VPI Industries HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine Review

[@Dieterzimmerer123]

Great Record cleaning machine. I have my VPI 16.5 for now over 20 years. When I first got it the overheat protection would kick in after cleaning less then 10 records. So I modded mine by increasing air circulation in the inside of the machine and also installed a large cooling fan on the back, so it can blow plenty of fresh air in. Now I can clean as many records as I want without any issues. air circulation. So I guess I now have a VPI 16.5F

[@cto007]

Great review. Also, don't forget to blow off/clean the mat underneath (or better, switch it out with another piece of cork) before you flip the clean side over onto the mat. Depending on how dirty the other side was, you may be loading the surface back up with junk. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Great advice! Thanks Chris!

[@stereopolice]

1:52 before cleaning 6:00 after cleaning

[@JMNTN]

I didn't hear much difference, just as many pops

[@Dirt_Reynolds17]

The irony in playing “ cracklin Rosie” to demonstrate crackles haha

[@trevorsimmons1487]

totally worth it. Mine has been running for what.. 8-9 years now? I'm not even sure what model I have, but it's surely been a hit with all my record buddies. Yes, the spindle heats up. Is it a problem? no. I've never had one. Take a coffee break after 25 or so (don't you want to listen to a few of them now anyway?!).

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks for the comments man!

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Thank you so much for the vid but why oh why does everyone have to elaborate on mundane details for 20 minutes? Let's get on with it!😂

[@jeffreysrnec3809]

No amount of cleaning, of any method, will fix a damaged record. I now own a 16.5 and "scrub" the record using MOFI record cleaning brushes and Audio Intelligent Record Cleaning Solutions. On a VG++ to Mint- condition record, depending on the quality of the LP pressing, this machine, I will attest, clean records superbly. Some will play dead quiet, yeah, like almost CD quiet.

[@KarnEvil4]

Hi Ron- I have a VPI 16.5. I have not used it in some time-over a year and wanted to clean about ten records. I noticed that the platter was not spinning quite as fast as I know it to be. When I activated the suction tube it worked fine but when it made contact with the record, the platter stopped moving! As I cleaned the next few records, the platter stopped turning altogether! I am thinking that the motor went bad? It's at least 15 years old. There is not a belt on these machines like a regular turntable right?

[@NathanReevesnate808]

Contact vpi

[@carlosbauza1139]

I've used one for over 10 years. It is great!

[@peartfaldo]

Just picked up a used one for $350. The thing is awesome;-)

[@Stupid_you_so_stoopid_UHF]

I paid $500 for mine which is fine, can't wait to get it. Can't believe how much audio equipment has gone up in the last few years.

[@peartfaldo]

@@Stupid_you_so_stoopid_UHF its because of the "collectors" out there. vinyl has become a fad and all of the people buying it now and paying ridiculous prices are the reason everything is going up. most of it is just digital sources pressed to vinyl and they have no idea what real records used to sound like back in the day.

[@Stupid_you_so_stoopid_UHF]

For listening I'm using a - Vincent SV 236 mkii - Rouge Triton phono - B&W 804's I have a VPI mk ii TT but I prefer my Technics MG5 tables.

[@sinsagoodmansbrother]

Hello... I had a friend who had to move and he asked me if I was interested in a brand new VPI HW-17 sealed in the box.. Since I have a huge vinyl collection I said yes... He accepted $250 dollars for it... I opened it and turned it on. (It was loud! Like you said the 16.5 is) Because I don't really have the room to set it up right now, I've never used it. Do you happen to know if this model is as good as the 16.5? Great video BTW... Thanks!...

[@pjcdrummer]

One other question I got the VIP HW 16 machine on e bay used but there is no drain hose?? how do you drain the liquid?

[@hurkamur1]

The VPI is a proven machine, the thing is a tank and gives great results. Ultimately I opted for the much cheaper Record Doctor V, with the bearing upgrade instead. The Record Doctor's platter doesn't contact the play surface of the record, so there can be no transfer of dust to the side that you clean first. I've had stellar results, probably better than the vpi, and the machine has a smaller footprint. The thing slides right into it's own cube next to my records, brushes and fluids included. There are a few downsides, the biggest one being lack of access to the reservoir. There is just a plug on the bottom for drainage.

[@Newrecordday2013]

+hurkamur1 Thanks for sharing some insight into other good options!

[@hurkamur1]

***** NP, I've been really happy with it. I forgot to mention the ability to turn the platter in either direction is nice as well. The brush it comes with is garbage though. No idea if it will hold up for the long term, but I've done a few hundred so far so good.

[@theshazman]

@@hurkamur1 can you please expand on the bearing upgrade? I'm looking to get one of those as my vinyl collection is growing at a staggering rate.

[@hurkamur1]

@@theshazman They used to have an upgrade bearing one could purchase for a smoother turn while cleaning. Not sure if it's still offered, but I'd bet the current record doctor iteration is superior to the old one I have. I also recently picked up a 6L ultrasonic cleaner for under 100 online. If you shop around you can find the brackets and clamps online for under 100 too, and put together a ultrasonic setup for under 200 bucks.

[@trevorsimmons1487]

p.s- there is a model which has a venting fan (mine doesn't) which was aimed to cool the inner workings.

[@kristopher_j9038]

Very Good video was thinking about purchasing and this video just sold me on it!

[@tyoung3455]

Got one broken that needed a few parts and out the door for 280 with the new parts (VPI was really cool to deal with) I’m happy as a clam. The thing is the bomb

[@Methodical2]

What's your thought on using an ultrasonic machine to clean records? Thanks...

[@mikeymaff8074]

Hey Ron,this is right on the money brother.Thanks for the info on this.I've had a Nitty Gritty but was so looking forward to this beast.And you're right,the spin clean is a good decent alternative.Cheers

[@rogerkinney5220]

Just wanted to say Thank You for your video on the VPI 16.5. I've been researching RCM for almost 5 years now. The VPI has always been my top choice, but being retired, was cost prohibitive. The new units were going for $549.00-$699.00, and that was just out of the ballpark for me. So I started researching "used" VPI's. I was pleased to find one for sale at $389.00! After CA Tax/Shipping, I ended up paying about $463.00. Well worth it, and at the top of my budget, but I'm really excited. I've been collecting vinyl for 40 years now. I sold 90% of my collection back in 1994. I started collecting again in 2010 and I'm up to about 300 records now, so I have my cleaning work cut out for me. Thanks again for your video. It was a good honest representation of a great product!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Brian Manly Thanks Brian! Its a great machine and will last many years! Enjoy!

[@pf5658]

Awesome! I just ordered this together with my first ever TT. People complain about every F-ing thing theses days because they buy shit they don’t know how to use or don’t take time to read the instructions.

[@SolaFide802]

How much of an improvement is the vpi cleaning after the spinclean

[@Newrecordday2013]

Way better, not even close.

[@ArcadeDude44]

Cool review, thanks for the info. Funny "bloopers", too. Cool looking channel, time to sub.

[@robwasnj]

I guess if you buy a lot of used records that weren't treated correctly this would be useful but I can't imagine ever letting one of mine get that bad. It's a shame they can't mitigate the static problem so you can run the vacuum as long as you like, introducing anti-static technology into this would make it even better. Nice review though, I probably would have owned this back when vinyl was the only choice but wasn't aware such machines were made... I had discwasher brush I used religiously before every play and it did me pretty well.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Actually wet cleaning records with antistat liquid does remove and prevent static. Another positive to these machines.

[@LEDFOOT49]

I clean my records manually with a Vinyl Stack label saver when they are really bad I let them soak in cleaning solution for 24 hours then I come back and do a scrub to them then a rinse with a spray bottle with a bit of distilled vinegar and distilled water mix. I've cleaned really bad looking records and when I'm done they look amazing. But like stated before me when a record has been abused there's nothing that can repair that. When it comes to water and detergent cleaning I don't need to buy expensive machines. I can do it all manually. The only thing I haven't tried yet is an Ultrasonic record cleaner but I have a feeling that the outcome will be the same you can't restore a record that has been abused.

[@pjcdrummer]

Just want to know How loud is this Hard to tell from the video? I might get one I already have a Project Vc-s machine the first 2 leaked on me & the motor started to sound louder then a Jet taking off this is my 3rd machine & it's doing the same!!! Some one has one of your machine on e bay for like $500 + $60 shipping I also live in a Co-Op & the walls are paper thin!! Thanks

[@Newrecordday2013]

Very loud

[@pjcdrummer]

@@Newrecordday2013 I 'm going to test it out tomorrow thanks Please see my other comment above. Thanks

[@klomax7750]

​@@Newrecordday2013 Pardon?

[@helious74]

Your audio rack how did you get the cinder blocks secured so they will not slide around? Im thinking of a way I can make audio rack for my system and I am in a toss up to use all MDF or something like Cinder blocks on the sides and hardwood self.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I use those rug grip pads you can find at any grocery store... what the heck are they called? Look like super thin foam with the bubbles connected... man, that was the worst description ever.

[@MrCatalysis101]

Having owned one, the biggest issue is the cork platter, which can easily get wet during multiple LP cleaning and possibly harbor contaminants from previous records, and also the fact that the vacuum intersection occurs above the record isn't ideal either. I honestly think the Record Doctor V which costs about a third of the price of the 16.5 is as far as one needs to go and, in some key respects, is more versatile and practical. All that being said, the 16.5 will do a fine job for you.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I respect your opinion but having both in house, the 16.5 completely obliterates the Record Doctor V. Not even close imho.

[@MrCatalysis101]

Obviously I respect your view also, but I think that being able to reverse clean, even if only by hand, has a lot of merits for difficult to remove dirt. I also prefer vacuuming on the underside of the record from a gravitational aspect. I also found problems with the cork platter if it ever got wet, which is sometimes difficult to avoid. It's very absorbent and thus difficult to dry quickly. I found the solution was to have a round cut piece of anti static inner sleeve on top of the cork platter. This also prevented any contaminants that got pressed into the cork from spreading to other vinyl when under compression during vacuuming. I also noted that some vinyl can be very slippery, even when it is tightly attached to the platter. on a couple of records it resulted in the edge of the cork and wet adhesive in the cork actually creating a soiling of the vinyl surface. Again, though, there were workarounds for all this and you're right to say what a good machine it is. My opinion is that the design is not perfect. And while the cleaning definitely works well in terms of sound improvements, perhaps the key advantage of deep cleaning is to prolong the life of your stylus. I'd also recommend leaving the vinyl to dry for at least 24 hours before playing.

[@jacoblacally4203]

I've been through two Record Doctors in less than 3 years...they work pretty good for a little while, then they don't. If you're a record shop doing high volumes, it gets really old manually cleaning, especially as the vacuum suction gets weak over time and eventually the motor burns out. I'm thinking about upgrading to a more professional solution, possibly the VPI.

[@chriswright5016]

@@jacoblacally4203 different set of needs in a shop to the average collector. Have had mine for more than five years, cleaned thousands of sides and it looks and functions as good as when it arrived.

[@marksouthern6721]

Stupid question: How do you clean the brush?

[@klomax7750]

Buy a VPI brush-cleaning machine, obvs...

[@stevenmeditz8851]

Nice. What turntable/cartridge combo are you using?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Currently: Pro-Ject RM5-SE and Grado Sontata Platinum 1

[@pnojazz]

if you like albums a 16.5 is priceless!

[@davidr532]

Ngl man if you think that’s dirty you gonna have a heart attack when you see my collection haha XD

[@Jamie10004]

are you the guy who does the song eat sleep rave repeat?

[@spe2800]

Can you link me the gloves you use on amazon?

[@MrStingraybernard]

Nice chops

[@RoyUnit]

Instructions unclear; robbed bank using vacuum cleaner.

[@rpg896]

Substantially better?

[@rockermarco]

OMG, all that work for your Mom's Neill Diamond album? Are you kidding? Does your Mom still own a record player?

[@thierrycola]

you can easily make solution, use a small a brush, and use a regular household handheld vacuum that you already have in your closet and get the same exact results... for... $50-$70? Also, if you've perfected the wood glue method, you're a champ, and works waaaay better. Hope my comment doesn't get removed... but honestly $650 for a motor, brush, and vacuum? I'd rather DIY... but then again wood glue will get all the little dust particles that vacuums, brushes and solutions will never get.

[@lobillotico]

How much is that ??

[@Newrecordday2013]

Retail is $650

[@KarnEvil4]

Cant believe you actually put a dirty record on a "nice" table before cleaning it, just to prove a point! I am guessing your needle/cartridge really appreciated that! LOL

[@stereopolice]

Never ever replace a cloth, dish soap, and your hand and elbow with a $1500 Rube Goldberg machine.

[@MrDudleytheCat]

Too LOUD! They need a new "quiet motor" version.

[@davidtillwach5542]

Very expensive machine . I'm going to buy a record doctor v machine . I can't afford a VPI cleaner machine

[@РобертТребор-ч1ы]

Не жарко в кепке дома то?

[@monksally]

A Neil Diamond record will never sound good, no matter how much you clean it...

[@oliverb6313]

hahahaha

[@Neuromantic_86]

😂😂😂

[@stateniland]

Neil D is amazing

[@GodWeenSatan]

Neil Diamond is a legend

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Neil Diamond is the best

[@scottgates601]

Loricraft record cleaning machine is soo much quieter than this machine and the suction is 100x better, plus doesn't leave contaminants on the record like this machine does. Buy well, buy once...

[@taylorquail9240]

Scott Gates You may be right, but a Loricraft is far more expensive. This is $650. I would hope for the cost of a Loricraft that it would do a better job.

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

over a thousand bucks (here in switzerland at least) just to clean records..yeah nah

[@joshualieder7524]

Use the record as a Frisbee instead.

[@davidtillwach5542]

Another Hipster reviewing records and cleaning wow i'm amazed .

[@bassforkids4504]

I don't see it as an easier way to clean a record than the old fashion way other than the vacuum.Not worth the money.

[@marcallen6987]

It is....and works great

[@tblends]

Seems like you're paying to vacuum water, and that's all (bit of a waste of money here?). You still have to manually clean them, seems WAY easier to just wipe with a cloth (and you don't have to clamp/unclamp, so same amount of time really).

[@ProgressiveTrancer]

Overpriced, would love to own one but 700 bucks ? No thanks. Wood Glue to the rescue, lol