Cleaning with the Record Doctor VI...

[@revfogle]

I received this for Christmas last year and I really, really like it! When I get a new, or new to me, LP, my consistent practice is to clean them on my record doctor (I use their concentrate…much more cost effective), put them on a dish drain to make sure they’re totally dry before I ever drop the needle. If More than a few records I use my Spin Clean and then dry on the Record Doctor.

[@davidsaunders5959]

Thanx for the good review ATTACK. Keep up the good content as always!!!!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks!

[@johnvillano3024]

I love my record doctor. Yes, it is a manual cleaner, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I use the Groovy HiFi TM8 cleaning solution and that has been the best for me. It takes me about 30-45 seconds to clean each side of the record, so it is not super time consuming to me. It is the best affordable machine out there in my own opinion….. I would definitely give it a try for yourself…

[@Classic.Hits-335.artists]

Excellent and informative presentation.. You are very articulate. Thank you.

[@thevinylattack]

I appreciate you saying so.

[@olivieramar1]

I’ve got one of these. It’s amazing. Upgrades most records grades at least one level and makes quiets quieter. One thing that you omitted is that they also sell a concentrated version of their solution that you can mix yourself. Cuts the price even more. Lastly, the noise of mine isn’t as pronounced as yours. You may want to check with them.

[@thevinylattack]

Every vacuum machine I've used was about this loud. I'd say it's pretty normal.

[@jonathansilva9848]

Great review, like usual! Love the Ch 33 RPM, also 😃 I use a similar cleaning method, called squeakycleanvinyl out of Canada. Mine costed approx $180 USD, with similar results. Something to think about 😃 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@sandyfader4649]

Hi Chris I agree you need to take the time on the second half of the process which is spinning it long enough for the records to get completely dry. I am as inpatient as the next guy but keeping it going until you see all the moisture gone is the way to go. I would also put the top spinning piece on the record before you apply the fluid to protect the label. Another great video and I do love my white Record doctor 6 a lot..worth the $ without breaking the piggy bank.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm impatient too. That's probably why I bought a fully automated machine. Laziness, lol.

[@sandyfader4649]

@@thevinylattack Well you know what they say laziness is the mother of invention. Or was that Frank Zappa? LOL.

[@moonytheloony6516]

Yeah, this will be wordy as usual...I warned ya. Chris, ya done another good video once again! A year ago I was comparing the Record Doctor VI to the very similar Pro-Ject version and could not see the justification of paying more so I went with the Record Doctor VI with the Carbon Fiber wrap because that's the style of wrap the Batman would choose when cleaning his records in the Bat Cave...and it looks great. You can show it off to friends & family alike who will think you're the coolest person to ever walk this planet since The Fonz. After a year of using the Record Doctor VI I'm extremely happy with its performance and the results. Chris, as always l do very much appreciate the work you put into this channel. It shows. I have a few tips and recommendations for those of you considering to purchase or having just bought the Record Doctor VI. 1. The turning knob. It lacks a "12 o'clock" marker which can make it difficult to accurately count your complete rotations. I painted a white arrow on mine to resolve that issue. You can also use a small piece of painter's tape as well. 2. BEFORE applying the cleaning fluid onto your record, put the turning knob on FIRST, this will protect your record label when applying the cleaning fluid. 3. When applying the cleaning fluid, be a little generous when needed or be very generous. Don't hesitate to let the cleaning fluid sit on the record for about 2-3 minutes after you spun it with your brush. When using the brush spin the record both clockwise and counter-clockwise for a total of 4 revolutions. Do more if necessary. Usually 4 does the trick for me. 4. After you flip the record over to begin the vacuum process, don't be in such a hurry. After you engage that whisper-quiet vacuum that Chris complained about 😜 turn that knob kinda slow but steady thereby giving that vacuum a chance to effectively do what it does. Clockwise & Clockwise turns won't hurt either. 3 spins and it'll be dryer than the average American Desert. 4 spins might be required if the record has a serious amount of fluid on it. 5. Stay aware of how long you're operating it. After long continuous use, it will get very warm. This is normal. When that happens, unplug it and give it a couple of hours to cool down to room temp and restart where ya left off. 6. Use a clean and preferably unused toothbrush to clean the felt-like pads at the top of the unit. Replacement pads are easy to find online. My Product Recommendations! 1. CLEANING FLUID : The supplied cleaning fluid is good. I bought the concentrate and mixed it with Distilled water which is very cost effective... However, TM-8 Super Record Cleaning Fluid is even better. It's especially effective on dirty, disgusting, grimy, greasy, scummy, extra filthy records, especially used records. It's also great for records less filthy. Give it a try! 2. THE BRUSH : The supplied record cleaning brush that comes with the Record Doctor VI is very good for what it does, but Mobile Fidelity offers a brush that does an even better job of getting into those pesky grooves. It can be used for both wet & dry cleaning but I recommend having a dedicated brush for the wet application. I believe they even offer a replacement pad for their brushes as well. It does a fantastic job of getting into those grooves and moving the fluid around. ONE MINOR COMPLAINT : I have one minor complaint and it's not the noise coming from the vacuum. It's quieter than the Red October submarine for crissakes...(Chris seems to think because he has sensitive hearing like Marvel's Daredevil so does the entire planet...more on this claim in a moment) It's the time it takes to cooldown if it gets really warm. It's easily 90 minutes. Maybe more. The owners manual will tell you that the room temp cool down will take awhile so keep that in mind. Now back to Chris's ears... All kidding aside, this thing is kinda loud. Is it as loud as Chris claims? It's quite possible... It could depend on two things, your hearing sensitivity and the size of the room in which you're using it. I recommend using this in the largest room of your home. I didn't use any ear protection (i don't have a lot of records) when I operated it, but I was using it on my kitchen table in my home that has a very large open floor plan so loud it kinda is...but not remotely at an irritating or even ear ringing level. But that's just me. I'm also not saying you shouldn't wear something on your ears. If used in a medium sized to very small room (like a 10x10) it will certainly get very loud and ear protection should be used. Chris made a very good & valid point and it's worth your time to wear ear protection. Moving forward, I'm doing as he recommended as well. You can't be too careful with your hearing. I can say that if you use this Record Doctor VI inside a small or very small room with shellacked walls, your head will literally explode most suddenly and quite violently, just like those people in the movie "Scanners" from 1981. Just Sayin'

[@samuraix73]

Great review as always Chris. They have always been helpful. I just got my hands on a Schiit Mani 2, based on your recommendations of the original Mani in a previous video. I have to say the sound quality difference was amazing compared to the integrated phono stage in my receiver. I can't wait for you to do a review on this. Cheers from Trinidad!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm hoping to get my hands on one soon.

[@NickP333]

I’ve owned my Record Doctor VI for aprox a year now, and I like it quite a bit. I use it with Tergiklleen and ilfotol in distilled water which I put in a spray bottle, as I’m also a bit suspicious of the supplied cleaning fluid. Although it’s a manual process, I’d recommend this RCM to anyone. It’s a bargain for what it’s able to do. For a great way to see how to clean records, check out The Vinyl Archivist’s method on his channel and how he also uses a vacuum based cleaner as well in his video.

[@ScottAClarke]

I have a Record Doctor 5, which is the same thing with less blingy finishes. Still looks fine, and I purchased the accessory cover, so glad I didn’t pay more for finishes only visible when it’s in use. I’ve cleaned 200 records at least once now. I’ve been using Audio Intelligent #6 for first cleanings and the Record Doctor stuff subsequently. My results have been very consistent with Chris’. Great to see the microscope views, and thanks for the warning about drying! You do have to check. One tip: I found that I got better results when drying by going a few revolutions, periodically alternating direction of rotation.

[@Channel33RPM]

Cheers Chris - like the shirt :)

[@thevinylattack]

Me too.

[@VinylRescue]

I bought a Nitty Gritty some years ago and I do like the automated rotation while cleaning and drying. I've never tested the noise level on it, but now I may just for fun!

[@thevinylattack]

It might be worth a look. That noise can sneak up on you after a while of use.

[@JWD1992]

I have one coming in the mail. I need a way to suck the loosened crud out. I have used the Spin Clean for years, but I have long known there is a lot left behind. One day I will get a Loricraft, but until then, this should work much better than my current method. I will definitely put on the ol' earmuffs intended for firearms when using it, though. Funny dilemma there with not having another dirty record to test the other solution on. I wish I had that problem!

[@thevinylattack]

The vacuum will certainly improve your records dramatically from what you have. I'd pass on the Loricraft for a Degritter if you end up wanting to spend that kind of money.

[@canyoneagle]

Great review - thanks for posting this! I just got a VI and really like it - great results. A friend has an old VPI machine, which is more automated, but the Record Doctor does the trick for me. I am fairly liberal with the solution.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad to hear it's working so well for you.

[@canyoneagle]

@@thevinylattack worth mentioning that the VI is on sale at Crutchfield for $80 off (no affiliation) so for others it a great price point

[@theHeartlessNooB]

I just got mine today. I cleaned one record with the solution it came with. Do I spray the album with distilled water and run it through the machine again? Or is that not needed? I know that with Tergikleen you have to rinse with plain distilled water after using it.

[@thevinylattack]

I recommend it, but I like to rinse all of my records after a wash.

[@timcollins9800]

Good video 🙂Should i buy this for £245 or a Knosti Disco Antistat Generation II Plus which is £90?Is it worth paying the extra £155 over the Knosti?

[@thevinylattack]

That really depends on your budget. A vacuum cleaning machine is always going to remove more dirt that something like the Knosti.

[@timcollins9800]

Thanks for getting back to me.I have decided to get the Pro-Ject VC-E2 i can get it on eBAY 10% price off.🙂I don,t know why people don,t own Knosti mk2 over the Spin Doctor as it has the horse hare brushes plus you don,t have the plastic bits that you have to change to a 7inch disc.£269 for the Pro-Ject is as high as i can go

[@MichelLinschoten]

I have a simple hand machine , I don't have enough records to even justify a vacuuming one. Still great review and very valid point about the excessive sound

[@thevinylattack]

I don't know that you need a lot of records to justify cleaning them well.

[@jayhollopeter7408]

"Cerebral Prowess"....the name of my next, all kazoo, Tool tribute band!

[@thevinylattack]

I like it.

[@dondieu3154]

Thanks for the info. but I think I'll stay with my SpinClean. It does a decent job of cleaning the record, I then use a soft towel to do away with most of the moisture, and then put the records on a plastic stand in front of a fan for about an hour. Clean and dry!. Has worked really well for me.

[@thevinylattack]

While the spin clean does a fair job, this is a superior clean for sure.

[@TLA1014]

Seems like a cost effective record cleaning machine. I like the Spin Cleaner and think I'll stick with it. I really wish I had the $$$ for a Degritter though.

[@MD-wk3gj]

How well do you think a basic hand cleaning would compare to your testing/camera examination? I’ve been using Spin Clean solution with distilled water and a microfiber towel. The results seem good and it’s definitely an affordable alternative. I’d love a great system that was more automated and vacuumed the surface but I’ve yet to see any reviews that show a perfect system so for now the cheap way will need to do.

[@thevinylattack]

Hand washing and spin cleans have a little trouble getting dirt from the grooves in my experience.

[@MD-wk3gj]

@@thevinylattack so then is the real game changer for best results some type of suction to lift the dust and dirt? (Get ready shop vac, you’re in the music business now friend!)

[@thevinylattack]

@@MD-wk3gj The vacuum does indeed make a difference.

[@mikewest1542]

Maybe it might be cheaper to use a spin clean with a vacuum cleaner attachment that wont scratch the record , problem solved , and a whole lot cheaper !

[@kyron42]

Would have been good to get a before and after sound sample.

[@thevinylattack]

KZbin doesn't allow for that sadly.

[@andrewconger5045]

I've contemplated how this would work in conjunction with my Vinyl Style Deep Groove Cleaners ( their version of a Spin Clean). I thought it might be more effective than either process on its own.

[@Vinylfromtheunderground]

My record Dr 5 works great!! Just make sure you use excellent 1 step cleaner like AI formula no. 6!

[@Gr13fKvlt]

Hey Chris I have a question for you. I sincerely trust your advice and hope that you take the time to read and answer this for me. I’m concerned about my leather turntable mat contaminating my records after I clean them. How should I go about cleaning a leather turntable mat? Thanks for your time.

[@thevinylattack]

What is it about leather you think would contaminate something?

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

I haven’t found anything better than ipa. Tried many sprays/solutions… they all ruin grooves and stylus with their gunk, excessive conditioners, residue, attract dirt, etc.

[@brochg]

Hi Chris! Thank you so much for all of your great content! I thought I saw in your previous videos what kind of inner and outer sleeves you use, but I can’t find it now. Would you happen to remember which video that was? Thank you!

[@thevinylattack]

I generally use the Mofi inner sleeves and Vinyl Storage Solutions for my outers.

[@brochg]

@@thevinylattack Thank you!

[@jamesmcmillan6350]

Shur-Line 1520C 1-1/2-Inch Trim and Touch-Up Pad, 1.5 inches id MUCH better than the brush. I have used both!

[@thevinylattack]

Interesting. I might have to look into that.

[@mmmbbq]

Try LAST brushes. About the same price and you don't need to load up a giant pad with solution.

[@jamesmcmillan6350]

@@mmmbbq just put the solution on the record use like a brush it works great and its gets in grooves better

[@mmmbbq]

@@jamesmcmillan6350 I do put it on the record. A paint applicator does not work better than a brush designed for the job.

[@vagrantpistol]

You are 100% right. There's nothing like a Guinness. Its the only Beer I drink. ...and I don't like beer.

[@helthuismartin]

Use washingbenzine for cleaning.

[@mikekuhn214]

I notice this machine gets hot only washing a few records so I have a fan pointed at it 2 keep it cool

[@thevinylattack]

I didn't experience that. You might consider contacting the manufacturer if it's getting hot enough to warrant concern.

[@jasonturg2053]

Great video as always! What do you think about the degritter? Is it worth the money?

[@nanchanger]

depends

[@thevinylattack]

Absolutely.

[@jasonturg2053]

Depends on what?

[@nanchanger]

@@jasonturg2053 go with Chris, he knows his stuff...

[@BatuTetric]

Wanted to ask what's your personal Tergitol to distilled water ratio

[@thevinylattack]

I use about 15 drops to a gallon of water.

[@BatuTetric]

@@thevinylattack Hey man, I started making my own cleaning solution after finishing the record doctor one, but I seem to be having problems with it not sticking as between the grooves, and when I pour enough to cover the dry spots properly I end up spilling after turning the record around to vacuum it, would you suggest using more Tergitol or do you think it could be something else in their solution?

[@thevinylattack]

​@@BatuTetric It's hard to say without being there. I'd try some different amounts and see what you get.

[@mjallenuk]

Brilliant review ... however I won't be buying one after the horror story my local supplier told me of his bad luck with a couple of records that ended up destroyed because he didn't spot the nasty gritty whatever before flipping the record to clean. Instant cataclysmic ruin of expensive vinyl. He switched to a top vac cleaner and never looked back. Something to consider. There no benefit in not seeing the cleaning action in progress... I always respect someone with decades worth of experience.

[@williamharper7]

Is it worth 330 bucks?

[@dracoss8695]

With My Nitty Gritty I will clean the felt pad that the record sits on at the vacuum opening. With a Vacuum.... After a few cleans the dust accumulates there, all part of the process.

[@thevinylattack]

Solid advice.

[@VMX1.]

Great review Chris. Thank you . Personally I have used several cleaners over the years...but in the end I have to say I have found the Spin Clean to be really good for what it is....And it's pretty Yellow!!...8P But seriously....I do find it really good for the price point. Also I have to add Chris because I have been wondering this since I have been coming to your channel. How did you come up with your channel logo? The vinyl record beaming up a cow in the woods? Brilliant!!!....LOL.... I really like it but if you don't mind?....how did you come up with it..or maybe make an episode about it? Thanks...:) All the best man....be safe. Rod.

[@thevinylattack]

I don't really have a story for that. I somehow got it in my head that it would be clever, so I made it.

[@kevinpimentel6957]

better then the humming guru?

[@thevinylattack]

I haven't done a direct comparison (yet), but I wouldn't be surprised if it did clean better than the Humminguru.

[@cameronw8930]

Record Dr over the humminguru???

[@thevinylattack]

Tough call. I'd probably go with the Record Dr.

[@nanchanger]

Chris, or anyone else have a recipe for an alcohol free cleaning solution?

[@thevinylattack]

Tergikleen and water.

[@nanchanger]

@@thevinylattack Thanks!

[@thevinylattack]

@@nanchanger No worries.

[@nanchanger]

@@thevinylattack ratio?

[@thevinylattack]

@@nanchanger It's on the Tergikleen bottle. I think I use 17 drops per gallon of distilled water.

[@williamharper7]

OK....Help me out here.......How do YOU clean YOUR records????? I've got to know.

[@thevinylattack]

I use a Degritter.

[@williamharper7]

@@thevinylattack I've been away from vinyl for some time now. Back in the day I used Discwasher D2 cleaning system without paying too much attention to getting records dry afterward. I see that vinyl has come along way since and would appreciate detail of what fluids, brushes, dryers etc. can be used to get the dust out of my records which are costing me close to $200 apiece with tax and shipping compared to the $5 I was paying back in the dark ages.

[@mmmbbq]

I've had the RD V for about 5 years now. It may be the best $200 I ever spent. You have to keep in mind, it's not the Record Dr. that does the cleaning, it's just a vacuum. IMO, that bristled brush they give you sucks. It took me a month to realize, the handle had a cover that exposed a velvet brush. doh! Much better. That said, I now use LAST brushes. I think they're the best and most economical. Also, do your cleaning on the other side, not over the lips of the vacuum. Think about it. The initial cleaner they supplied was great, and when I ran out, I made a batch of the concentrated stuff they sell. It was terrible. It would just bead off the record. Then I added 99.9% pure isopropyl and a drop of Dawn and it works great, no rinsing required. I should make a video on the "right" way to use this machine, because everybody else I've seen is doing it wrong.

[@thevinylattack]

It seems a bit presumptuous to say that your way is the only way to use this machine.

[@mmmbbq]

@@thevinylattack I know, I was trying to be funny. But seriously, I've perfected using that machine.

[@thevinylattack]

@@mmmbbq Dry humor is so hard to read on the internet. I have that trouble all the time.

[@hoobsgroove]

I don't think it gives you an accurate test adding dirt. for one the dirt is not endeard to the record grooves and will sit loosely on the record, because of lack of passage of time the glue "effect" sounds like that solution it comes with mouthwash that's classed as an industrial cleaner does it smell minty 😂 but more likely that is classed as an industrial clean as well is contact cleaner with peroxide. try some adblue it's cheap just add a few drops of car soap without wax

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

KAB EV-1 is better and cost $100 less.

[@thevinylattack]

And also requires a separate vacuum. That alone takes up the $100, adds bulk to the system, and an additional element. To each their own, but I'd take the all-in-one.

[@MD-cy6pe]

what more could you ask for? my record doctor v for $199.

[@thevinylattack]

That wouldn't be more, that would be less.

[@MD-cy6pe]

@@thevinylattack monetarily yes, but value-wise, more.

[@TripleE76]

1st, haha