REVIEW: The Record Doctor VI LP cleaning machine will liberate more music from your LPs

Steve reviews the $299 Record Doctor VI record cleaner, and that little machine gave him a new appreciation for "deep" cleaning. More info here www.pangeaaudi...
The $199 Record Doctor V cleans just as well, www.pangeaaudi...
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Oppo BDP 105 Blu ray player www.oppodigita...
Pass Labs XP30 preamp
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Pass Labs XA25 power amp www.passlabs.c...
Pass Labs XA100.5 power amp
First Watt J2 power amp www.firstwatt.c...
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First Watt SIT3 power amp www.firstwatt.c...
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KEF LS50 speakers
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Emotiva B1+ speakers emotiva.com/pr...
Adam Audio F5 speakers
AudioQuest digital cables www.audioquest...
Kimber digital cable www.kimber.com...
Cardas interconnect cables cardas.com/clea...
JPS Labs interconnects jpslabs.com/co...
Nordost speaker cables nordost.com/le...
AudioQuest power cables www.audioquest...

[@mr.george7687]

Bought my Record Doctor 10 years ago for $99. Still going strong!

[@zachbeck4963]

What a steal!

[@QoraxAudio]

@Luis Abreu Really? I mean, I already have the Knosti, but I'd expect a vacuum machine to be better.

[@QoraxAudio]

@Luis Abreu Lol yeah, I tend not to... but when using the Knosti, I sometimes see there's residue still on the record after drying. So I figured that using a vacuum would remove that residue, resulting in cleaner records.

[@christinearmington]

Good to know!

[@yorkemar]

Good value. I bought my project vcs2 for 450$ aus, but that's alot more..even tho cheaper than normal

[@NoEgg4u]

If you will be getting into a record cleaner for the first time, then you should consider also purchasing new record sleeves. After you clean a record, you want it to remain clean. If you put it back into the old sleeve, then you risk contaminating the record, again. After you clean a record, it will be a while before you have to clean it again (assuming you store your records in a way that prevents dust from falling into the jacket and onto the record). Also, before you put your just-cleaned record on your turntable's platter, be sure that you already just wiped the dust off of your platter. If you have not used your turntable in several days, then there will be dust on it (unless you have a dust cover). Even if you cannot see the dust, it will be there and get transferred to your cleaned record, and it might be audible. Also, if dust transfers from your turntable to your record, then it will get transferred to your record sleeve, too. And the dust transfers are cumulative. So if, after you clean a record, you want it to not have to be cleaned again for a long time, then always dust off your turntable before playing records, and always discard a record sleeve that was holding a record that was not yet cleaned. Also, use a stylus brush to be sure that you are playing with a clean stylus. 1) You do not want dust on your stylus, as it will diminish sound quality, and 2) you do not want dust from the stylus to transfer to your records (and from there to your record sleeves). Lastly, cleaning lots of records, even with fully automatic record cleaners, is a chore. So I suggest that after you clean some records, you keep track of which ones were cleaned. This will prevent you from wasting time cleaning already cleaned records, and you can focus your record cleaning chores on not-yet-cleaned records. And Steve is correct. Clean records sound better. But nothing will help some records that simply were not pressed properly or from good master plates, etc. And before you upgrade your turntable, tone-arm, or cartridge, be sure that you dialed them in correctly, as that will do wonders for improving the sound quality of your records. Every vector of getting your stylus to make love to the record's grooves is vital. Line it up with precision and you will wonder how you lived without doing it before. Cheers!

[@Hare_deLune]

Good advice, but I would add that it is also important to use something to disperse static electricity from your records and equipment. Static electricity buildup happens easily just from handling a record, especially if you're standing on a carpeted surface, and also depending on the material of your record sleeves. The static will attract dust like a magnet, making your cleaning efforts less effective than they should be.

[@anderspersson7084]

@@Hare_deLune How about a humidifier were the records are stored, after living in different locations like coastal and inland areas it's pretty clear that coastal more humid air creates less static electricity in every aspects while some inland climate with much less humidity creates acumulated static electricity in aboundance when the det air makes it harder for electrones to get released and transfer out of objects that doesn't directly is in contact with each others, the humid air may be worse for asthmatic people and dry inland air better but dry inland air is creating huge static accumulation loads in stuff that I never had any problem with in the coastal areas. So is it possible to get ridd of a huge chunk of static electricity by composing the right mix of air humidity.?

[@Hare_deLune]

@@anderspersson7084 To be honest, I really don't know. However, it does make some sense to me. I have also heard some conjecture that cooler, more humid air may improve sound quality somewhat in the listening environment. Even so, you should still benefit from using a tool specifically made to remove static electricity from surfaces. Good luck if you try a humidifier. Just be sure to unplug it while listening to your system! ~_^

[@fletchermunson6225]

Years ago I heard a story about an audiophile who used poly plastic sleeves and due to a fire or some event, the poly sleeves adhered to his albums and destroyed his collection. Hence the pitch for paper sleeves. Whether this is an Audiophile urban legend or just someone's tall tale, I have no idea but I did stop using poly sleeves.

[@billfarrell4387]

I read somewhere that rice paper sleeves work best. I recently pull out a cover that promoted a Supergroup (Dobbie Bros, Seals & Croft, Elvin Bishop, Todd Rundgren, Emmylou Harris, Four Season and more, double record album for $2 back in 1974 , pretty sure sleeve was from a Bonnie Raitt Album so cool (don't throw out the sleeves just supplement them)

[@danootto6382]

Steve, I value your opinion more than most. You are down to earth, and you stay out of the usual audiophile mentality. I waited a long time hemming and hawwing,, over a record cleaning machine. I knew the totally manual, total control ones were financially the right choice. But your input was everything to me, and I bought the RD V version. Thank you for always being there, watching our backs.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

It took me a long time to finally ante up and buy a record vacuum. It was a used record doctor at an estate sale. I cleaned it up and bought some replacement parts to get the thing working like new. It's featured in my video "Record Cleaning Madness 2020". Great machine! Thanks for chiming in, Steve.

[@rpdreviews8272]

I couldn’t agree with you more on record cleaners! I had a Pro-Ject VCS record cleaner and using it improved the sound quality exponentially. Since I bought most of my records at flea markets I needed to thoroughly clean every record before I played it. Well worth the money

[@darrens7040]

thumbs up for the Project machines

[@zachbeck4963]

I love my Record Dr. V! Ive had it for 4 years and its one of the best upgrades I've made to my stereo

[@garysvinyldungeon2764]

I'm on my second Record Doctor just purchased the VI, they work great. Have around 2600 LP's and I clean mine every time I play them.

[@lewtoncole]

I think I have watched every record cleaning video on you tube for the last 6 months! Whew! So today I ordered the Record Doctor V. Think I will be very happy with it!

[@vincerunnerretrobikevince4212]

Whoa. I just started collecting records again during this Covid. I’m up to 150 LPs but I quickly discovered the greatness of this Record Doctor after a few months after the yellow cleaner caused visible scratches.

[@mikewest1542]

Are they pads or brushes on your yellow machine ( spin clean ) I use the Knosti Disco Antistat and never had a problem with it !

[@docdeens4030]

I never thought about cleaning brand new records but now it makes total sense. Thanks Steve

[@carlopastor6161]

Vinyl Vac is the best for me For $30 plus vacuum cleaner wet/dry $50. Works very well. Every day I watch your video. Very informative. More power to you Steve!

[@carlosbauza1139]

The VPI Model 16.5 record washing machine is wonderfully effective...and easy to use.

[@Sunflower0122Z]

I just bought my first turntable in 20 years and I bought a Record Doctor V as well. I am finding that my local transfer station is a treasure trove of old vintage records, for only $2 a piece too, so I knew I had to start cleaning records right out of the gate. So far it has been noticeable improvements on records that I owned for 40 years. Agree wear ear protection.

[@alext2933]

Hi Steve. Cleaning new records is indeed important. People often speak of the release agent, which is true, but there is also the oily residue from the melted pellets themselves during the pressing.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

Just use a CD

[@scottyo64]

@@edwardbalboa5528 just had to do it didn't you

[@jimshaw899]

@@edwardbalboa5528 As in: "Let them eat cake." :)

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Thank you for this one, Steve! I still clean my records by hand with a MoFi-Record brush and special fluid. I bought a few weeks ago some pretty worn out looking records from a neighbor, who had never cleaned them. After a few cycles with the brush an the fluid, the records locked AND sounded like new! Keep on cleaning! :D Best regards from Germany and Happy elections, today.

[@yannick930]

It's the first time I experienced something before Steve. I don't have a record cleaning machine but I always clean my new records by hand. It changed my appreciation of records. No noise, no electro statics.., more dynamic,... It teached me that a record isn't supposed to pop. And to keep it that way you gotta use better sleeves to store them.

[@archstanton9206]

Thank you. I am an older guy who loves music but has been away from the audiophile scene for a long time. Now, I have the time to invest in my music again. This is something I have been wondering about.

[@matthewsallman1700]

I have had a VPI 16.5 for several years. I have been very happy with it. I recently splurged and bought a Degritter ultrasonic machine and was absolutely stunned at the improvement. I am only slightly exaggerating when I say it is like moving up to master tapes from decent LPs. I took it to my local dealer and cleaned a few of their demo records and they were surprised at the change too.

[@turokforever007]

I have been into vinyl for 40+ years and this machine is fantastic. I have a 45 single from 62, and it has been played on many bad turntables over its life span, after cleaning it sounded like a different record.

[@musicforfun5350]

I use a Spin Clean and it's served me well. I may upgrade at some point. I clean every record I buy before playing but I think cleaning records in some safe and reliable manner is a must for anybody who regularly buys used vinyl.

[@danootto6382]

I do use the spin clean then vacuum with the Record Doctor V. Very happy, and I keep my vinyl clean to begin with.

[@bobsykes]

Man, I am glad you’ve FINALLY discovered this! The “Okki Nokki” machine is also relatively low priced, quieter, and rotates the record for you. All of these do an excellent job.

[@jarmonsolutions4662]

Seems like a lot of money for what is essentially a wet dry vac in a box.

[@zachbeck4963]

Okki Nokkis are nice but twice the price of a record Dr. (Which is already expensive)

[@kenblair2538]

Hello Steve, I've been using this " Nitty Gritty Co. of California specializes in hi value professional record cleaners. In 1992, KAB received approval to use the precision Lexan top plate -the heart of every Nitty Gritty model- in an external vacuum record cleaner of our own design, The KAB EV-1. Now celebrating the 28th year of production!" now costs $140. When I bought mine, I also bought a $19 shop vac from Target. Yeh, it took a while to clean my collection, over a winter, but then, as I buy old & new records, they get run through the KAB EV-1. Yes, it was the biggest upgrade to my vinyl equipment. KB

[@jtrude]

Thanks Steve. I was on the fence about buying a Record Doctor. Your straight forward review helped me decide to just go for it.

[@stevenhoman2253]

many years ago i used to hand wash my records in the kitchen sink; much as i would wash my dishes. the improvement in sound was readily discernable.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I agree, I’ve done it many times.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

@WoundrousMindTrick You could try it and tell us! The main thing I think is to protect the label. Pristine labels have value.

[@robertmitchell6015]

I have one of these machines I won it at a Hi Fi show in Melbourne Australia a few years ago I find it hard to turn when vacuuming, and wear hearing protection it is LOUD!! But a good entry level machine. Happy listening

[@Anthony-MK]

Have a VPI 16.5 and have never regretted it. A clean record is a happy record ;)

[@ericyoung7223]

I started out with a Record Doctor about 20 years ago, progressed to a VPI 1.5 and fairly recently upgraded to a Kirmuss Audio KARC-1 which is revelatory. For about $800, this ultrasonic cavitation cleaner absolutely blows doors on vacuum record cleaners. Even with records I thought I'd previously meticulously cleaned, it reveals layer upon layer of previously unheard detail and ambience and dramatically increases three dimensionality, allowing for a deeper emotional connection to the music. (No affiliation.)

[@zachbeck4963]

Thanks for sharing your experience! This definitely makes me want to buy an ultrasonic cleaner when I'm able. Did you notice any significant difference between how well the VPI cleaned records vs the Record Dr.?

[@Colin-yh7oy]

Interested to know running costs of replacing the cleaning fluid for ultrasonic vs. vacuum. Thanks.

[@ericyoung7223]

@@zachbeck4963 The biggest difference between the Record Dr. and the VPI is convenience -- it’s much easier when you don’t have to spin the record yourself, especially when you’re using multiple solutions. As for cleaning efficacy, not a huge difference, although there was a substantial improvement when I quit using a single-step cleaning solution and settled on the Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions package of enzyme solution > cleaning solution > high purity rinse. Knowing what I know now, I would’ve just gone with the KARC-1 (if it was available back then & I had the $$).

[@ericyoung7223]

@@Colin-yh7oy I haven’t done the math, but I think the operating cost of the KARC-1 is maybe a bit higher than the VPI 1.5. With the VPI, I would replace the Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions bottles every six months or so and that was the only expense. With the KARC, you need to replenish about 2 gal. of distilled water every 20 records or so and replace a spray-on surfactant/anti-bacterial solution every 100-150 records depending on how many cycles it takes to clean them (which costs about $24). You’ll also need to buy fresh archival record sleeves and some isopropyl alchohol. Totally worth it though.

[@TheAboriginal1]

For those collectors using discogs (I'd assume most on here) you can use the custom fields to add a method of tracking the last time you deep cleaned a record. I also use custom fields to track when and where I bought my records and for how much.

[@JWD1992]

I do this!

[@Gnofg]

I bought one of the early versions of the record doctor and I used the brush that came with it. Recently, I purchased their new brush and that made a world of difference. If you have an older one buy the new brush.

[@NickP333]

I’m glad you came around, Steve. I just ordered a Record Doctor VI and a tube of Tergikleen. Cleaning your records is an absolutely must for me. It’s just part of playing the medium of vinyl, IMO. Great advice about before buying a new turntable or cartridge, buy a RCM, and make sure you put the clean record in a new MoFi type sleeve. The difference is extremely noticeable. 👍🎶✌️🔊

[@scottyo64]

Hey Nick, how do you like your record Doctor? I have been looking at them

[@NickP333]

@@scottyo64 Hey, Scotty! I love my Record Doctor and would highly recommend one. It really does make a difference as to if you clean your records or not. I bought it for a couple of reasons, the first being that I generally clean a record by really scrubbing it and then giving it a rinse with distilled water, and the vacuum really seems to suck any gunk off improving fidelity by a large margin in many cases. I also bought it because I sell records and want them to be as perfect as possible. Hope that was helpful. You know you can hit me up whenever. Have a good one!

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Hi Steve. Great subject for record owners. I've cleaned all of my collection ( took 2yrs ) with a hybrid model by Okki Nokki wet clean. It's priced right between manual like the r doctor and fully automatic. Definitely clean new records as well. Then store in no scratch/ static resistant sleeves. Lowers the noise floor and highlights the music. Cheers Greg

[@lewtoncole]

Well said. The only thing I would add is regardless of what method you use, add a rinse cycle!

[@presleyfan425v3]

I use the vinyl vac which is a wand that attaches to a wet/dry vacuum, and it really does a great job for me. It has a huge effect on how my records sound, and I don’t need to clean my stylus as often. Wet cleaning makes a big difference whether I’m cleaning a used record or a brand new one. When I play a clean record, the stylus is making correct contact with the groove walls and I am convinced that the stylus is not digging through mold release agent or dirt or oil but is rather only making contact with the bare vinyl itself

[@billsmith1545]

I have the pro ject V2 . I have had it for 4 years now and wouldn't be without it . No snake oil here. It definitely works wonders.

[@linnemeyerhere]

I've owned my Nitty Gritty machine for 30+ and yep it just works !

[@MetalTheet]

I just bought a Watson's recordcleaner and it works really well.

[@ptbfrch]

And, your stylus will thank you! I notice that my styli tend to last longer. I use my 300 USD ultrasonic setup and have the same experience Steve is having sound wise.

[@trippmoore]

I got a Squeaky Clean Record Cleaner for $100 when it was on sale for 15% off. If you already have a shop vac that is exactly like the $300 device you bought. I love it.

[@boblauer5997]

Got some of those adhesive dots from an office supply store and stick on a vinyl outer sleeve with a date on them. I clean as I listen and this helps me identify what has and has not been cleaned and when. Anal yes helpful yes!

[@VinylJunkie1951]

Steve, I respect your advise on our hobby but for you to finally recognize the overall benefit of record cleaning. I have had a older manual Record Doctor and still use after I clean with homemade Sonic Cleaner. You can buy the sonic cleaner unit and mounting kits to spin record for approximately $350.00. It makes the most sonic difference that one gets dollar for dollar. Thanks for all you do.

[@chriwri]

I have the V and love it!!!

[@MikeLindup42]

From what you say, Steve, this sounds like the equivalent of “upgrading your DAC” for one’s vinyl collection?

[@jorgesilva8526]

Hello steve that band "dead combo" is a Portuguese band. Their music mixes fado with spaghetti western-inspired music (especially the compositions of Ennio Morricone), jazz, alternative and world music, thats why you noticed the music it is a kind of movie soundtrack. They are very good!!About the cleaning machine, i have one (project vc-s) since 4 years ago, because i inherited an ancient record jazz collection and my vinyl records get a second live with the cleaning machine.

[@aussierob7177]

Hi Steve. I use a Nitty Gritty manual record cleaner on both new and used records. I mix concentrated record cleaner with distilled water.. Then i use a mold release power cleaner. Then finally record preservative. which binds with the vinyl to stop record wear for about 200 plays. If this is not used, there will be irreversible damage to the record groove on the very first play.

[@onefatstratcat]

I use a Bissell Little Green Machine to suck up my fluid after I lightly scrub with a paint edger.. works like a damn champ!

[@BadChizzle]

I Enjoy your show, Steve. Thanks! Mainly it’s your personality I like, but the music talk is ok too... ✨

[@StewartMarkley]

Back in the 70s, I built a machine to vacuum the water from a record using an old turntable from the 50s and a vacuum pump. It worked well but this Record Doctor machine is a better design and well worth the money I'm sure. The sound of a cleaned record is much better in my experience and gives you the ability to extract as much of the sound pressed into the grooves as possible while dramatically reducing the noise. Take it from me, as I worked for CBS in the 80s and helped record a set of test records. As the last recommendation, play the record wet and record it to a good reel to reel tape recorder if you want to hear the best of analog recordings now and into the future. Back to the future!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Treat the record roughly and put it away wet.

[@homerjones3291]

For those who want something cheaper (and have some of the equipment already), I would suggest getting a Vinyl Vac 33 wand and attach to a small wet/dry vac. The turntable can be an old record player or a lazy susan turntable (Goodwill) with a wooden peg stuck in the middle, with a few circles of felt to keep the record off of the surface. You can also make your own Vinyl Vac wand if you can cut a straight slot in a piece of PVC pipe (turns out I couldn’t) and use the right PVC couplers. If you don’t have any of this stuff already, I wouldn’t bother.

[@homerjones3291]

Actually, I saw an even cheaper wand - the LANMU record cleaning kit that fits Dyson vacs, but I don’t think you can use fluid with this one, because of the type of vac.

[@mmmbbq]

No thanks, spend the extra fifty bucks and get a RDV. Who wants and extra turntable, and a shop vac sitting around? It's monkey business. Cheap monkeys at that.

[@homerjones3291]

@@mmmbbq Like most DIY projects, you can always have someone build a substitute for you instead at a higher cost (and truth be told, the Record Doctors look exactly like somebody’s DIY project). Some people enjoy projects, just like some change their own oil.

[@redstarwraith]

Yeah. I have the Record Doctor V. Those things are crazy noisy for sure. Anyway, thanks for making me feel a little guilty for not having used it lately. I inherited a bunch of records from some friends and they all need a good cleaning.

[@jeromemckenna7102]

If you buy vintage records, you've got to clean them. I've done this manually with old 78s and 45s.

[@alanarakelian5021]

Ultrasonic record cleaning is the gold standard. A DIY ultrasonic cleaning system, with the mandatory filtration, can be put together for about $800 -- and results are mind-blowing. IMO, nothing comes close to record cleaning like ultrasonic (must be careful; read up on do's and don'ts). It blows away standard cleaning machines and really gets deep into the grooves, transforming and opening up the sound (even on new vinyl) like no other. However, the Record Doctor VI, with distilled water, can be a key final step in the process to suction any leftover detergent, etc., from the ultrasonic cleaning.

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

That's the way how I do it. Ultrasonic and vacuuming.

[@EddieJazzFan]

I bought a record doctor "V" last year. It arrived with the sound of something loose inside the unit. After opening it up, there was a loose triangular piece of MDF bouncing around, I guess some sort of cabinet bracing? Anyway, I took it out and re-assembled the unit and it seems to works fine, although it makes you wonder about build quality.

[@dennisheadley4408]

Good video Steve. Maybe sometime you can touch on stylus cleaning.

[@slam854]

Steve, I have the original VPI 16.5 cleaner. Great machine but it does not get it all. I am finding the better solution is to use a Spin Clean type device and then go straight to the Record Doctor V. My choice of cleaning fluids is TM8 although I do have a DIY formula that works very well. For long term record health it's TM8.

[@slam854]

I feel the immersive cleaners like Spin Clean do more to lower the noise floor of a record and then the Record Doctor removes the final fluid and contaminants. This gives you a cleanest possible vinyl.

[@skyler951]

Congrats Steve on your 85th birthday.

[@jesusgavemeaids]

After a lot of research, reading, looking around at pictures, etc...I made my own machine. Really simple, cheap, & most importantly, IT WORKS. All you need is a broken turntable, a mini shop vac, old vacuum attachment wands that you can cut up, a MoFi brush & a cleaning fluid....(continued in next comment)

[@jesusgavemeaids]

I put the dirty record on the old broken turntable. Apply the fluid & use the brush on it. I personally like to let the fluid set on the record for several minutes to help break up any stubborn dirt/dust. Then vacuum up the dirty fluid....(continued)

[@jesusgavemeaids]

To make the wand, use an old vacuum attachment. Seal off one end & connect the other to the hose of the mini shop vac. Drill a hole to fit over the spindle. Then cut another slit the length of the playing surface of the record. Line that slit with velvet or felt so you don't scratch the record.

[@jesusgavemeaids]

I made two wands. One for LPs & one for 7" records. Then I always put the clean records in new MoFi inner sleeves. Trust me, you want to clean your records!!!! This method works. I've been doing it like this for a few years now. It beats paying hundreds (or thousands) for a machine. More money for records or equipment instead!!! ;)

[@tcalixto4v]

Take a look at the Okki Nokki One, it is an excellent machine.

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

At twice the price... For what exactly? The three dollar spinning motor?

[@Condorsat10]

Purchased my first Record Doctor back in 02. Continual daily use since then .. can't remember what it's like to listen to record that has not been cleaned.

[@jamesboyce7467]

Im going to attempt to build a ultrasonic record cleaner from scratch, wish me luck!

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

I did it last year, including a lift and three drying fans. It works excellent

[@pierresternegard6951]

The records doctor vi does the job well. Now i have ALLOT of records and i clean others people's records so i use the NittyGritty mini pro which uses the same priciple as the rd vi. The mini pro does both sides att once and is the fastest machine on the market... By far.

[@jmfloyd23]

I own the VPI 16.5 machine. One of the best investments I’ve made.

[@rd264]

you couldve saved by washing your lps in the sink with a little dish detergent and a microfiber cloth or a record doc, only $200.

[@bigblueocean]

"..... I've been too stubborn" Can't fault a man who's big enough to know when he's wrong.

[@dave21802180]

Very true!

[@Hare_deLune]

Steve, you should try steam cleaning, followed by something to disperse static electricity. The heated water from steam cleaning is excellent for breaking up the waxy, greasy mold release agent put on before the record is pressed, as well as old dirt that is pressed in near the bottom of the groove by the pressure of the stylus. I think you might be equally surprised by the difference you will hear after effective removal of static electricity buildup. Static electricity can also be dispersed from cables to good effect, if you try it. : )

[@Hare_deLune]

@Jason Hoffer I haven't personally had a chance to use it. My vinyl collection has been in storage for a long time. However, I have read about it. It's not difficult to look up information about it. : )

[@travissolomon6976]

I haven’t had record cleaning machine since I have been still looking for one. It was interesting how does effect the sound example when the song repeat over and over I was huh? I had to readjust the tone arm and cartridge as well. So it wasn’t the problem and it was the something in the groove and it what it make repeat the song. So I want to say thank you for video and reasonable prices as well.

[@bimmer100timc]

There are a lot of good record cleaning machines, I’ve tried a couple and have been quite happy with the Kirmuss branded one. It’s amazing how a deep clean can bring a record to life!

[@francescotenti193]

Steve, was the bad experience you had in the past with records cleaning related to the Spin Clean machine which has been around since the 70's?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, not spin doctor

[@vitortavares5759]

Dead Combo, excellent band from Portugal. 👌

[@PanAmStyle]

The biggest revelation is that Steve DOES wear shirts that are neither bright and colourful nor have text imprinted!

[@fletchermunson6225]

I also noticed a while back that we have the same collection of Sherlock Holmes stories taking up shelf space.

[@alexstewart8097]

By the many headphones YOU COULD SEE hanging on his background , Steve is for sure a SEEKER of true sound...Pray you are one too. You better believe it is a sad way to go through life without ever hearing true Fidelity from on High... and much more so, as you get older, and realize that in the end it is all vanity of vanities...like a very wise man , who had it all, once said...

[@PanAmStyle]

@@alexstewart8097 Well ... that’s strange.

[@mortlach186]

I'm not a newbie at record cleaning. I pretty much started cleaning records about the same time I became an audio enthusiast in the seventies(High school) on a Keith Monks machine that my local dealer had, free to customers so that was my first exposure to a machine where a disc washer was what I and many owned at the time used and a terrible device it was. A decade later I purchased an early VPI 16.5. It was ugly and looked like it was made in a junior high shop class, not to mention extremely noisy, leaky, and requiring maintenance plus I couldn't just put it away when not in use so I was always looking at it. It worked but I always thought the K M machine was better so I dumped the VPI. Maybe ten years later I purchased a Spin Clean and was quite pleased with it(really lowered the noise floor), but in the back of my mind thought a vacuum machine would still do a better job so I bought a Record Doctor with the bearing upgrade, essential as it creates a much more stable platter. I thought here, this was the way to go; compact in size, cleans as well as any vacuum machine, and simple in that it was as manual as it could get so reliable. Tips; prepare lp's on a flat surface and create something to rotate them on. Use Mofi cleaning pads, I have three or four. Why? You may want to use different cleaning solutions, enzymatic, deep cleaning products plus rinse agents so it's not a good idea to mix them, hence the different pads, and brushes. I don't know about your two minutes per record though, I could get through maybe three lp's in an hour. But all this required taking over my dining room to do and eventually got tiring. So, I want to rap this up and get to the moral of the journey; a dealer about a mile from me sells or has sold all three major cavitation machines. One went out of business but came back, the German model(Audio Desk), broke down a lot with kind of pricy maintenance parts and the Estonian made machine, Degritter. I bought a Degritter. The best machine that I ever used. The audio dealer also has a large used record business and the Degritter just works and works and works. About The size of a four toast toaster, nothing but a reusable filter to replace and you can use material from your local builder supply or hardware store, they're cool with that. It tells you when maintenance is required. And even after enzymatic cleaning on a vacuum machine cleaning in the Degritter noticeably improves sonics. It sits on a small table under a window in my dining room. Simply drop a record in, choose cleaning method , and hit start. Now go do whatever else you were doing. When finished , record is clean , dry, and ready to play. Yes, the price. I thought it was expensive until I used it. It turned cleaning records from an annoying chore to an after thought, plus that sometimes feeling that I could clean lp's better. Heck, I could simply press start and clean it again. It's the best or as good as any other machine and the least expensive to operate.

[@Staybrown11]

I use tegikleen. I’ve never heard my records sound this great. Try it.

[@j.p.5397]

Hello Mr. Guttenberg, my apologies for being "off topic", I asked this question on your Emotiva GR1 headphone review but didn't get a reply... I am wondering if you used a headphone amplifier while reviewing the Emotiva's and if so which one. I have a Shiit Audio Magnius but I only use it for driving very high impedence headphones as it puts out some serious power around 32 ohms which is what the Emotiva's are. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Love the channel. Can't live without my daily dose of audio talk. Thanks, JP.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I used a Mytek Brooklyn DAC/ headphone amp. I don’t see any problem using a high power amplifier, you’ll just have the volume control at the lower end of its range

[@jeffjames4064]

I get pretty good results with warm water and dawn dish soap.

[@steveluck9541]

Need a zerostat gun after as the vacuum based cleaners can put a lot of static on your records maybe that’s down to atmospheric conditions on the day. You can end up with more pops and crackles.

[@scottyo64]

This is the biggest problem out here in the Desert Southwest, static.

[@zulumax1]

Your record mat makes a huge difference. Felt mats are the worst sticking to the record as you lift it off. A non conducive platter like acrylic also isolates the static. Most 70’s and 80’s turntables used aluminum platters and carbon infused rubber mats to wick away the static.

[@mmmbbq]

I think it comes down to how fast you spin the record when you turn it. I rarely need to do that after a clean. But I turn it slowly.

[@Hare_deLune]

Static also attracts dust right back onto the record like a magnet. Definitely important to get rid of static.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@Hare_deLune like a b52 dramatic

[@mikewest1542]

Ok , for years I’ve been using the Knosti Disco Antistat manual cleaner and for the last couple of weeks been using the Pro-ject VCE but I have been disappointed, firstly the vent at the top of machine blows out a sort of condensation on the reverse of the side you’re cleaning and secondly the beginning and end of record ( edge and other end , gap between label and run out ) is not dry and i don’t notice any difference between this and the Disco Antistat cleaner, I have a week to take it back, so do I now buy the Record Doctor 5 , the VCE has a motor to spin record and the Record Doctor does not , what does everyone think?

[@marka.5135]

How is the noise level compared to other RCMs, or perhaps in comparison to the standard blender/juicer machine to make smoothies? That's one of the main reasons I haven't gotten an RCM since selling my Nitty Gritty decades ago. I want to come back as a lot of these new, poorly-pressed reissues are dirty as hell, not to mention major static issues through the roof!

[@Colin-yh7oy]

Steve, may I suggest in your video, you replace your words "scrubbing gently" at 3:55, with "spreading the fluid across", otherwise it might alarm or even horrify a few people to the prospect of using a RCM :) The bristles of the brush are unlikely to be fine enough to penetrate the grooves or actually cause damage through "scrubbing", and the purpose is simply to guide the fluid across the record and ensure even coverage. After the fluid itself has had time to settle into the groove and loosen any muck down in there, the vacuum sucks it all out. In saying that, sometimes a record can benefit from two or three cleans in succession. I've done this with some pre-owned records and have heard an improvement each time, even though the vinyl looked spotless. I will also use a combination of cleaning fluids, starting with a solvent-based "pre-wash" if you like, immediately followed by a non-solvent-based one, if the record is really grimy. My cleaned records don't attract as much surface dust as before, though popping them into a new, anti-static sleeve probably helps. Like you're saying, visible surface dust can be brushed away before each play, but it's the fine micro-dirt that gets ground into the groove by repeated plays and static that needs to be flushed out, so that the stylus can track the groove walls without the gunge. It's another way of making your precious vinyl and stylus last longer, too.

[@alm5693]

You spent some time comparing the RD VI to more expensive machines, but I'm wondering how it compares to the even more manual Spin Clean record cleaner that costs about $80. How much value does the vacuum feature add to the cleaner? Does counting on the brushes instead of the vacuum to get the gunk out of the grooves greatly reduce how effectively it cleans?

[@monochromios]

The best money I've ever spent for my beloved vinyl. I had to buy it because often new records come really dirt from production residuals. Once cleaned the sound is so beautiful. Five/seven minutes for fantastic sounds? Yes, please. Great one Steve, thank you for sharing

[@phillipzx3754]

Do they make a digital version? I have some bits that could use a cleaning. ;-) As always, Steve, great video. You have an "addictive" video presentation. I think it's that opening sound track you use that sucks us in. :-)

[@bigjay1970]

Very true discussion regarding record cleaning. Just don't spend silly$$$$ on it!🤔🤫😊

[@anthonysmith4449]

Steve, Would you recommend using a RCM over Perfect Vinyl Forever service for new records?

[@scottspinner1]

Once cleaned got to put a new inner sleeve on.and speak to your pal fremer about it.

[@progressiveguy9959]

Steve spent 10 years in therapy because of his previous experience with a record cleaning machine.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

What made it worse was the therapist kept saying "Steve, we need to get down to the nitty gritty"

[@progressiveguy9959]

@@JohnDoe-np3zk 😂😂😂

[@progressiveguy9959]

@@JohnDoe-np3zk Then Steve said...."Let me see my RECORD, DOCTOR."

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@progressiveguy9959 first he rolled up his sleeves and clenched his fists

[@laurelhardy4064]

Yes, I have noticed that too, after cleaning records the music seems to be quieter, so don't clean them too many times otherwise you won't able to hear them.

[@2010stoof]

So do you need to clean the pads surrounding the vacuum hole? Or they just wear out and you replace?

[@joet_swbo101]

How do you get the dirty fluid out? The chamber that holds the dirty fluid, what's it made of? I've heard some are made of a composite wood and over time gets moldy. Thanks

[@rocdocs]

WHat is the difference between the VI and the V? Anyone know?

[@victorsixtythree]

So, Steve -just curious, now what's your strategy for cleaning ALL of you LP's? You could sit down and systematically clean all of them say, shelf by shelf or however you have them stored. Or you could just clean each record right before you listen to it - but then you run the risk of forgetting which records you have already cleaned (Of course not a problem if you intend to clean each record before listening even if it's already been cleaned recently).

[@skaramicke]

First! Love your stuff Steve :)

[@paulopereira6996]

Dead Combo! Great band! They are portuguese, unfortunately they disband last year. I'm amazed that you know them.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Okay, wonderful. After manually cleaning a record, why use a vacuum cleaner? By attaching the hose assembly, that has brush hairs at the edge, point the hose toward the surface of a record to clean deeper within the grooves of the record. Although certainly not as powerful, and efficient as the above super record cleaning machine, could that method of DYI work?

[@antigen4]

i just wash my records under the tap if they are getting a bit dusty ... easy peasy. i like playing them when not QUITE dry to clean out any residual sludge.

[@roamlikekane]

Do I get the V or the VI? Are the modifications worth the extra money?

[@benjiebarker]

watching fantasia 2000 on disney +...do you think it's a good way to demo speaker system?

[@hugobloemers4425]

A record cleaner is actually a no brainer but I have to admit, I also don't have one. But I do have a question (to Steve as well): Would you rather spend $1000,- on a record cleaner or cables if you had to choose only one and you do not have a record cleaner yet and you still have no boutique cables?

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

I don't think I'd spend $1000 but if you're asking what makes a difference, cleaning or cables I'll go with cleaning.

[@jimshaw899]

I will never forget the eye roll Parker gave you when you told him you wash your records in the kitchen sink with dish detergent. Look up your interview with Parker to see it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r52zdaGQdrGph7M I bought a Spin Clean many years ago, and it worked. But each cleaning session, I had to get out the distilled water, mix the solution, fill the tank, clean the brushes, spin the records by hand several times, and then let them drain and wipe them dry. I would end up with records drying all over the kitchen. Yeah, it worked well, but was a major PITA. Even my ladyfriend started asking me, "You're not gonna invite me over to help you clean records, are you?" (I still have about 600 to go.) A couple of months ago, I bought the "Audio-Technica AT6012 Record Care Kit with Record Care Solution, Brush Pad, Storage Base." Just before I play a record, I put a few drops of solution in the top of the brush (if I haven't used it for a while), then clean the vinyl on the turntable -- just the side I'm going to play. The cleaner's base also has a scraper that removes the detritus before the next cleaning.Voila! The recording sounds as good as the old cleaning procedure. Hardly a tick or a pop to be heard. And -- no fingerprints from handling. $18.95 from Amazon. Oh, by the way, keeping your stylus clean is important too. I use the Audio Technica Stylus Cleaner AT607 for that purpose, also available at Amazon ($12.99) Try these for yourself. I hope your experience is as good as mine. Oh, and you don't have to find a place to PUT a separate record cleaner. The AT device sits next to the turntable base, about 2 inches x 5 inches x 1-1/2 inches high.

[@Scopolamine46]

I believe that most of what is being cleaned out of the grooves is the mold release compound when the vinyl is pressed. I used to clean my records years ago but I found that I was getting more pops and static after cleaning then before I started. At that point I decided to use last record cleaner and last record treatment which I was satisfied with. Most of the records that I purchase now are audiophile quality and don't need this process in my IMO.

[@kev5621]

I use a spin clean and then throw it on the Record Doctor 5. I have the upgraded handle and washer. Basically turns it into the 6 for the price of the 5. Best cleaning method I’ve ever used.

[@scottyo64]

I would love to know if you are still using a record cleaner?

[@raythomas4812]

Mine arrived today - its noisy - but I don't care as long as it works, don't appear to be much suction for something so noisy , should i be able to feel the suction ?

[@kloss213]

Mine is going strong its over 15 years old now