Dirty Records Sound Bad - Easy and Affordable Record Cleaning? Record Doctor Review

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*In this video I stated the price was $220. That is for the Record Doctor V. The version I have is the Record Doctor VI and is available for $250 from Crutchfield.
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[@cheapaudioman]

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[@powerguymark]

Vinyl: the audio equivalent of bloodletting instead of taking antibiotics.

[@1mctous]

Shameless plug for Crutchfield and CAM: they still have the Record Doctor VI on sale for $249 including shipping.

[@stevespanaway2344]

The culprit for those stains is a bright red pigment in tomatoes called lycopene. This molecule is 'hydrophobic' (it repels water), and so are your plastic containers. Hydrophobic molecules come together in order to minimise their contact with water, so the pigment clings to the containers.

[@Balint.T.Siklosi]

As a chemist, I agree. I aslo suspect that being absorbed into the plastic, someone more familiar with polymers should correct me if I'm wrong :D

[@budsmoker4201120]

Sounds about right, why i never microwave in plastic. I wonder if Liquinox will clean it off. ​@@Balint.T.Siklosi

[@richardthomas3056]

I have a Spin-Clean. It cost about $80 and works like a dream.

[@madcrabber1113]

Especially with warm distilled water. With really nasty records I soak them in warm distilled water for 15 or so minutes first.

[@samuelgagnon]

0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Unboxing 2:43 - The product 3:48 - The parts 5:33 - Cleaning a record 6:35 - Reviewing the cleaning 8:37 - Outro

[@jameswalls4172]

I’m so glad you discovered Record Doctor.I’ve had mine about 10 years,and it has recovered some records I thought were unlistenable

[@CamelotRecords]

Randy, I too own the Doctor and can attest whole heatedly to it's effectiveness. People grossly underestimate the need to clean their vinyl records. I've experienced 10 or 15% improved sound even with new records just digging out all the factory or pressing film and dust. Great vid, you're the man.

[@marcusedwards8283]

I have been wanting/needing a cleaner like this but didn't want to spend a lot on one. So glad you did this review. Thanks!

[@MrWslindsay]

It's been my cheap but not too cheap "go to" for the past several years. Absolutely have to have one now. Although it's still a manual operation, it's indispensable for vinyl! 👍

[@christopherrowbottom7489]

tomatoes dude ....The reason of why tomato sauce gives stains is because tomato sauce contains tannins which is a compound that can stain fabric very easily. What You'll Need To Remove Tomate Stains From Tupperware Dish soap Toothbrush Hot water Whitening toothpaste Cleaning cloth Here’s what you need to do. 1. Dish Soap And Toothbrush The first step is to apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush. When removing tomato stains, this will help loosen them and make them easier to remove. 2. Hot Water Soap Bath Once you've scrubbed the stain with dish soap, soak the Tupperware in hot water for 30 minutes. This will further loosen the tomato sauce and make it easier to remove when you rinse it off. 3. Whitening Toothpaste If the stain persists after soaking, apply whitening toothpaste to the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. The whitening agents in the toothpaste will help lift the stain from the surface of the Tupperware. 4. Rinse And Repeat Once you've applied the whitening toothpaste, rinse the Tupperware with hot water and dry it thoroughly. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 1-3 until it is removed. With these simple steps, you can remove even the most stubborn tomato stains from your Tupperware. So the next time you're cooking up a red sauce dish, don't be afraid to go all out - your Tupperware can handle it. Removing tumeric stains can also follow a similar process. Since tumeric is a yellowish color, you may want to try using lemon juice instead of whitening toothpaste. Simply apply lemon juice to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

[@cheapaudioman]

wow. thanks, man.

[@christopherrowbottom7489]

@@cheapaudioman thank you for being awesome

[@mccarthyd6603]

Crumple up a few paper towels....fill with dish soap....add to bowl.....fill with water...add top....spin for about a minute....and voila.... gone! Way easier and quicker👍

[@mccarthyd6603]

Crumple up a few paper towels....fill with dish soap....add to bowl.....fill with water...add top....spin for about a minute....and voila.... gone! Way easier and quicker👍

[@slyfoxx2973]

My Discwasher is from 1983 so I'm looking into what's out there in the 21st century. I also make really good coffee so thanks for recommending I get a cup. It was delicious and informing.

[@KarmaElectronics.]

next on my list! thanks for posting.

[@GorhamWorks]

Makes me want to give this a go, feeling guilty about my years of just not…. Cleaning… Just like spinning the disc. Got a few, I’m gonna use your reference… the rice crispy guys would love. Thanks for be awesome and sharing the good stuff!

[@nickschlick9239]

Hey man!! Just stumbled across your channel. Love the content and humor! Hope all is well.

[@hooligan_3]

I have the Record Doctor VI and it does a very good job. I do find it rather loud, though, so I can't imagine what previous models sound like. I'm happy with it, though.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Excellent! I am glad it works well, and that it is pretty inexpensive. Well worth it, for sure if you have even just a few dozen records that you care about. I have a VPI 16.5 cleaning machine, that I bought about 35 years ago (for about $450, I think?), and it has a couple of features that *might* make it worthwhile to buy today - but it is now $1,050 or so: it has a motorized platter that turns the LP at ~16RPM, so you don't have to do that. More importantly though, the platter supports the LP disk, so you can press the brush into the grooves a little more firmly. And the vacuum tube swings out over the top of the LP after you have washed it, and sucks the fluid off without having to flip it over.

[@slidetek]

I wish one of the higher end companies would follow this design aesthetic for vacuum placement. Sucking the fluid _up_ into a tube isn't nearly as effective or efficient as letting gravity do the work. Unfortunately this dictates the size of the platter, which is why the pressure needs to be applied over the suction slot. TBH, I'll probably be getting an ultrasonic of some kind, which is really the final word on vinyl cleaning. I'd still use this though.

[@SteviesVinylCupboard]

My top (pandemic) advice is, always wash your hands before handling vinyl (I know I'm not yer mother) and definately NEVER handle vinyl after eating a bag of crisps (chips)

[@boscodooley8561]

This is the first time that the timing was right for me to "Grab a cup of coffee". Got one.

[@stevezeidman7224]

This was really enjoyable, Randy. Your running jokes had me going. I chuckled the whole time. The product looks good too. I’ll probably buy one.

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks, Steve! I know how much you love vinyl so you probably want to invest in something like this because of your $2k tone arm

[@stevezeidman7224]

@@cheapaudioman 😂

[@ralphalder14]

I’ve owned a Moth Pro2 Record Cleaning Machine for a couple of years now. Bought second hand but in mint condition for under half price new. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought. All records that come into the collection whether new or used, get cleaned before being played.. the difference is astounding!

[@neilfisher7999]

I never really cleaned my records back in the day (1980's) except for a discwasher to remove some dust. Now I use a similar tool to the old discwasher and a carbon fiber brush plus I just bought a Spin Clean Record Washer. I have used it a few times and it seems to do a pretty good job as well. About $70 and it requires more effort since it doesn't have a vacuum element to it. But I could see spending maybe a couple hundred dollars for something that is less work to operate as this is. Thanks for the review!

[@DAVID-io9nj]

I also made do with a discwasher back in the day. I remember record washing machines were a thing among the "real" audiophiles. I just couldn't see going to all that trouble just to listen to some music!

[@abxaudiophiles]

Ordering now.... THANK YOU!!

[@richardatkinson4452]

I love my Record Dr and now use Audio Intelligent One-Step Formula #6 and a Kirmuss brush.

[@jasonshaw2065]

Great video Randy. Did you say whether you ever cleaned records with other cheap methods? How did this compare to simple wet cleaning with a micro fiber cloth? Thanks

[@mrboat580]

I did the wood glue treatment because my albums are all 35-45 yrs old and no vacuum was going to undo that. Now they all sound new and can be maintained like that. A water rinse will get rid of static pops, or static in general.

[@aussierob7177]

Hi Randy.I clean my used and new records using the following........a Nitty Gritty vacuum record cleaner (.I got one on ebay for $250 AUD) . A work turntable. A mold release agent. Record cleaning fluid (L' Art du Son) Last record preservative. I only found out recently that brand new records that have never been played do not have "clicks" and "pops". They are caused by the shock wave produced by the stylus punching minute holes through the vinyl which escape on the other side. If you use a record preservative after you have cleaned the records first, this will harden the groove wall for about 200 plays.

[@mikewest1542]

As they say in England “ you should be on the stage “ a very humorous, funny and informative video 👍

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Looks handy. I use the Knosti which is much cheaper and works very well but uses alcohol.

[@HUMPTY2301]

So all that it does is vacuum the record?

[@chelillingworth9466]

I use this and it's been incredible. It is just louder than the end of the world, I use audio, intelligent number, six cleaning fluid and get fantastic results. I just have to wear noise, canceling headphones and ear protection and the earmuffs and a big hat. Cuz using this thing is like getting up close and personal to a vacuum cleaner. But for the money, it's incredible and the records come out awesome and I've cleaned a few hundred records with it!

[@Silverface1987]

I hope this is a start to you doing “cheap” and good record cleaning presentations. Your happy with the results BUT is there better 🤔😳and cheaper? I’ll stay tuned…. Great Channel

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

Just bought a Pro-ject VC-S2 Alu this week, can’t believe the difference…and I have record collection of around 1500 lp’s and 12”s, which have never been properly cleaned. It’s going to be a record cleaning winter 🥳

[@ericelliott227]

Wow, with 1500 LPs you need a top vacuum unit! The Pro-ject is a fine machine indeed. I would recommend Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions fluids as well, all day. Best fluids I have found and I have explored and experimented with a ton of different ones. AIVS is pricey at first, but per unit, it is about 50 cents or less per record. the 16 ounce sizes will do about 200 records. The 32 ounce sizes will do about 500 records. I studied vinyl record curation for two years solid, which either makes me crazy machoistic or just someone who sees vinyl records as historical documents to be preserved and enjoyed, likely a bit of both.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Yep. Another vote for the Pro-ject. Does a great job and built like a tank. Also, weirdly, I think it looks cool.

[@ericelliott227]

@@jimfarrell4635 That is one of the reasons I can recommend the Pro-ject RCM, it is built very well. The Okki Nokki is built well too, but far more expensive and the same machine really. The only thing with the Pro-ject though is that it only comes with the one tube. An extra tube for 12 inch records will set you back another $90. (Compared to a tube for the VPI 16.5, which is $42, but the VPI machine is double the cost of the Pro-ject). I recommend a separate pick up tube for the rinse cycle to avoid cross contamination. Though it really isn't the end of the world if you use the same pick up tube for both depending on the fluids you use, it just isn't good practice. All the machines (except the Project VC-E RCM) have skyrocketed in price as everything else. (The cost to replace any piece in my current HiFi system, all still made is ridiculous now. Had I waited until now to build it instead of 3 years ago, I would not have a single piece of it). Anyway, if I ever needed to replace my vacuum RCM (VPI 16.5) still working after lots of use over these past 7 years, I would either try to get the part needed, which is doable, but if that did not work, I would get the Pro-ject machine, hands down.

[@blueriverlore]

I have the original Nitty Gritty cleaner/vacuum and it works great. The vacuum is VERY loud and sometimes I feel like it's sucking the grooves right off the LP.

[@jamesndixon]

Great video! Record talk without the pretentious attitude! BTW love the Parker cup as well. Great place to work.

[@JamesSavik]

Spaghetti sauce has two items that make it stain spectacularly: olive oil and tomato sauce. The oil makes the tomato sauce stick and requires a second or third pass through the dishwasher. Dawn dishwashing detergent makes short work of the stuff by cutting the oil. It stains paper (like album covers) by sinking in and actually becoming part of the paper.

[@t3dewys]

I have the Project VC-S2 ALU and love it.

[@bradwebb6927]

Pangea's hifi stands are great, I've been REALLY intrigued by their Vincent line, specifically their phono preamps. If you could swing a review copy of those... I'm just sayin, you have at least one audience member that would like to hear your take. ;)

[@JustinMcVicar]

This DJ i knjow who still dopes it with vinyl told me to stay away from vinyl cleaning solutions and just used demineralised water. Ever since then that's what I've been doing and have been able to bring dusty moldy records I was given by my GF's dad back from the dead and playing near flawlessly after sitting in storage for 30 years. I'll definitely be buying one of these bad boys though instead of using my felt brush (still works great, but it's time consuming), just not going to use the solution.

[@Raymondey]

Pro-ject VC-E vacuum cleaner is also great

[@markcarrington8565]

Hey Randy, it doesn’t cost money to buy a record cleaner. I buy second hand records from antique shops, record fairs, Discogs and eBay. Some arrive in reasonable condition and some look like they’ve been left on the coffee table for a month. After a few minutes on my ProJect VC-E record cleaning machine they come out looking fabulous and in the vast majority of cases sounding fantastic. Average price paid for my records is £5, with many at £1. New records are £25 and for the most part, nowhere near as good as the original first pressings. It won’t fix record wear, of course, but a line contact stylus profile helps there. So I’m building a collection for a fraction of the cost because of my record cleaner.

[@jameswalls4172]

When you clean records,it’s good to have new inner sleeves to put them in.Sleeve City has good ones much cheaper than local record shops.

[@kirmussaudio7578]

Some pointers for your followers. Most LP ecords are made out of pvc, with plasticizers, stabilizers, liquifiers added to the pvc! mix. Depending on the price paid, not all pvc is new and sees labels at times recycled if a bad pressing is discovered and added to more pvc to make more pvc bisquits. . This said, when a pvc record is pressed,a release agent as we call it comes to the surface. The Shure Brothers discovered this when they came out with their V15 mark IV cartridge, noting a material being gouged out of the record's grooves by the needle. Long forgotten until we appeared on the scene. To your cleaning method, never use any cleaning solution until checking out the ingredients listed on the bottle with the pvc chemical compatability chart. No ingredients, do not use on a record. To your comment about our demonstrating bubblers, in fact most ultrasonic machines sold as discovered are not ultrasonics, even to our surprise, the most expensive and formidable of brands for decades. Michael Fremer of Stereophile Aug 2022 commented on the matter of truth in advertising. Most liquids sold advertise as secret their ingredients. By law a Material Safety Datasheet is required for transport let alone accidental ingestion. That is what we demonstrated at Axpona. If one took the time to investigate further, added where we proved using aluminum foil records and a cavitation meter that the lack of cavitation as well as the improper spacing of records in DIY rotisserie style adapters in working ultrssonics that are detrimental at times to the health of record. This said, the Tribelectric Chart of Charges validates the fact where a pvc record and a cleaning solution of any type repel each other, so most cleaning methods coat the record with whatever was in the solution, and thus giving one a false sense of cleaning as the needle no longer is hitting the dust embedded in the release agent. ..as a coating is applied by Vacuum, fan or wipe drying. This said... Over time and repeated plays, indeed the needle will remove the inadvertant coating casused by drying and where the pops will reappear. Cavitation is universally accepted as the best method for the cleaning of any material. With ionization, we focus on groove restoration and the removal of the pressing oil... To Any cleaning soliution... Using liquids that see water droplets of 100 microns cannot enter the 6 to 30, to 35 micron V shaped groove. So only swishing of what was disturbed by brushing and a soap is all that is gained. Then seen as a film dried on the record. A shiny record is not indicative of a restored record, where in fact vintage records may see more surface scratches with the release agent removed using a groove restoration , but are not heard depending on the cSe and provenance of the record as surface noise is invisible as the needle is picking up finally all the detail of the stamper pressed into the pvc and riding in the "pocket". . A surface polished record is a bit of a misnomer. In fact due to the Tribelectric Chart of Charges, as seen with the removal of on average 0.84 microns of release agent that came out of the pvc at time of pressing, a restored record comes out virtually dry, needing no vacuum, air or mechanical drying of sheets of water as in a restored record, not surface shined, sees the pvc and water repel each other. The best method to take care of records is to use a 10 micron diameter parastatic felt to remove dust and a grounded carbon fiber brush to remove static. Not to use any wet system that does not take advantage of cavitation and ionization of the record. Of course wet washing helps if we have a severely contaminated surface, ex. Records subject to floods and high humidity and seeing fungus on the surface... this said, never use Alcohol based, ether based and like cleaning solutions which negatively affects the platicizer , and especially when one plays a record more than once every 24 hours as the grooves will not over time return to their rest or pressed position. Respectfully, for decades no manufacturer has in fact studied records, measured signal gain or loss, the thickness of a film left over by a cleaning solution let alone the presence of a release agent accounting for pops in new records or ones that audio enthusiasts create themselves by microwelding dust around their turntable into a record's release agent by the heat created by the dyne of their needle. There is a science to record care and Preservation. One does need to study cleaning agents used to inadvertently damage records. Keep those records spining!

[@rabarebra]

Please, use paragraphs. shift + enter No way I'm going to read through that wall without paragraphs.

[@kirmussaudio7578]

Out of courtesy am answering using a phone while on a plane.

[@rabarebra]

@@kirmussaudio7578 Even simpler adding paragraphs using your phone. Find the enter key on your phone.

[@kirmussaudio7578]

Not when you are about to takeoff and have a 14 hr flight with radio silence! Thanks@

[@rabarebra]

@@kirmussaudio7578 But a wall of text you can write during takeoff? LOL It is ONE damn button, dude.

[@jeffkelly5972]

I have not played a record in 30 years but when I had a large collection I used a disc washer record cleaning system. Are they still made? I also had a Pickering cartridge with a cleaning brush on the front (bad idea) back then it was cheap and simple but they still popped.

[@slidetek]

I had the original 90's version which had quite a few issues - nobody buying them being one. I picked this one up a couple of months back when I finally got my vinyl collection back from the ex. There's one _big_ issue with this version though which you should have spotted. The top panel is nice brushed aluminum, right? Well, the little disk you rest the album on can easily wobble since the little ballbearing ring is only 3/4" wide. Well, the sharp edges on the disk start to get sanded off almost immediately. This leaves a ring of plastic dust. So that gets sucked onto the bottom of your record. I solved this by sanding and rounding off the edges of that disk. They should really have some teflon pads at the edge. BTW, I recommend this over the Pro-Ject cleaner.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

I have the same record, but I bought it new and it’s just a bad pressing. I have a Nitty Gritty 1.5 (same idea as the record doctor), so I’ll have to give it a try. I’ve only listened to a couple of tracks and then put it away cuz it was so bad.

[@danteortiz14]

Interesting to see the Parker mug

[@josephchamberlain3681]

From what I've been told, plastics and fats have similar molecular structures, and that storing fats in plastics will cause some of the fatty acids to molecularly bond to the plastics. If those fats have been dyed red by your marinara your plastics will retain that color.

[@MarcZogbaum]

For my records, which have become real hardship cases after a wild party, I rely on the original: Discofilm. This classic is an absolute must for every record collector. My recommendation: use the Discofilm set and bring your vinyls back to life.

[@T_Burd_75]

Over 25 years ago I was listening to some records on my stereo and some of the records looked and sounded pretty rough. I got to thinking, "vinyl...vinyl...protectant!" I grabbed my bottle of STP Son Of A Gun! vinyl protectant and a clean soft cloth. I took one record, sprayed it on, carefully wiped off the excess in the direction of the grooves, and put it back on the turntable. Sounded like new again! Some records sounded a little better, and others sounded a whole lot better. The protectant may also help reduce stylus friction, if you think about it. A smoother glide through the grooves. 😉

[@jameswalls4172]

They actually sell a spray called Groove Glide.It’s cool,but it was $20 when I bought it 15 years ago

[@T_Burd_75]

@@jameswalls4172 perhaps Randy could re-bottle some Armor-All and sell it under the Sith Audio name. 😉

[@donjaun540]

I've got some dishes with that pasta sauce stain I want to try on that cleaner. 😏😁 Ok very cool product. 😊

[@lokerola]

I've got a record doctor V and it's a good cleaner. The only thing I hate about it is that it's freaking loud. I have a pair of ear protection muffs from Lowes that I throw on when I'm cleaning records on the thing. It does work well, but you can't run it in the middle of the night without waking up the whole house.

[@FrightfulMess]

I've been using the Vinyl Vac system for awhile now and it does what your machine there does only a whole lot cheaper. And yes, it makes all those pops and clicks and groans and blood curdling screams all go away! Well......maybe not blood curdling screams..........

[@craigwarner6156]

Right. I haven't got any kind of record cleaner machine and will never be able to buy one. However I do own a little cleaning kit that I got free with the Bob Dylan subscription to the vinyl collection. And it has a brush,some record cleaning solution, some stylus cleaning solution and a nice cloth. Now please do you know the best way to do this with what I have? There are literally zero instructions and I haven't done it before. I've been collecting for about 5 - 7 years and mainly the Beatles along with some other choice stuff (I now have a full collection of original UK MONO VINYL and stereo where it's all there is, but they're all original UK first press) . I got a 2000 original UK 1 vinyl the other day and it certainly is in desperate need of a clean and I'm going to really give them all a clean of I can get a good job of this one done. So please HELP!

[@danstein2467]

Great review Randy! I’ve been using a Nitty Gritty machine for many years. They went out of business about five years ago, but has since been revived by a new group and the new parts are interchangeable with the old. I’m continuously surprised how well it works on Goodwill found records. These products are very effective. My hope is that these companies create a scalp treatment product so I don’t have to wear a hat outdoors.

[@cheapaudioman]

I'm under an NDA right now about hair doctor stuff. No comment. although I know where you can get some Keeps

[@1mctous]

@@cheapaudioman Using Andrew Robinson's link?

[@Mi_An]

There are quite a few models for ultrasonic cleaners available in Amazon. Are there any good ones under 200$ mark?

[@NoEgg4u]

I purchased a VPI 16.5 machine, approximately 15 years ago, for $450. I have no idea if they still make it, or the current price. I have no regrets. It works similar to the machine in this video. But the VPI machine has a motor for its turntable, and a vacuum, too It's motor is strong. It roars (that is the nature of strong vacuum motors). That might be a problem for some people. But it will dry your record in one rotation. It is also built to last. You can feel its quality. It is not built like a movie star's home. But compared to how things are constructed these days, the VPI machine is solid. There are machines that are fully automated, that will clean both sides of your record. They cost more. Are they worth it? I have no idea, because I never used one.

[@JcsP3D]

Did I miss the part where we were going to listen to the record before and after the cleaning?

[@jamesball5743]

Yeah whatz up wit dat?

[@scottfarnum2989]

Thanks!

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Ultimate test: Tool Laterlalus picture discs. If you have a copy and can test that thing, and are impressed, I will buy one!

[@billbrindl]

lol I was just thinking the same thing!!

[@budsmoker4201120]

I got a 20 dollar label protector, 3 dollars worth of some cheap microfiber towels, 4 dollars worth of velvet fabric from hobby lobby, 2 dollar baby hair brush, and some dawn gets my records super clean. 30 bucks all in.

[@SQDLVR]

Hey that's a cool slip mat!!! :-)

[@FlyGuy457]

Sir!, I know this is off topic but you once mentioned a stand Fan you like because it is durable and it blows. Would you be so kind as to mention the name again or point me in the correct direction--a man in need. Thank you.

[@jonuiuc]

lol topical, I just bought a spin clean cause I got some used records and have no idea about their condition.

[@justinplank4153]

This channel rules!

[@adambrown8867]

I love vinyl, but it's just not economically beneficial. I gave up on vinyl. Using Amazon Music now & it's far better than I expected.

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

Economically beneficial? What does that mean? Do you think paying $10-15 a month to just listen to tracks, and never owning them, is “economically beneficial”- if I am understanding your initial point ?

[@adambrown8867]

@@SatanDynastyKiller It's only a monthly $8.99 for unlimited. New records are $20 or far more for just one. Then you have to have storage space to keep it. Then you have to have 2 or 3 devices to clean it. Then you have to have a player, & phonostage, & cables, & cartridges that wear out or easily break & there is more time being hassled than there is enjoyment. I was going to get vinyl system but I can't afford it, not just financially. I don't need that aggravation & hassle.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

The Record doctor was probably the best investment I've made towards my collection. Simple wet cleaning does not compare to a vacuum machine.

[@rosswarren436]

Yes, the Spin Clean has sold a ton, and so have Groove Washer and the old Discwasher, but they are NOT as good as a vacuum machine.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

@@rosswarren436 I use my spin clean with my record doctor. Give the vinyl a normal spin clean treatment and then throw it on the record doctor and dry it off.

[@rosswarren436]

@@TheHammerofDissidence not a bad idea. I've gone through (and still use) Discwasher, Groove Washer G2 with microfibre cloths, the Spin Clean, and now I'm building a vacuum system based on the Vinyl Vac, but altogether the expense has ended up as much as a Record Doctor V or VI. Knowing that now, I might have just gotten one of them.

[@rosswarren436]

Building a record cleaning station of my own using a Vinyl Vac, a rotating turntable (from Amazon) and other items. By the time I bought all the stuff I needed (drill bits, ø4" flush plug, washers, screws, a wet-dry shop vac, fishing rod holder, paint edger and pads, surfactant, 99% alcohol, cleaning and rinsing bottles, hot glue gun, etc)., I ended up spending enough to have bought a Record Doctor V, maybe more. Will my setup be better and easier to use? Yeah, a bit, and I hope it will last longer and be up for cleaning more records at one time without overheating. And it is a fun DIY to do if you have the time. But *truthfully*, if I had to do it over again, I'd buy the Record Doctor V (or VI) and call it a day. Having a rotating turntable should make doing multiple records easier though. Just know that ads saying "build your vacuum record cleaner for under $100" won't be true for most people, unless you have a bunch of extra needed stuff lying around. Good video, good review! Getting the VI for $249 would be a steal!!!

[@1RungAtATime]

I guess it depends what you use, I made a similar setup for under $120.

[@rosswarren436]

@@1RungAtATime yes, I wanted one more automated instead of using a lazy susan, plus I didn't already have the size drill bits I needed, a 1/4" knob, nor a fishing rod holder, and I want to paint the plywood board it is on to look good. I had to buy bottles, a $10 4" diameter flush plug, special sized rubber washers, a glue gun, the shop vac, graduated cylinders for correctly mixing solutions, etc. It all added up quickly, especially the shipping from Menards as some of the items weren't available on Amazon. For the set up I created see Joel's video on "How I Clean My Records With My DIY Vinyl Vac Mod" at DiscRewind on KZbin. I decided for now to not use a foot switch but am mounting a power strip on the board to be able to easily turn on and turn off the rotating turntable and vacuum. Sadly it looks like he stopped posting videos for whatever reason, but they were very good. Some people building such a cleaning system may already have a bunch of parts and the necessary items if they are into DIY projects or have a small shop in their outbuilding, but I didn't. Oh, and just FYI, it is hard to find those 11.6" diameter rotating tables now on Amazon. Glad I grabbed one last year when I could for a relatively good price.

[@1RungAtATime]

@@rosswarren436 I was also using that DiscRewind vid, along with Ben's Audio Cave's vids, for guidance. I bought a 'parts only' at-lp60 turntable on ebay for $20. It runs but the stylus is gone. I spin it on 45 rpm while cleaning with the $4 paint pad and Tergikleen, at $30. Got a wet vac for $35 at harbor freight. I made my own vinyl vac thing using a vacuum extension I already had and some felt adhesive strips from amazon, so that was $30 I saved. It's a ghetto setup compared to either of those guys', but it gets the job done as well.

[@rosswarren436]

@@1RungAtATime getting the job done well is what counts! Sounds like you did good. I'm still building mine..want to paint it (the wood) etc. so it looks more "presentable"...LOL...

[@ericelliott227]

Almost any record cleaning machine can do a good to great job provided one uses the right fluids and methodology. The important concept is that ALL records, including new, should be cleaned. One of the most important things to note is that after a record is cleaned a new inner sleeve should be provided, preferably a poly-lined sleeve. There are many good poly sleeves out there, take your pick. I'm another level of "record cleaning" personally, so I won't go into all that detail or this comment could turn into a volume! There are folks who dis vacuum RCMs (Record Cleaning Machines), but al lot of it is because they don't like the noise or don't know how to use them correctly and end up with static or what have you. I've seen folks use too much fluid as well turning their RCM into a fish tank or something. All record cleaning though requires some dedication and patience. Many folks don't do it because of that. That's fine, I get it, but I will say it is a shame they are missing out on really great reward. There are basically two kinds of vacuum RCMs top vacuum and bottom vacuum. The bottom vacuum ones are a little more inconvenient, but that should not deter anyone from taking care of their records. (The Record Dr. is a bottom vacuum). With any RCM of any stripe the first thing one should do is look at the fluid that came with it, 99% of the time it is not necessarily the best thing for your records. My rule of thumb is if there are no ingredients listed, don't use it. Certain chemicals and the like in certain quantities should not be used on PVC (there is a whole chart on this). That said though, most of the fluids that come with RCMs are not real harmful as much as they are ineffective. One main concern with fluids is whether or not they leave residue. So what about the Record Dr. fluid? I would not worry too much about it, worst case is that it just is not as effective as better fluids. That said, with any record cleaning fluid you want to employ a rinse cycle as well unless the fluid is specifically designed to be a one step. (The Record Dr. fluid is not such a design). All you need for rinse is distilled water. Outside of special lab-grade purified water that none of us will find on the shelves, distilled is the cleanest water you can get though not meant for drinking. Do NOT use any other type of water! You should also have a separate brush for the rinse to avoid cross contamination. It doesn't have to be a special brush, heck a paint pad would do if it came down to it. What does one do when one runs out of the fluid that came with the RCM. Well in the case of Record Dr. one can reorder more of the same fluid. As one who has studied many record cleaning fluids and experimented with them including home brews I can confidentially say that if you want to up your game, I found the best record cleaning fluids to be AIVS (Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions). They are a bit pricey until you realize how many records you can clean with a 16 ounce bottle so the per unit cost is not that bad. Basically, about 50 cents per record or less. (A 16 ounce will do around 200 records). It can get to be quite the initial outlay though if you go beyond the #6 One Step and into weeds with the multi-step stuff though. Still worth it in my opinion. My personal recommendation though for a machine like The Record Dr. is stick with the #6 One Step. You don't need to rinse it, but it is ok if you do. (A top vacuum machine is more suited to the multi-step stuff). As for static from vacuuming the record dry. In my opinion, hand drying is second only to vacuum drying, but it must be done correctly. It should take no more than two revolutions, that's it. In the case of the record doctor, I'd say once all the way around is enough. Where people run into static and such is when they vacuum too long and also they don't keep their pick up tube clean. Always make sure the velvet lips of the pick up tube are in good shape and replace them as needed. Sometimes used records may look shiny and clean, but that is due to someone using lighter fluid or window cleaner or WD40, what have you (all major no-no)! Sometimes the seller may have made a half-attempt to clean it somewhat properly, but did not get much. A clean looking record does not necessarily mean a well sounding record. The Mumford and Sons record you did was likely ok with nothing sinister used, such as what I listed including alcohol and the contaminants were likely not stuck tremendously to the groove walls so the Record Dr with the supplied fluid was successful, which always a reason to celebrate. Yes, contaminants (dirt) on a record has huge effect on sound, because essentially the stylus is not getting all the way down in the grooves or making full contact with the groove walls were all the data lives. This is also why I do NOT recommend products like Groove Glide or LAST, Homebrews made with dish soap, etc. because they leave behind a layer that prevents said stylus contact, not to mention possible build up on the stylus and wicking up the cantilever destroying ones cart. Randy FYI - the guy you may have seen dressed like a doctor might have been Charles Kirmuss from Kirmuss Audio (unless there was someone else there with a lab coat selling a $4000+ machine, which is possible). The Kirmuss machine is an Ultra Sonic machine, which is a whole different animal and not mandatory, but his machine is now around $1100 sadly, due to the price jump in parts, etc. It started out at around $800 when first on the market, which had all other super expensive ultrasonic machine makers shaking in their boots (to this day the Kirmuss machine is a better design and still far cheaper for such a device). (Side note = While Mr. Kirmuss can be a character, he is a good guy and he has solid scientific background and it is a very good machine by the way. Again though, really for folks who have saved their pennies and want to go deep dive into record cleaning and the like). Randy - welcome to the world of clean records and the enjoyment therein. It opens the door wider don't it? If one has say a collection up to 100 to 150 records, something like the Record Dr. is a great start. Heck, a Spin Clean is better than nothing! Once one reaches about 250 or 300 records, then I would suggest investing in a top vacuum RCM (and proper fluids of course). The VPIs are well known, but have really gone up in price. That said, Pro-ject puts out a fine top vacuum RCM for $500. (A base model VPI will set you back a ridiculous $1100! You can go ultrasonic, which is also far cheaper to operate for that).

[@13_13k]

Eric Elliott --- thank you for taking the time to provide all that information. I'm 57 years old and I have recently purchased a new turntable, Pioneer PLX 1000, I'm not a DJ, but I got it new for a really great price and it is built like a tank and a really good device for what it is. Anyway, I have a vinyl collection that includes some albums that are older than I am, that were my parents, and some that were my older siblings albums and some 45s from about 1970 up until I started buying my own around 1977, a few before then but why when I had older siblings music to listen to? I started buying albums, at first every few months because I didn't have a job, being in 7th grade in '78 by high school I had a job and would try to buy at least one album per week or two. My taste is very eclectic, I won't even try to give details other than the cashier at the local record store would have a puzzled look and a crooked smile as he/she would look at the selection I was either choosing from or buying two or three at a time. But I would walk in the store, start at the A section and go to Z pulling have a dozen and then have to narrow it down to a classic and a new album. I would spend an hour or more sometimes in the store. I would then go home clean the record with the old school red bottle of cleaner the wooden velvet block brush and the stylus cleaner brush with mirror, before I played the album. I would play it through both sides and clean it again, put a fresh cassette tape in the player and then play and record the whole album, give the album ajother sweep with the now damp velvet or Velour brush, whatever it was made from and I would put the album in its sleeve and file it in alphabetic order and I would listen to the tape from then on. I would listen to an LP only a few times, usually if I lost a tape or just to hear it but always the same routine. Of course then CDs became available and I bought CDs instead of vinyl. I am about to unpack my record collection in the next few weeks, they are packed away in my storage space. I have my turntable all set, everything adjusted and aligned, weight set, using all the devices and I've played some new albums I've recently purchased and a new setup of component audio equipment mixed older flagship Yamaha DSP A3090 home theater amp and new Sony and ELAC speakers with new tube devices in between. Your info has me considering a record cleaning machine now. I'm sure my albums need a good cleaning from sitting around for the last 25 years. Sorry about the long comment reply.

[@ericelliott227]

@@13_13k I appreciate your story comment actually as I can relate. I was doing essentially the same thing starting around the age of 9! I would save my chore money and buy records exactly as you did. All I had was what I call a toy record player (think crosley and the like). I got my first "stereo system" around age 11 for xmas. It was a Sears all-in-one (wretched thing but better than what I had). I would go through two of those until age 15 when I got a different kind of all-in-one by Fisher Stereo. I ended up trying to modify it to make it better, which did not work of course. Age 16 I got my first "real" stereo system all separates by Kenwood, but it was one of those "looks like separates but is really tied together, but components could be replaced except it was very difficult due to the topography. Age 19 got my first Surround Receiver it was a Kenwood and finally got my first true tower speakers as well, also happened to be Kenwood. I had also gotten deep into cassettes and by then I was also deep into researching audio components. I had a turntable, but I forget what it was. Around 1986 I replaced the turntable with a Sony linear tracking table. I played about 6 records on it and never touched it again because it was a horrible table! Naturally, I had to stick within budget and could not afford the craziness then and it is worse now. However, I did rather well. The Kenwood receiver sounded great with the speakers and served me for an unbelievable 20 years! The Kenwood finally bought the farm (too costly to fix) and I went with my first AVR, an Onkyo. Still using the old Kenwood speakers! I was experimenting with home theater, but wanted both ways, I wanted two-channel as well. The Onkyo did just OK until the HDMI ports started failing. I then bought a Denon flagship AVR (The money should have gone at least towards a nice two-channel integrated in hind-sight). Now 28 years on with the Kenwood speakers, I finally saved up the money (which was brutal) for a new set of speakers, this time high-end jobs! Through very hard work, not even counting intense research I landed a new pair of Paradigm Studio 100 v5s. They are the speakers I use today and I will use until they absolutely do not work anymore (something tells me I will be gone before they are). The Denon flagship AVR was fatiguing and I was growing tired of HT. Year 2010, I got the vintage bug. I had always longed for those awesome big receivers from the 70s and such. I collected a modest stable or receivers, tape decks, speakers, turntables over three years, most of it gone now. I no longer have a tech who can work on them either. I currently have a Marantz 2238b with one channel out now and no tech, so I will need to let it go, but it is hard, I loved the sound of it! About 3 years ago, I got my final real Hi-Fi system. It was also a brutal 5 years of saving and sacrifice. I'm glad I got it when I did, because now while the components are still made and sold, they have really gone up in cost! I still have one vintage receiver, a Sansui 8080db that I swap in from time to time (it is the beast and it blew away a $10,000 integrated back in 2015 in a dual). I still have and use my vintage turntables. Currently I am running a Denon DP47f with Ortofon 2M Bronze cart (this pushes the limits of that table). I also have in the wings a Pioneer PL510A and PL530, which I use when running the Sansui. (The Pioneers do not get along with my HiFi system for some reason, even with the phono preamp). So how many records do you have presently? If you have more than 200, I would recommend the $500 Pro-ject RCM for a high value solution. I would also recommend either the MoFi fluids or perhaps Record Dr fluid (which can be purchased separate) if your records are in very good shape. If they need more, I recommend the Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions fluids. I would not mess with anything else. If you have say 700+ records and growing, then we need to up the game a bit.

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

I find the best way to make Mumford and Sons records quiet is to put them in the trash bin.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

A MODEM is an A/D converter. Comcast's coax cable is ANALOG into my house then the modem converts it to digital. Are we going to buy audio grade modems?

[@cheapaudioman]

yeah. I have a dozen of them. I'm kind of confused about this comment too.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@cheapaudioman I posted here only 'cause its a new video & I was hoping for a reply. I don't know your IM or whatever. Glad I got a reply. Cool & Thanks for your shows.

[@chrisswicord8285]

you should try squeaky clean vinyl next!

[@josephchamberlain3681]

I was shocked how effective wet cleaning was the first time I tried it.

[@bsullivan6467]

I have a lot of anxious albums, I'm running out to get one now. I saw that Dr. Guy, he was intense, and probably caused a lot of anxiety in the folks he cornered.

[@Slappyhappychappy]

the sarcasm is appreciated., reminder that this hobby is supposed to be fun and you don't have to be an OCD maniac such as myself to enjoy

[@joseyneighbors5230]

Nice shirt

[@MidFiMan]

I saw a demo of the guy with the record cleaner for $1,400 at Audio Advice Live last weekend. Dude in a lab coat, said he had a Ph.D. I'm sure he did. He had electron microscope scans of records before and after. Amazing. But I won't be partaking in that craziness.

[@JohnScheppler]

Great review and seems simple to use with great benefits for vinyl. However the question I have is how did it do with the spaghetti sauce stained Tupperware? The dishwasher doesn't do a good job on that or cleaning my vinyl, lol.

[@cheapaudioman]

the tupperware was very difficult to get into the slot

[@HartAudio]

Hi, We have a very effective record-cleaning brush. It rivals an ultrasonic cleaner with VG+ grade and above records. Please can you consider accepting a sample for review?

[@jimfarrell4635]

Wow ! It must be great if it makes Mumford & Sons sound good. Bazinga !

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

I hear/read a lot of comments on the ultrasonic cleaners, I wonder if they are as good as they claim.

[@Bateman147]

Yes! I bought one of the cheap ultrasonic cleaners with record attachment on Amazon. Re-cleaned records I'd already cleaned with my record Dr - and I was shocked at the difference. I still used the record Dr after the ultrasonic as a final rinse/dry. Well worth the 209 bux. I've now re-cleaned our whole collection and am having so much fun listening. The difference is amazing.

[@mccarthyd6603]

Best way to clean sauce from Tupperware.... Crumple up a few paper towels fill with dish soap....fill with water put top on and spin around for about a minute....voila.... gone! Don't ask me how but it works👍

[@jamesoloughlin]

Mr. Cheap Audio Man, You’re Hilarious (and yea informative).

[@705johnnyboy]

my vevor ultrasonic cleans my records perfectly its cheap and i do six at once ,best thing ive bought ...

[@powerguymark]

Thank you for reminding me of why (God Willing) I will NEVER go back to vinyl.

[@lullabies7441]

I just like Randy so I let his videos play while I’m working even when I don’t care what he’s talking about.

[@cheapaudioman]

thank you. you're the best

[@carravagio16]

Holy S....did you do an ironman...that is crazy

[@osirismarbles5177]

Imagine how much better it would've been if the solution included a little marinara sauce!

[@cheapaudioman]

Truth

[@agustinduenas5902]

I thought you were going to demonstrate the before and after sounds, so I was disappointed when you didn't. I believe you said in the beginning that was what you were going to do. You know, show me not just tell me.

[@tommorrison9724]

Dammit, I just bought the Vinyl Physician!

[@cheapaudioman]

ha.

[@ronherman6033]

anyone done head to head with humminguru? I am interested in what to get for my pathetic old few that are too noisy to play.

[@johnwatrous3058]

I had one about 5 years ago. It was alright and about $50 cheaper.

[@labernese]

Finally an alternative to Elmer’s glue

[@billhennigan3773]

$230.00 for this..I just spray my records ..turn the platter on and lightly press down with a quality brush..same effect for just the cost of fluid and brush..

[@IAmNotA.12345]

Hmmm... Listed on Amazon Australia for $1,170 Australian dollars

[@justinbyrne5736]

Sheets of sand paper good for cleaning vinyl

[@cheapaudioman]

220

[@ElectoneGuy]

Dishsoap, a 4 inch brush and water. Scrub, rinse, dry, done.

[@jonboy9912]

Here's a cheap and brilliant way to clean your vinyl. Wash it in soapy water like the dishes with a kitchen towel - don't be scared! Dry it with the wrung out towel and lay it on a towel. Spray a small and I mean small amount of WD40 on the disc and spread it with the damp towel and polish. I promise you with the benefit of 10 years that you will end up with the cleanest vinyl collection with no and I mean NO static! Try it on your worst album - you will be amazed!!

[@brentlogan2501]

I used a Vinyl Vac then bought a Humminguru. It's less work.

[@acemacgruber6593]

I don’t think record cleaning products should cost as much as eye surgery…elective eye surgery…that you need to drive safely.

[@steamerbv]

Hey, you said you would play it dirty and then clean it and play it again. You didn't. There is no way I got the comparison. I have no idea that this does anything. Never heard the before play.

[@whitholcomb1057]

Marinara sauce stains tupper ware because it is red.