Time to get serious, recommend a record cleaner

[Wardsweb]

Ok there are lots out there. What works well and which ones are not stupid expensive. I guess best bang for the buck. VPI 16.5 ?

[Jack G]

Go for the 16.5 if you are serious. I like it better than the 17.
You have the option of using whatever fluid you wish.
Jack

[WildWest]

Yeah the 16.5 is popular. Glad you are going vacuum. Blow off the initial debri with air (compressor or canned. I like my compressor best) Record Research Labs makes a highly regarded cleaner too. Super vinyl wash and Deep cleaner, can't go wrong!

[reyneman]

There are several machines that are very similar and seem to have their adherents, and many seem to be in a similar price range.

The VPI 16.5 and Nitty Gritty 1.5 or 1.5Fi seem to be the most mentioned, with vocal adherents for both.

I have a 16.5 and am very happy with the results I've received, but I'm sure the NG cleans well also. I don't like not seeing the side being vacuumed per the NG, but adherents claim they're not placing a clean record on a possibly contaiminated surface as you do with the VPI.

New, the 16.5 is $450 at AA while the 1.5 is $420 (just for comparison- don't know the best price on either).

After using a vacuum system, I don't think I will ever go back to listening to vinyl without using one- it makes that much of a difference. I would reccommend the VPI but only because I own it. You would probably be well served by any of the $400 - $500 machines. And since most wear parts are available, a used find could save some $$.

[Bauhausler]

I have a 16.5 and it cleans records like nobody's business. As an accessory I recommend a good pair of over-ear shooting earmuffs to wear while the vacuum is on. The darn thing sounds like a jet taking off in your listening room. Seriously loud, and not conducive to a calm environment for appreciating the nuances of your fine vinyl.
I have been amazed at the difference that a couple of passes on the cleaner has made for cheap and noisy records.
There are as many recommendations on cleaning fluid as there are users. I buy Groovy Cleaner from Bags Unlimited and apply it with a spray bottle from the drug store. For a brush I use a cheap plastic 2" paintbrush with the bristles clipped off to give more pressure on the grooves. Unlike others, I apply a 'rinse' of distilled water all over the side to help lift off the dirty fluid before 'vacuuming'. It may be unnecessary. It is important to occasionally rinse and brush off the velvet strips on the vacuum tube. The dirt collects there and you don't want to smear it over the next side.

[BrianB]

I purchased a VPI 16.5 after owning a couple of Nitty Gritty record cleaners, and the 16.5 simply can't be beat for the price! And no, I'm not a VPI dealer...

[hotgas]

VPI 16.5 rules!

[grumpy]

I use the VPI too. Cept I use the model 16 instead of the 16.5 Main difference is in the vacuum head is on the dust cover of the 16 where as its mounted on plinth of the 16.5. The 16 is cheaper and can be upgraded if you were inclined to spend the extra cash.

Grumpy

[soundhd]

I got a 16.5 on order......I also like the idea of being able to switch fluids around............:D