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If you love vinyl and you value your collection, the only way to properly clean your records is with a record cleaning machine.
Regular cleaning is more than just good housekeeping; it also reduces surface noise on the record - those little pops and clicks you hear in the background that are the signature sound of vinyl.
The main difference between manual cleaning and the RCM - manual cleaning shifts muck around your LP and hopefully removes enough to make a difference, there is the probability that it will not remove all of it. Some proactive manual cleaners (i.e. alcohol-based) also threaten to damage the vinyl itself. The RCM can actually suck dirt from your record’s grooves, taking it off the record and entirely away from the area while doing so in a gentle manner.
Pro-Ject VC-S ($429)
The VC-S by Pro-Ject is a particularly effective and efficient method of keeping your records clean at a modest cost. Designed to reach dirt that is deep within your records, the VC-S uses a double strategy of cleaning fluid to loosen the dirt along with a dual brush and vacuum combination to remove the dirt and dry the record simultaneously. The included record clamp keeps the record label dry while holding the record in place during the cleaning process and easily screws on and off for quick record change over.
The results speak for themselves with even brand new vinyl benefitting from the removal of mould release agents left on the surface during manufacture let alone what can be achieved with used records. The use of this machine with the appropriate cleaning solution also results in a vast reduction in static build up meaning your vinyl stays dust free for even longer.
Okki Nokki RCM ($499)
The Okki Nokki RCM is an exceptionally well-designed device created specifically for cleaning all vinyl recordings. The Okki Nokki consists of a heavy-duty motor/turntable and vacuum system encased in a compact aluminum chassis. The motor function provides for ultra-quiet forward and reverse operation. When used with the supplied goat hair cleaning brush, the forward/reverse turntable motion allows for extremely effective groove scrubbing. Once cleaned, the record can be vacuumed using the aluminum suction arm. The residual dirt and fluid is then removed by suction and transferred into the internal liquid reservoir, which has a sensor that will shut off the machine when full. Dedicated suction arms for use with 7" and 10" records are available as an option. Accessories supplied with the machine include a standard 12" LP suction arm, goat hair cleaning brush, record clamp, grounded detachable AC cord and a small bottle of cleaning fluid concentrate that requires mixing with a liter
of purified water (available from a pharmacy) - not recommended for shellac or acetate recordings.
VPI HW16.5 ($699)
The HW-16.5 is the standard in affordable record cleaning machines but neither its build quality nor its cleaning power has been compromised. Its high-torque, 18 RPM turntable motor is more than capable of withstanding the pressure of heavy scrubbing during extended cleaning sessions, and its 35-second cleaning cycle per side makes quick work of even the dirtiest records. Now with self aligning vacuum suction tubes for even more accurate cleaning, the HW-16.5's high-powered vacuum ensures quick, deep cleaning. The newly designed vacuum pickup tube automatically adjusts to accommodate records of any thickness. The internal fluid collection system is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion, and the fully enclosed design prevents splashing. In the VPI tradition, all components are extra heavy-duty and professional grade.
SOTA LPC ($1250)
The SOTA LP Record Cleaning Machine has been carefully designed and manufactured to provide years of trouble-free, high-quality record cleaning. This LP Cleaner sets new standards for record cleaning quality, ease of use, and quality of manufacturer. Eight ounces of LPC Crystal Fluid and a hardwood soft-bristle brush is included with the LP Cleaner.
SOTA's LP Cleaner cleans better and holds more waste fluid for hours of record cleaning without stopping. For excessive high volumes of cleaning, the LPC has been designed, and is available with an exhaust fan, which allows air flow and cooling for non-stop cleaning pleasure.
The LPC is housed in a sturdy, hand crafted, scratch resistant, attractive black laminate cabinet with a watertight interior. The hand polished black acrylic cover is removable for easy storage. The SOTA record cleaning machines incorporate a precision waterproof polymer platter with a soft PVC record mat, providing long-life as well as a flat and safe record-mounting surface. The LPC Crystal Fluid dispensing system provides full record application with spill-free semi-automatic fluid application allowing easy one-hand operation.
Loricraft PRC3 ($2570)
Loricraft are one of the very few record cleaning machines to offer genuine freedom from re-contaminating records during the cleaning process - The PRC3 includes a number of significant advantages over other brands, such as more reliable suction for thorough cleaning and quietness of operation. Low noise levels may not sound of major significance but sitting beside the noise that many machines emit while they clean records soon becomes unpleasant and intrusive.
These are one of the only cleaners to clean just a few grooves at a time which translates into a more thorough cleaning operation. It is also probably more gentle on the record surface than other methods. The motors are continuously rated, unlike some machines where the motors get hot and are not really suited for continuous operation.
The PRC3 is a fully professional record cleaning machine used by record shops, collectors, and discerning audiophiles world-wide. It has a large, very quiet pump which is mounted externally in its own box. This can be placed up to a couple of metres away, even in a cupboard for almost silent running.
Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic ($6000)
The Double Matrix Professional Sonic offers the possibility of operating the whole cleaning process at the touch of a single button, as well as the ability to control each step in the process with a user-friendly operating panel.
The cleaning head automatically adapts to records of different diameters and thicknesses, and the microfiber cleaning strips are effortless to change. An LED light indicates the cleaning fluid level in the internal tank and, as an additional precaution, the suction turbine features overheating protection.
Made from high quality and heavy-duty materials, the Double Matrix Professional Sonic is designed for continuous operation, so that collectors can clean complete record collections. And yet it is incredibly easy to use and maintain.
Unlikely as it may seem, the vinyl revival is a real thing; vinyl has become the physical format of choice for many listeners young or old.
Putting together a turntable setup that will give you a great listening experience without breaking the bank is challenging. Hopefully this guide will help you when you want to try your hands on vinyl on a budget. This guide is based strictly on new components, you can buy them used to stretch your dollar. Just make sure they are in good condition so you can enjoy them for the time being before your next upgrade.
The Budget. I can’t say this enough, but if you really want to go into vinyl then you really need at least a sensible budget. It’s really no point to spend a few hundred dollars on a vinyl setup, you’re not going to get any of the benefits and you will give up after a few months and proclaim that vinyl is overhyped.
The Turntable.
U-Turn Orbit Basic (USD $179). The Orbit Basic delivers brilliant sound that fits into any music lover’s budget. It comes pre-fitted with a capable CN5625AL cartridge and low-resonance MDF platter. The Basic is easy to set up, use, and upgrade – making it a great place to start your vinyl journey.
Pro-Ject Essential III (USD $299). The Essential 3 is a pared-down version of the bestselling Debut Carbon DC. Featuring a much lower-price point, the Essential 3 is an excellent starter audiophile deck that provides a solid listening experience and sleek, minimalist design.
The Phono Stage.
A turntable produces a phono output signal. This phono signal needs to be converted to a line level signal/AUX signal to work with your amplifier or powered speakers. A phono stage converts Phono to Line Level. You can of course get an integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage, but if you want to get the best out of your turntable, a standalone phono stage is the way to go.
Schiit Mani (USD $129). The Mani has 4 switchable gain modes, (30, 42, 47, and 59dB) is ready for any cartridge you can throw at it. Mani’s RIAA network is implemented fully passively. What that means is there are no poles in the feedback loop, for more consistent sonic performance. Coupled with precision 2% film capacitors, 0.5% thin-film resistors, and super low-noise gain stages, Mani delivers superb accuracy and performance, even well beyond its modest price.
The Amplifier.
The job of an amplifier is simply to produce a more powerful version of the audio signal. In our case, it will take the Line Level output from the phono stage and amplify the signal to your speakers.
Emotiva BasX A-100 (USD $229). The BasX A-100 is a great sounding, compact, and very flexible, stereo amplifier. It is an excellent choice for a wide variety of situations; from driving a small music system in a home or business, to providing audio for a second zone in a larger home theater installation, or whole house music system.
The Speakers.
Get floorstanding speakers if you have the space for it. If not bookshelf speakers are fine, though some might lack the bass compared to floorstanding speakers. You can also do without an amplifier if you get a pair of active speakers.
Klipsch R-14M (USD $149). The R-14M is a remarkable pair of copper and black bookshelf speakers that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you fire them up. The small, versatile speakers are built to minimizes cone breakup and distortion, creating remarkable low frequency response and produce speaker efficiency and clean sound unrivaled in its price range.
Q Acoustic 2050i (UK £269.99). Visually striking in the Gloss Black or Gloss White finishes, the exquisitely proportioned 2050i is the front-runner of the 2000i Series. The 2050i boasts ultra-low levels of distortion, typically found of speakers costing three or four times as much. Not surprisingly, as a result it delivers a sound quality unrivalled at its price.
Edifier R1280T (USD $99.99). The R1280T powered bookshelf speakers has combined a retro look with a modern sense of audio quality. If you’re looking for affordable and versatile bookshelf speakers with uncompromising sound the R1280T bookshelf speakers is your go-to 2.0 speaker system.
Among the 4 components for a vinyl setup, the speakers are the one i would recommended to buy used. Get the best one you can afford. Your upgrade journey should be as follows –
Speakers > Amplifier > Turntable
I have left out the phono stage because the Schiit Mani is going to serve you for a long time((it is that good). Always upgrade your speakers and amplifiers first, how else can you hear the difference then? Happy Spinning!