire, & carbon-fibre hairs in the brush - aids in keeping static down. that replaced a watts dust-bug, which i used for almost 30 years. these things, combined w/hand washing of my records w/mild soap & drying w/a soft lint-free rag, are all i've needed to keep my records in good shape. re: the dust bug record sweepers, even romy the cat uses one - check the pic of his micro-seiki deck! :wink:
http://www.goodsoundclub.com/MyPlayback.htm#Analog%20Front-End
doug s.
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"The cleaning process is mainly a brushing/rinsing one. The vacuum just helps in drying/removing dirt. I think I could live without a vacuum based machine...."
This is true, BUT most of us live in places that have hard water meaning if you're doing your manual cleaning method at the kitchen sink and you're not rinsing with distilled and or using a vacuum you may be doing more harm than good as the
water itself evaporates but the calcium, magnesium and a whole laundry list of metallic salts are being left behind and vinyl is several levels of magnitude softer than these residual deposits,.
I wouldn't blame anyone for not shelling out $ 200 to $400 out for one of the more basic RCM's, I never did, however I was able to borrow my Fathers and I'd do mass LP cleanings when I did, after my Dad was gone I ended up with a DIY RCM which is a Japanese Direct Drive el cheapo thrift store TT, it doesn't really matter if the motor is operable because what you're getting it for is a rotatable flat surface for cleaning LP's and even if the motor does run they generally lack the adequate torque anyway, you rotate by hand while cleaning and vacuuming.
For a Vac all you need is a very small cheap shop vac, they have more than enough power and usually a great deal more power than a RCM
you get a reletively long crevice tool cut a slot approx. the width of
the grooved area of an LP then glue a strip of either velvet, micro fiber
or cut sections of flat paint pads IMHO the later two are better, use silicone
sealer or caulk it's impervious to water or RC solutions, but peels off easily when it's time to change the strips when they're sufficiently fouled or worn, get or make a rc brush, Disc Doctor brushes aren't cheap, but they are considered the very best, for commercial solution Record Research Labs is generally considered the best, but there are any number of good commercial solutions and as many DIY solutions and in my experience it's best to have several as none do everything well.
and it's extremely important to do a final rinse and vacuum step
using distilled, RO or deionized water, this may all sound like kind of a hassle, but it'll all pay for itself in the first couple of recovered LP's
it's an absolute must if you buy used vinyl, but even if you don't new albums even expensive 200 gram. audiophile disc's use mold release in the pressig process and you do want to remove that crap to get the best sound, you only need to wet clean an LP once as long as you store and handle them properly and use a dry carbon fiber brush before and after each side to drain off static and remove dust and other crud from the grooves
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#2 Isolation feet or spikes offer a cheap and significant tweak.[/quote]
I always used spikes, but have found that two peices of plywood with
bubble wrap between them makes a very fine isolation platform
another that works incredible is go to a toy store and buy super balls of hi bounce balls etc. cut them in half and use 3 per component, definately better than spikes or tip toes even the super expensive ones
So many of those super expensive tweaks are pure snake oil BS
they're really boofooing the truly anal and unwary, it right up there with TV evangelists.
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Yo, John:
Your memory serves you correctly!
I had a Rec-O-Vac also. Mine was in college ca. 197. Guess it did a decent job and luckily I don't think it harmed the records much (mine still sound good; I graduated to a Loricraft cleaner).
You can usually see pics of them on eBay.
Go to musicangle. com for a treatise on how to clean records with brushes. I'm an orthopedic surgeon and it looks a lot easier to do a total hip replacement than it does to clean a record properly!
biz
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Go to musicangle. com for a treatise on how to clean records with brushes. I'm an orthopedic surgeon and it looks a lot easier to do a total hip replacement than it does to clean a record properly!
biz
Well, of course it's more difficult to clean an LP---it's far more important!! :D
You EVER heard a new hip play Holly Cole??
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A respected member of the audio equipment trade gave me this one. I have used it and I've convinced myself that it helps marginally and certainly doesn't cause problems.
Add a few drops of "Armor All" to your cleaning solution. The original stuff in a red spray bottle is what I use. It is a silicone based product and in small amounts seems to reduce surface noise on LP's.
I add about three drops of "Armor All" to three drops of dish detergent and fill the cleaning solution bottle w/ distilled water. I have a vacuum cleaning record machine and the LP's now look shiney, instead of dull. Surface noise is somewhat lessened. It won't help if the grooves are demolished but for the anal compulsive, it is one more dubious aid to better sounding vinyl.
YMMV, IMHO, my 2 cents worth, etc.
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I will get rid of some myths for you all :)
1. Stylus cleaning
You will never need a stylus cleaning tool in your life if you keep your records clean, dustcover on the turntable when not in use, and use a mat which is not prone to creating static electricity.
2. Record Cleaning Machines...
... are incredibly essential for vinyl listening. If you are going to be listening to vinyl more than any other source option, it is the numero uno tool. I have been through the ins and outs of vinyl cleanliness. I have tried disc doctor, for example, which HELPED, but didn't do the job. Vinyl Zyme + Record Doctor III = The only cleaning tools you'll ever need. Within a week of using the record cleaning machine, my stylus (which had a problem with tracking due to the dirt on it) was tracking better, my felt mat on my rega table wasn't sticking to the records after playing them, and, of course, everything sounded loads better. Most of my records play without me noticing one sign of floor noise or other such ticks and pops. And I must have close to 3500 records!
3. The other essential vinyl tool is the Shure Gauge, as others have specified. I am SHURE (pun shamefully intended) that the digital tracking methods out there are much better than the manual ones, though the Shure Tracking Gauge is the only other vinyl tool I have which very effectively improved my vinyl listening experience. Setting this gauge correctly save your vinyl's life, and also improves sound quality drastically. Highly recommended.
Yes, with all these accessories, you'll end up spending more on the other things than the turntable itself! Though, you must also remember that there are a lot of myths and rumors out there that don't necessarily make as big of a difference as people claim to make. And some are just plain useless if you use the OTHER, more ESSENTIAL accessories correctly.
Don't get me wrong -- I am not saying that a stylus cleaning utility is worthless... but if you only have a limited budget to spend on vinyl, it is definitely not something worth putting your money into. If you have a load of money to spend and are paranoid, a stylus cleaner will do some good, but HOW good is questionable. To my standards, and when using the LAST cleaning utilities, the record cleaning machine helped just as much as the specialty tools did.
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I will get rid of some myths for you all :)
1. Stylus cleaning
You will never need a stylus cleaning tool in your life if you keep your records clean, dustcover on the turntable when not in use, and use a mat which is not prone to creating static electricity.
I keep my Vinyl scroupulously clean, but I find a great deal of my used Vinyl will once properly cleaned go through a burnishing and knockin out the rocks for the 1st or second post wet clean plays, some of ther crud
will foul a stylus, if afordability is the issue a small peice of Magic Eraser
and or a small section of the Linn Recommended Green sandpaper will
cost essentaily nothing and do a very worthwhile job.
A Zen Dust used every side will dramatically extend styli service life
even with clean vinyl.
2. Record Cleaning Machines...
... are incredibly essential for vinyl listening. If you are going to be listening to vinyl more than any other source option, it is the numero uno tool. I have been through the ins and outs of vinyl cleanline ...
I'd agree except I actually find an elemental DIY RCM superior to any VPI or NG and even the $3K Clearaudio RCM as the seperate Wet/Dry vac
($29 has a great deal more lift than the cheap Vac motors in the aforementioned Commercial units, will not overheat or corrode as the commercial ones do, you can control the precise amount of lift
on the fly depending on the circumstances. and if the Sm. Plastic Wet/Dry ever fdoes puke it's a short trip to the nearest hardware store and $20
to $30 and you're back in business, as opposed to getting boned hard
by VPI or NG and at times an intermiddable wait as well.
And with the wet/dry vac you can wrap it in a sleeping bag stuff it in a box in the closet an adjacent room or in my case in the basement
and I can listen to my Vinyl or watch a good film in near silence
try that with any of the commercial unit's until you reach the level of the really fine RCM's that use quiet and powerful small industrial vacuum pumps.
The standard Commercial RCM's motors make such an obscene racket that it is very fatiguing.
Disc Doctor is an excellent solvent, but it takes a serious amount of rinsing to remove the reside it leaves behind, I find RRL super Vinyl wash
does an excellent job and requires no rinsing whatsoever. I rarely need the RRL Deep.
Regards FredJ
Bugtussel is fine but so is Audio Intelligent Enzyme
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Hey everyone,
Cant believe no one mentioned this:
A dryer sheet tucked into your cleaning cloth (helps keep down the static) I use the same cloth that one uses for cleaning musical instruments. I also use a product called static gard, get them at your local grocerey store and they work great (at least for me). I also use a very fine horse hair shoe brush and plain ol' purified water- I never use any soaps- detergents leave behind to much crap.
Also an excelant vibration mat is a stuff sold at Lowes, I believe it's called sorbothane, it looks very much like a floor runner and can be purchased by the linear foot to your liking, it's about 1/2 thick, gray in color, cuts very easily (with a sharp razor blade) it's the same hi-quality industrial stuff used for people who stand on concrete all day- it really works very good. You can find it in the carpeting section.
Another very good dampener is a stuf sold at http://www.partsexpress.com look for a material named dynamat, comes in various types and sizes. I use it to dampen speakers in custom boxes and it works as well as anything else I have ever tried- just costs a tad more.
Cool idea on the three "super balls" YBA uses a tripod design for all their gear, odd how some people think a like. :) And the tripod principle has a bit of engineering proof behind it too.
For those with serious rumble problems and /or in need a a very good phono pre-amp see here- http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=245-876
A bit of history:
Phonograph records have three basic problems:
1. It is physically impossible to press them with ridges that end up allowing low frequencies to come out at the same reproduction level as mid and high frequencies. Bass compensation is therefore needed during playback.
2. Records produce a certain amount of hiss which is covered up in post-production by boosting the gain of the high frequencies before pressing. Counter-EQing during playback compensates for this.
3. Magnetic cartridges produce a weak signal, which must be boosted to match the rest of the amplification, and this too is done during playback.
In the mid-1950s, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) established compensation standards. The resulting RIAA preamp has been built into every hi-fi and stereo amplifier with phono or turntable inputs since then. A separate RIAA preamp is necessary when you are connecting a turntable to a source player that does not have one built in.
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I just put in a order for the Ring Mat the aniversary edition.
http://www.stereotimes.com/acc061204.shtm
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Hi
I have most of the gadgets mentioned here but I also keep a stethoscope around my tt's for monitoring rumble and other nasties. A Maglite 'Solitaire' is always nearby, as is an assortment of shorthaired stylus and record brushes. I also have a collection of auto lift-off devices such as AT's "Safety Raiser" and two different models from Colton. These I never use as I find them a pain in the whatsisname.
Another gadget lying around unused is an illuminating lamp which clips on the tt cover. This thing is ac mains and switches off when the cover is down and "on" when the cover is raised. It works with a hazardous encapsulated mercury switch.
Cheers
bulgin
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I have had a local granite company make me a base for my turntable for about 100 bucks. I have put Audio Technica footers under the granite and then the turntable on top. Granite stops noise like nothing else can. Vibrations can be felt on the stand and they die on the granite!
I also like:
Shure SFG-2 stylus force guage
Discwasher D4 record brush (I found a new one in a lady's attic!)
Milty Zero-stat gun.
I also wet brush the record before I play a side with the D4 brush and a spray of home made solution 3/4 distilled water and 1/4 99% isopropyl Alcohol in a small mist spray bottle.
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You pour the consentrate intoa gallon of distilled water. Then pour back into the spray bottle. I use about 8 to 10 sprays per side.
to do this. the gallon wont fit! ;^)
i knowwwwww, just enough to fill the little bottle. i couldnt resist. its like the old Contadina ad for tomato paste:
"who put those eight great tomatoes in that little bitty can?" we always said a little italian guy with a mallet.
anyway, that ad was from the mid 60s i believe.
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K Works IsoFeet under the TT have to heard to be believed. Takes a VPI Scout into Scoutmaster territory. Contact igor at: gorcuz@yahoo.com
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I have a Zerodust by Mozno for removing dirt and dust build up from my stylus quickly. For serious cleaning I use a D&K Electro Stylus Cleaner which is no more that a brush pad that you set your stylus tip on (with a spot of alcohol) and it vibrates at high speed. It uses batteries. An Orsonic clamp, a carbon fiber brush, and a factory supplied mat on my Nottingham with a tacky Oracle mat on my Micro Seiki. A lot of my albums were treated with Last years ago. I have a Shure stylus force gauge, too.
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So many recommendations for the Shure stylus gauge. I have had one for years, and didn't know what I was missing until I got a digital gauge with accuracy to .01. Far more accurate than the Shure.
I highly recommend the Milty Pixall for dust removal, and the Onzow Zerodust for cleaning the stylus.
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:D does one really need a digital force gauge,or are the beams good enough ???? where is a good place to buy a dig gauge ???? thks :D
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:D does one really need a digital force gauge,or are the beams good enough ???? where is a good place to buy a dig gauge ???? thks :D
You certainly need a digital stylus guage. One that reads in increments of .1 are OK, .05 better. BUT you don't need to spend crazy audiophile approved dollars for this. One can easly be had for about $25.
Bob
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This is the digital stylus gauge I have;
http://www.steveblinndesigns.com/pricelist.html
Scroll down almost to the bottom of the page.
I don't own one, but this guy makes serious platforms and racks.
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:D thks,i gave Steve a call.... dang,i bought a Shure just before from Audioadd boys.i can do a comparo i guess. :D
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To clean vinyl I use a Disc Doctor Vac and fluid. I use the Mapleshade static zapper and digital stylus force gauge. I use the Hunt's carbon fiber brush and recently bought an AcousTech Big Brush that I like a lot. I also use Last stylus cleaner and Grove Glide. I highly recommend using anti-static sleeves for your collection and album sleeves to protect the covers.
I recently upgraded to a Pro-Ject RM 10 turntable with Grado Reference Master cartridge. I got an excellent deal on the turntable as the Ground-It Delux damping platform had been sold from the box. My RM 10 sits on a 4" thick Mapleshade Maple isolation block with Isoblocks under the corners. Under the spike feet of the RM 10 are Herbie's Audio Cone/Spike Grounding Bases. I added the Pro-Ject Speed box and added Herbies Audio Fat Dots under the motor to compensate for the Grounding Bases used under the turntable. Dustcover is a Mitchell but it fits. Interconnects are Decware DSR II Silver Interconnects with homemade ground wire made from 16 gauge wire and crimp on lugs. The whole thing sits on a separate VTI audio rack separate from the VTI audio/video rack the rest of my equipment sits on. I use a Decware ZP3 RIAA phono stage into my preamp. I may could have done better but where I live doesn't give me a lot of opportunity to visually look, listen or try out high end gear.
The room uses a healthy dose of absorption panels, diffuser panels and bass traps. Treating the room is as much if not more important than buying the equipment.
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http://www.soundstagedirect.com/
they send a regular newsletter and it has plenty of items that look good.
check them out.
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K Works IsoFeet under the TT have to heard to be believed. Takes a VPI Scout into Scoutmaster territory. Contact igor at: gorcuz@yahoo.com
I was just reading through all these great suggestions, and thought I would check out these Kworks Isofeet. I sent an email to the address above and it got returned as undeliverable.
Does anyone know if there is a new email?
Thanks
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i thought you meant the actual vinyl. and i see i commented back in 06 too. well, the source of vinyl i listed is a good one.
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Hifitommy's specs are highly recommended. Allow you to see tiny imperfections in the groove walls. And measure the stylus to groove angle within 0.001 degrees.
Paul
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I used a Furutech de Stat for the elimination of that evil dust drawing static charge.
I also use a VPI 16.5 with steam cleaning for getting my vinyl super clean for quite playback and super sound.
One other thing is using Mr Cleans magic eraser to get and keep your stylus clean with out any goo or chemicals.
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In addition to the many great suggestions, I'd like to also recommend room air filtration and humidifiers. We used a small HEPA filter and cool air mister style humidifiers in our home, before having an HVAC contractor install built in systems into our furnace. The reduction of airbourne dust and contaminates not only is great for keeping playback gear clean, but it offers health benefits, too!
I also had a business that bends/welds plexiglass, build me a dust cover that covers my entire turntable, keeping the contaminates away from the platter mat and linear tracking arm tube, etc.
Mo Fi cleaning fluids are the best that I've tried, and yes, I have tried them all! One of the other enzyme cleaners that I tried had a whitish growth in the bottle, right out of the shipping box. It was returned.
Seperate cleaning brushes for cleaning and rinsing also recommended and I'd also suggest keeping them in a Tupperwear container when not in use, to keep them free of environmental contaminates.
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HI.
In addition to the many great suggestions, I'd like to also recommend room air filtration and humidifiers... build me a dust cover that covers my entire turntable, keeping the contaminates away from the platter mat and linear tracking arm tube, etc.
Seperate cleaning brushes for cleaning and rinsing also recommended and I'd also suggest keeping them in a Tupperwear container..
Yes, keeping the listening room from getting too DRY using a humidifier is a must in dry weathers, to keep the dust from flying to the vinyl disc surface while playing as well as keeping the vinyl inside their sleevses dust free.
Always keep the dust cover tightly shut when not in use. BUT, but make sure to take the dust cover AWAY from the turntable while playing! Why? The
vibration of the dust cover caused by the TT rotating will go into the music signals. I tested it with a scope, no kidding!
I've been using Tupperwares for donkey years for holding foods & stuffs. Never use one to hold stylus cleaners. Do we really need it?
c-J
mmmmmm
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Not trying to start anything, but why not keep your clean record brushes in a sealed container? Away from environmental nasties?
And I'd have to agree 100% with your dust cover comment. I can't imagine anyone using one while playing an LP.
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Hi.
(1) Not trying to start anything, but why not keep your clean record brushes in a sealed container? Away from environmental nasties?
(2) And I'd have to agree 100% with your dust cover comment. I can't imagine anyone using one while playing an LP.
(1) I can't disagree with you. But in my basement audio den, 10ft sub-grade with basement door upstair closed at all time, being temperature constant (19C) & almost dust free, I don't see I need any tight-sealed containers like Cupperwares.
I check up to make sure the stylus is clean each time before any vinyl music session with magnetifier lens, & high-density LED light.
(2) You may be surprised so many many vinyl fans still play their vinyls with TT lid closed to shield off dust while spinning. But they don't see the danger of lid vibration intermodulation.
My vintage Thorens 125II, still kicking around like a teen, came with its stock HINGED lid. I modified it so that I can take it OFF when the TT is spinning.
c-J
"If facts do not fit the theory, change the facts" quoted Albert Einstein.
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I saved those white hard foam 1X4 styrofoams they packed my amps in, took an extra piano black shelf out of my Salamander collection and "Voila" instant ISO platform for under the old T-table.
My theory was to "de-couple" the table from the stand it was on in my control room, which is behind my listening area. Footfalls in the control room are now gone.
I like that the rig is stable and does not wobble and it even looks pretty darn slick as the styrofoams are tucked back away from the lip an inch or so and the platform is "floating." Sexy!
I am running four subwoofers and can play my system out in the main room loud enough to create true full-on concert levels...and NO table feedback. Before it was actually coming up through the floor, through the walls and coming into the next room where the racks are. So it apparently works.
I also bought the somewhat pricey VPI record cleaning machine. It really does make a difference cleaning all the pot smoke and cigarette ashes off my Beatles collection from the 60s.
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For someone just starting in vinyl, what is the MINIMUM needed "tool kit" for record and gear care? The choices of various kits and brands are numerous and confusing. As far as I can tell, it's
1. Stylus cleaner
2. Carbon fiber brush
Anything else completely necessary to start?
Thanks. I am new here, know next to nothing about vinyl, but am getting a turntable in the coming weeks. Let me apologize ahead of time if this is a complete no-brainer of a question. The last vinyl I listened to was on a 70's suitcase style table on the floor of my room when I was a kid. I inherited 3-400 LPs that basically haven't been played, I don't think. So why not put an analog front on my system? Excitement since I started putting this thing together is now starting to give way to great fear.
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Also I think even brand new LP's need to be cleaned before playing, if you check AudioAdivsor = MusicDirect = Needledoctor and look at their vinyl cleaning stuff you will see several record cleaning methods & machines. I use a VPI 16.5 but its over $600, but there is other options like Record Doctor or Spin clean.
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I use my shop-vac.....
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I use my shop-vac.....
Me too, and a Vinyl Vac
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=109435)
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I have had a local granite company make me a base for my turntable for about 100 bucks. I have put Audio Technica footers under the granite and then the turntable on top. Granite stops noise like nothing else can. Vibrations can be felt on the stand and they die on the granite!
I also like:
Shure SFG-2 stylus force guage
Discwasher D4 record brush (I found a new one in a lady's attic!)
Milty Zero-stat gun.
I also wet brush the record before I play a side with the D4 brush and a spray of home made solution 3/4 distilled water and 1/4 99% isopropyl Alcohol in a small mist spray bottle.
granite works better than wood ?
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I like vinyl hardware, it so retro and obsolete its become vintage.
This clamp call my attention, very refined and inexpensive:
http://www.mafaudio.com/products/amplifiersspeaker-parts/turntable-stabilizer/crystal-stabilizer-for-lp-turntable-disc-vinyl-recordgood-quality-gdlp003-986.html
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Now....that's really cool!
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If you have more than one cartridge/table you will find these very useful. I keep a couple in use.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251797333056?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
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This is a tonearm lifter for $45:
http://www.partsconnexion.com/accessories_analog_qup.html?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1express&utm_content=pcX%E2%80%99s+BULK+BUY+BLOW-OUT%3A+40%25+to+50%25+Off+BUY+BACK+Capacitor+Specials+%2B+45%25+Off+BAT+VK-3i+Preamp+%26+VK-200+Amp%3B+25%25+Off+MUSIC-HALL+5.1SE+Turntable%3B+30%25+Off+BURSON+Soloist+Headphone+Amp
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This is a tonearm lifter for $45:
http://www.partsconnexion.com/accessories_analog_qup.html?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1express&utm_content=pcX%E2%80%99s+BULK+BUY+BLOW-OUT%3A+40%25+to+50%25+Off+BUY+BACK+Capacitor+Specials+%2B+45%25+Off+BAT+VK-3i+Preamp+%26+VK-200+Amp%3B+25%25+Off+MUSIC-HALL+5.1SE+Turntable%3B+30%25+Off+BURSON+Soloist+Headphone+Amp
Interesting. How would you mount this to the table? I couldn't find much information about it on that site.
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"Interesting. How would you mount this to the table? I couldn't find much information about it on that site."
http://www.thequp.com/instructions.html (http://www.thequp.com/instructions.html)
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Thanks bentconvert! Exactly what I needed. Have you used one?
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Another lift option:
http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift.html
I'm going to try this one eventually. Unfortunately, the Q-up didn't work with my Townshend Rock 7 due to its "Naked" design (no plinth to speak of). Maybe I can rig something that works with the Expressimo.
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For those who appreciate a well organized vinyl record library/collection: http://www.etsy.com/shop/oatfoundry
I have one set of Laser Cut Alphabetical Record Dividers on order. Purchased one set of Laser Cut Alphabetical CD/DVD Dividers earlier this month.
All their products are cut from 1/4" thick baltic birch. Highly recommend.
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Another lift option:
http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift.html
I'm going to try this one eventually. Unfortunately, the Q-up didn't work with my Townshend Rock 7 due to its "Naked" design (no plinth to speak of). Maybe I can rig something that works with the Expressimo.
Has anyone tried one of the Expressimoaudio lifts? I am leaning toward the Levitator due to the seemingly smoother operation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeQYPlFSNYs, but wouldn't mind feedback regarding the others.
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Hey, that's great looks like the AT raiser which works very well.
What is the cost on it? Those AT's can go as high as $150- $200
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I sent him an email to inquire. :scratch:
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Strobily, an App for Android. It can strobe whatever you want, only $0.99.
Well, maybe, my phone taps out at 26hz so I got a problem since I can't find strobe discs at or below 26hz.
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Cartridge installation and adjustment kit:
http://www.k-m-a.us/collections/services/products/cartridge-installation-adjustment
I wonder how this device works? :scratch:
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0937/0694/products/IMG_0311_1024x1024.jpg?v=1453112367)
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Cartridge installation and adjustment kit:
http://www.k-m-a.us/collections/services/products/cartridge-installation-adjustment
I wonder how this device works? :scratch:
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0937/0694/products/IMG_0311_1024x1024.jpg?v=1453112367)
I'm assuming you're being ironic, but just in case.... This is a service, not a product per se.
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I'm assuming you're being ironic, but just in case.... This is a service, not a product per se.
Sorry I dont figure out it was a service, hard to believe a vinyl lover could send his beloved TT that sometimes are big and heavy to Maine.
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Did I mention lint rollers? They are my absolutely new favorite accessory. You don't use them on your vinyl, because it'll generate static. But for a long time I've wondered what to use to get off the debris that stick to my brush thing (mofi). I'd wipe it on something else clean or brush it with a clean hand a little. Then one day when I had a lint rollers handy a light bulb went off in my head! So much easier to get everything off before playing, without putting it back on!
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I would STRONGLY recommend that everyone get a onzow stylus cleaner. They work AMAZING for me personally and I love them.
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A couple of things that I use that I didn't see mentioned. I use a toothbrush for cleaning off the residue left on the felt pads of my vpi 16.5 vacuum record cleaner. I clean the pads after each side of record cleaning. The other thing that I use commonly is a UV black light flashlight. Typically used to find pet pee (or worse :o), this is very handy to do a final check on your vinyl to see if any dust or dandruff appeared on your vinyl in-between your cleaner and turntable. It'll show up any dust as very white specs. The vinyl is then zapped with a Milty Zerostat and brushed off with a static free brush to give you a perfectly clean record.
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Just found a new tone arm complete with lifter $340
https://www.mafaudio.com/products/eizz-series/tonearm/eizz-9-lp-vinyl-turntable-recorder-disc-tonearm-tone-arm-lifter-lift-ez-6009a-1674.html
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Hi,
I'm thinking about trying one of these. Its a cheaper option:
http://revolutionturntable.com.au/shop/accessories/enhancements/audio-technica-at6006r-tonearm-safety-raiser/
Cheers Rod
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Wonder what is the expected performance on this MAF tone arm?
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Some great stuff in this thread. Exciting about reading more. Newbie so still learning.
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Just found this inexpensive $7usd vinyl alu clamp:
http://www.mableaudio.com/en/productview.asp?sid=9973
(http://www.mableaudio.com/uploadFile/Picture_small/202009021734331394.jpg)
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I think cleaning vinyl is the biggest upgrade of all. I stared with a VPI 16.5, which worked, but was noisy and kept snapping the plastic wands. Then moved to a RecordDoctor to do both sides at once. Eventually I splurged on a Loricraft PRC4 (now owned by SME) which is a turntable-like point source vacuum (I think the Monks is similar). I was happy for many years and then I heard someone had invented U/S record cleaning, so now I get the gross stuff off with the Loricraft, then use a Degritter to finish the job. I can't magically cure scratches, but most disks end up silent.
After that a new inner sleeve goes on and before playing I use a Furutech Destat III and a photographic rocket blower to remove any dust. The dust detaches and blows off very easily after the using the Destat, so I think the latter actually does something!
Chris