I bought this brand new about EIGHT years ago. I moved almost right after buying it, got sick, and I'm just now taking it out of the box again!!

I know I put it back in the box while it still had fluid in it. I was not planning on getting sick! I was going to set it up again right way. That didn't happen.

So what to do I need to take apart to get to the tank so I can clean out whatever has dried up in there over the years???? Is there anything else I should do before cleaning records with it again? I've got some used records from thrift stores to "practice" on.

Thanks!

Sounds like a Steven Segal Movie! (Mason Storm)
Find Kelly LeBroc, and you got it made, forget the Machine!!!! lol :-)

Seriously Columbo, if Platter, and Vacuum Motors will fire up, don't worry about it too much. Whatever dried up in the recovery tank is probably nothing more than a ultra thin film of residue, no more than probably the thin layer of dust that might currently reside on your coffee table. I'm sure there's nothing like an accumilation of dirt, in which you could grow potatoes in.

Wipe Machine off, Pull cover on bottom, Blow out machine (if you think it needs it) Check Hose fittings, etc, do a visual, put back together, and about all that might be bad with it, is you might need a pair of new Velvet Strips on Vacuum Wand, or a new Vacuum Wand. The Velvet Strips can be gotten from Disc Doctor, or a new wand can still be gotten from VPI. Mark

HI,
Congrats for having one of the best RCM's. I have an HW-17 too and it has cleaned many thousands of records over decades of use with no trouble.

I can't answer your question directly because I have never had a need to service the machine. But here's what I think.

Don't do anything! Just pour some fluid into the reservoir (don't fill it up yet), bleed the system with the pump button and clean a record you don't care about in case some nasties come out. A Rolling Stones LP will do (opps, I have just offended somone but it is very important to choose just the right unwanted record :banana:). I don't think any will. Nor do I think any of the passages will be plugged up. This machine is not a precision device with tiny openings. It is a brute force gadget that will pass everything from cleaning fluid to engine oil. I'm exagerating, of course. But you get the idea. You have nothing to loose by trying what I suggest. Worst case is you might have to replace the brush but probably not.

I believe the machine will work perfectly. You will be good to go. In case you want the best advice, call VPI. Why ask us idiots???

Check back in with your results.

Good Luck, Sparky

This machine is like brand new! I maybe cleaned 10 records with it before boxing it up again. Opening the box again was almost like opening it for the first time. No dust or fingerprints.

I assumed the left side panel would reveal the tank. Nope, it doesn't budge. So I removed the bottom and was suprised there still was fluid in the hoses! The tank had a small amount left in in too....good thing I left the plug in!

The inside of the clear tubing had some brownish stuff stuck to it. Maybe mold? I'll try flushing some water through it first, letting it run into a bowl. If the residual doesn't go away, I'll get some more tubing. Other than the tubing, it's a clean as the day I bought it, motor turns just fine.





.....on second thought, I'm just going to replace the tubing since it's cheap and easy (not unlike me!). Would I have better luck at a pet store, automotive store (maybe sell by the foot?) or hardware (Home Depot) store??

What's the shelf-life on the fluid? I bought a GALLON of it when I got the machine 8 years ago!


** I've got a copy of "Roadie" to scarifice!!

Ooops, Columbo, I was forgetting, that the 17 has a tank for applying fluids, and a scrubbing brush as well. My mistake thinking there was only the recovery tank on board.

Yes, If you are again going to use the solution tank, I would flush best you can with distilled water.

Home Depot-Lowes does sell a number of different sizes of clear tubing. Best to bring the piece of tube if you can for proper size match-up. If you cannot find it, VPI does carry it, but they will be away on vacation until about Jan 9th.

The tank may be removeable from inside the machine, but maybe not? I've never inspected a 17, and I know VPI seemed to like typically sealing everything in sight on the 16.5 with RTV Silicone.

About the old fluids you have, I'd seriously consider chucking them out. But that's just me, it "might" still be good? Check for coagulation. I know VPI Fluids years ago had this problem for a period of time, was probably why Harry recommended storing fluids in the fridge.

Since you've been away from this for awhile, I highly reecommend considering the newer multi-step cleaning fluid processes that are currently on the market.

I don't know how particular you are with the cleanliness of your collection, but IMO, products such as the Walker Prelude, or Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions are the two finest products available, which have no peer.

In a multi-step/multi fluid scenario, this voids the use of using a Fluid Tank, and one Brush, but the extra effort, and cost is I feel well worth it if you're looking the get the very best sonics, and cleanliness from your collection. Mark

Tank appears to be glued in solid! I hope just flushing it with distilled water will clean it. Since I can't get the tank off, I don't know that having it off would offer any better access to clean the inside (as in how big the top opening is). If anybody knows for sure, chime in!

Finding the hose should be no problem. I'll take a sample with me.

I'll pour out some fluid into a bowl to see if it looks okay or not. I can wait for VPI to open and ask them some questions too. I think that bottle was close to $100? Is that right?

Please explain in more detail about the multi-step cleaning process. I'm not anal about cleaning them. It's mostly the used ones I get that will be cleaned initially. I don't plan to clean the record each time I play one.

The cleaning fluid bottle says; TM-7XH Superfluid by Torumat Company. Does that help? Is it good stuff?

Yes, I seem to recall Tourmat Fluid. I never have used it. For many years, I specifically used either LAST, or Disc Doctor products. For the past 16 months, I now use nothing but Audio Intelligent products, and will continue to do so.

You'll virtually get as many cleaning fluid, and cleaning process opinions, as there are posters in every audio forum on the planet.

I feel a multi-step cleaning process offers marked improvement versus a one step cleaner, in that the specific ingredient make-up adresses specific contaminants in a specific order. Usually starting with an enzymatic cleaner first.

And as well, the higher the quality-purity of rinse waters will help insure deposits-residues are better removed, without leaving thier own sonic signature behind.

The degree that one goes though, is very much like the degree that one spends on thier audio system.

I can understand, and sympathize with many budding vinylphiles, perhaps just starting out, using let's say a $25 Yard Sale find Turntable, some $2-$5 Thrift Shop records, and a $35 Cartridge on board not feeling too comfortable, and/or wise shelling out $1000-$1500 plus on a RCM Cleaning machine such as the VPI 17/17F, or $100 plus worth of Cleaners-Rinses-Brushes.

Products, and sites you should read up on, and study for cleaners, would be products like L'Art Du Son, LAST, Disc Doctor, Osage Audio (AIVS Products) Walker (Prelude System) Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.

Many like DIY Cleaners. I'm not one of them. Mark

HI Mark,
I have been cleaning records for over 40 years. Over 25 of these years have been with the VPI HW-17 RCM. I have a collection of over 4000 records of which I take very good care. I'm obsessive about record care. I have enough experience to have an opinion.

I use a home brew cleaning solution which is totally satisfactory. The formula is, of course, a secret brew developed by Elves in the caves of the Black Forrest. I channeled it during a meditation experience. The Elves prefer Beethoven and Bach. So do I. That's why they favored me with their secret. I have tried to talk them out of their Thorens TD-124 but no luck. I’ll have to stick with my Sota Nova and Oracle Delphi V.

Based upon my experience, cleaning fluids are inching into the realm of snake oil. Results are easy to judge. If the record sounds clean, it's clean. No more is needed. I believe one solution should be selected and then stuck with. After all, clean is clean. Perhaps folks should consider buying a better RCM rather than following the snake oil salesmen.

My (actually, the Elves) cleaning solution is intended to do two things. First, it must remove the mold release residue. This is essential for the proper application of Last Record Preservative. Next, it must remove ALL surface dirt, grease, pizza leftovers, etc. The Elves specialize in pizza residue. This solution works like a charm and is dirt cheap. I mix it by the gallon. I see no need to get more complicated. I clean all records that enter the collection. At least 50% were bought used. No matter; the Elves know what they are doing.

Mark, you mentioned that you use Last products. Do you use Last Record Preservative in conjunction with Stylast? I ask because I have been preaching about these magic products and no one seems to be listening. I believe they are the most significant record care products of all time. Again, experience talks. I have tried almost everything in my long record care career. None worked except Last. Great stuff with no side effects. Let me know. Expect to be preached at.

Sparky

It's pretty strange to see the Oracle Alexandria next to the VPI RCM, thinking, "How could the simple and somewhat crude VPI RCM be the same price as such a delicate TT?" I think the method of controlling the amount of fluid coming out with a plastic clamp on the hose is not something you would expect on a $1,000 machine. Oh well, it works. I'm going to get some new hose today and use the fluid I have. It looks just fine.

HI Columbo,
I'm loosing track of which post to which you are referring. Are you saying you have an Oracle Alexandria? Or are you referring to my reference to my Oracle Delphi?

If it's mine, the two are not physicaly close together. The RCM is on another wall. The Delphi's major, smashing, blinding good looks are not disturbed. I love that turntable!

Sparky

HI Mark,
I have been cleaning records for over 40 years. Over 25 of these years have been with the VPI HW-17 RCM. I have a collection of over 4000 records of which I take very good care. I'm obsessive about record care. I have enough experience to have an opinion.

I use a home brew cleaning solution which is totally satisfactory. The formula is, of course, a secret brew developed by Elves in the caves of the Black Forrest. I channeled it during a meditation experience. The Elves prefer Beethoven and Bach. So do I. That's why they favored me with their secret. I have tried to talk them out of their Thorens TD-124 but no luck. I’ll have to stick with my Sota Nova and Oracle Delphi V.

Based upon my experience, cleaning fluids are inching into the realm of snake oil. Results are easy to judge. If the record sounds clean, it's clean. No more is needed. I believe one solution should be selected and then stuck with. After all, clean is clean. Perhaps folks should consider buying a better RCM rather than following the snake oil salesmen.

My (actually, the Elves) cleaning solution is intended to do two things. First, it must remove the mold release residue. This is essential for the proper application of Last Record Preservative. Next, it must remove ALL surface dirt, grease, pizza leftovers, etc. The Elves specialize in pizza residue. This solution works like a charm and is dirt cheap. I mix it by the gallon. I see no need to get more complicated. I clean all records that enter the collection. At least 50% were bought used. No matter; the Elves know what they are doing.

Mark, you mentioned that you use Last products. Do you use Last Record Preservative in conjunction with Stylast? I ask because I have been preaching about these magic products and no one seems to be listening. I believe they are the most significant record care products of all time. Again, experience talks. I have tried almost everything in my long record care career. None worked except Last. Great stuff with no side effects. Let me know. Expect to be preached at.

Sparky


All right, I'll bite. What are the Elves' secret recipe, or is it like KFC chicken and vault protected?

HI Columbo,
I'm loosing track of which post to which you are referring. Are you saying you have an Oracle Alexandria? Or are you referring to my reference to my Oracle Delphi?

If it's mine, the two are not physicaly close together. The RCM is on another wall. The Delphi's major, smashing, blinding good looks are not disturbed. I love that turntable!

Sparky

I have the Alexandria. It just seems odd by comparison that one is very delicate and sophisticated while the other is a rather simple and crude (in some ways) tank, and they are priced about the same! For the engineering that went into them, it think the Oracle presents a better value. I do remember the few times I used it that there was a loudish popping noise through the speakers (even with the volume down) as I swiched on/off the RCM turntable. I suspect the same will happen again. Maybe a cap across the switch would fix that, but I don't know what value to use, or if even a good idea.

I'm sure I'll love using the RCM once I find some of the tubing. I went to three places today, but only found tubing with a thicker wall that I don't think the "regulating clip" will be good at regulating.

Karma, Rather than adding your quote, I'll try to comment, and address every part of your reply to me.
(This might get long)

If I were to set out, and make-design my own DIY cleaning products, I would firstly try not to use typical off the shelf Wally World-Walgreens products.
I would like using the purest Waters to be gotten, the best Detergents, Surfactants, and Alcohols, naturally, all of the highest Lab Grade quality I could get my hands on, and feel that were not beyond realistic affordability.

This really isn't the hard part, and something that an end user can do, if they wish to go through the trouble, dealing with Lab Supply Houses. The hard part is, engineering a product which will be of the proper mixture. I cringe reading about DIY that I feel is using too high a percentage of alcohols. Alcohols in themselves really don't do much as a cleaner. They act more as surfactants, and help seperate-isolate contaminants from the record's surface. Of course, no alcohols on 78's.

Truthfully, I don't feel I possess the knowledge-expertise, the time for testing, the required laboratory equipment for making proper analysis, the availability of sacrificial vinyl to test such products, as there's no deadbeat vinyl in my collection. With two MC Cartridges I own totaling $6,000 in my possession, I try not to throw anything at them, that will make me cringe when I listen. They get given to the local shops, and my collection of about 700-750 LPs are all very acceptable to play on my main rig.

About snake oil. Where I feel the snake oil mostly comes from, is from end users themselves, not the manufacturers so much, who use to thier every advantage, and opportunity, to tout up a product, or diss another for personal gain, personal friendship of certain manufacturers, and perhaps quite a few other reasons which maybe unknown to us.

Most high quality manufacturers do throw quite a bit of thier money into thier products, with research, lab testing, beta testing, marketing, packaging, and virtually all will offer money back gaurantees if not satisfied.

As you say, end results are easy to judge, if your system, and the end user themselves is capable of hearing what good, or bad cleaning products will do.

"Clean is clean" is a relative term. As an example, most people thought Mobile Fidelity Super Vinyl Wash was the cat's meow a couple of years back, until they discovered better products. The Super Vinyl Wash contains a Lubricant, which silence some groove noise, but also cloud an LP's playback, killing the last bit of dynamics, and quality of sound.

As for LAST, I've used every product they've made at one time, or another, The Super Cleaner, All Purpose Cleaner, thier Brushes (Stylus+Record) the Stylus Cleaner, and Stylast, and the LAST Record Preservative as well.

All very very good products IMO, only thing I can say bad about them, is thier cost. I've honestly never noted any detriment from using LAST Preservative on my LPs, and I probably have a 100 of them treated with this product. Many who try as they may, usually don't. This seems to be one product that does what it claims to do, with very little, if any downside.

I've been into vinyl as well, for about 37 years. I try keeping an open mind, I believe in good science to get my records clean, without having to worry about the possibility of damage to them.

I've done much research, have communicated with other highly knowledgeable Philes, in what will be the very best choices. It was these folks who steered me towards the use of Audio Intelligent Products.

They are at present, I feel, the very best products I have ever used in my vinyl experience, they are not in any way a snake oil product, the manufacturer has gone through extreme great lengths to make the very best products available. I have found they do everything right, and nothing wrong. They clean properly, they come off the surface properly, and I treat each, and every LP I own the exact same, I don't discriminate, saying "oh this record doesn't look so dirty, I can skip this, or that step". The only differences, is I might repeat a step of a certain cleaner, and/or rinse.

As for Stylus Cleaning, I have totally refrained with any type of Liquid Cleaners, or Treatments on any Cartridge I own, only using the Mr Clean ME, and a LAST Stylus Brush. Mark

HI fender23,
No, I am not sworn to secrecy. The Elves are music lovers too and they wish humans to attain perfection in vinyl reproduction.

The formula is simple but the incantations take years to master. These are, of course, secret lest the evil agents of DIGITAL obtain the key and thwart the vinyl movement. However, the formula will work without the incantations. It's just not as powerful. Or as much fun. I cannot speak of these.

Here it is. Ready??? (drum roll, please)

For 1 quart:
* 20% isopropyl alcohol 99% pure. Available at any large drugstore.
* 10 drops of Photoflow. This a Kodak product used as a wetting agent. Available at any good photography shop that still has darkroom supplies.
* 4 drops (or so) of Windex. Don't use too much.
* Fill the bottle with distilled water.
* Shake carefully.

That's it.

As you can see, the Elves took pity on us and simplified the formula by eliminating the exotic herbs and potions that were traditionally used and difficult to obtain in the West. They understand that humans have little patience for complication. Hints about the traditional formula, thought by those in the know to be significantly more powerful, may be found in any Harry Potter book for those who care to look. Be careful.

:music:

Sparky

HI fender23,
No, I am not sworn to secrecy. The Elves are music lovers too and they wish humans to attain perfection in vinyl reproduction.

The formula is simple but the incantations take years to master. These are, of course, secret lest the evil agents of DIGITAL obtain the key and thwart the vinyl movement. However, the formula will work without the incantations. It's just not as powerful. Or as much fun. I cannot speak of these.

Here it is. Ready??? (drum roll, please)

For 1 quart:
* 20% isopropyl alcohol 99% pure. Available at any large drugstore.
* 10 drops of Photoflow. This a Kodak product used as a wetting agent. Available at any good photography shop that still has darkroom supplies.
* 4 drops (or so) of Windex. Don't use too much.
* Fill the bottle with distilled water.
* Shake carefully.

That's it.

As you can see, the Elves took pity on us and simplified the formula by eliminating the exotic herbs and potions that were traditionally used and difficult to obtain in the West. They understand that humans have little patience for complication. Hints about the traditional formula, thought by those in the know to be significantly more powerful, may be found in any Harry Potter book for those who care to look. Be careful.

:music:

Sparky

May the "Force The Be With You" or some equal incantation of your choosing, much Karma for you in the next life, etc., etc.

I am really considering purchasing a VPI-17F that drove my curiosity to your brew or potion. It is absolutely the worst possible timing for a sizeable (to me) cash outlay, but it seems like there is always something else that gets in the way and maybe its just time to take the plunge. I have scores of LP's I'm waiting to play were it not for them needing a thorough cleaning, and I just cannot talk myself into a comfort level of using the kitchen sink method which many here at AK have advocated. Anyways, thanks for the formula.:D

I would play a shitty ass scratched up K-TEL record on it to test it out.

May the "Force The Be With You" or some equal incantation of your choosing, much Karma for you in the next life, etc., etc.

I am really considering purchasing a VPI-17F that drove my curiosity to your brew or potion. It is absolutely the worst possible timing for a sizeable (to me) cash outlay, but it seems like there is always something else that gets in the way and maybe its just time to take the plunge. I have scores of LP's I'm waiting to play were it not for them needing a thorough cleaning, and I just cannot talk myself into a comfort level of using the kitchen sink method which many here at AK have advocated. Anyways, thanks for the formula.:D

Fender23, The VPI 17F offers no advantage whatsoever achieving the exact same final results versus the less expensive VPI 16.5. The only difference is auto fluid application, and a mounted scrubbing brush to apply, and scrub "one" fluid only. The reversible Platter offers nothing in the way of a cleaner record versus manual scrubbing with the 16.5 while the record is on the platter, they are conveniences only, conveniences one pays considerably for, and the convenience is pretty much lost when using multi-step cleaners, and pure water rinses.

The 17F is no more durable than the 16.5, uses similar sourced motors, so with that said, one can break (if they try hard enough) a 17F as easily as any other RCM that VPI, or others manufacture. The only one significant difference between these two machines, is the 17"F" has a cooling fan, that's what the "F" stands for. A cooling fan can be easily installed to the VPI 16.5 for the cost of parts alone, and the modifcation will NOT void a new warrantee, I have already discussed this with VPI personally.

The savings of going with the purchase of the 16.5 can then be used to purchase everything else one would need.

And these would be high quality cleaners, the required Scrubbing Brushes, or Brush Pads, a Spare Vacuum Wand dedicated solely for rinsing step, and of course, a muffin cooling fan which can cost anywhere from about $14 to $30, dependent upon what fan would be installed.

I'm still quite certain that the savings with the less expensive machine, and all I mention as acessories above, there would still be a substantial amount of money left over to buy new Inner, and Outer Sleeves to protect your collection once they are cleaned.

The efficiency of a cleaning system, is just like an audio system, it is dependent upon the synergy of combined components. One can use the very best cleaning products made by man, but by using manual methods, versus vacuum pick up, the removal of fluids-rinses is not anywhere near as good. It can come somwewhat close, with copious amounts of cleaners, rinses, re-rinses, etc, but still no cigar.

Not to mention the horrid thought of tediously going through an entire collection. Imagine if you will, being given the job of running through Karma's entire 4000 LP collection by hand? Wouldn't you like cleaning such an entire collection "before" you take your pension? lol

Yes, there are better cleaning machines out there, versus the VPI, such as Hannl, K Monks, Loricraft, Clearaudio, many are of course better built, literal works of the builder's art in fact, quieter, many though are slower, as they use a different method of Fluid Pickup (thread feed). With the VPI's, two revolutions at most at 18rpm, and the Record is dry. I feel with the proper high quality cleaners-rinses, high quality brushes, careful technique, one can come very very close, perhaps 95% of the way, equalling these multi-thousand dollar machines.

The use of high quality components in a cleaning system (brushes-cleaners-rinses) and a very good machine such as the VPI 16.5 will never be a mistake.

Often, in many cases, the Media itself (vinyl) exceeds the cost of the System it is played upon. Let's say we place an "average" value of say $5 each on Karma's 4000LP collection. I think you get the idea. Mark

HI Mark,
First, you did not awswer my question of whether you use Last Record Preservative. I'll ask again but assume you don't. You should.

I have never used the 16.5 but before I bought the 17 I had a 16 for about 1 year. You are right. The 16 series does a good job but I far prefer the 17. There are several reasons not directly related to cleaning ability.

1. The 17 is faster and easier to use. This is important if you have multi-thousands of records to clean.

2. There is no handling of cleaning tools in the vacinity of the record. Thus, the possibility of dropping or mishandling tools on the record is reduced to zero. The 17 keeps your records safer. It's all a question of probabilities. Eventually, it will happen with a 16.5. I know from experience. I have never damaged a record with the 17 (thousands of records cleaned) but I did with the 16 (hundreds of records cleaned). Not a big deal with a throw away record but with a prized collectors item it is a big consideration. Thus, the 17 is safer to use. For a record collector the 17 is the way to go. For the more casual user, the 16.5 is fine. And this is why VPI produces both models.

3. I treat every record with Last Record Preservative. The horizontal high torque turntable is perfect for applying Last. Either the 16.5 or the 17 work equally well for that job.

If I did not have the 17 I would not realize these things. But I do and can say that the 17 is, overall, the better machine. The 16.5 is my next choice and certainly better than the vertical machines like the Nitty Gritty's.

Sparky

Hello Karma,
Ever since acquiring the VPI 16.5, and using the cleaning system that I do, no I no longer use LAST Preservative. Not that I never will again, because of any dislike of the product. I've got 1-1/2 bottles of the stuff stashed, and a couple of packages of the little white LAST Applicators on hand.

Since I use either Disc Doctor, or Mobile Fidelity Brush Pads, with thier Rubber Pad Holders, there's not much possibility of vinyl damage if I should drop one while scrubbing. I've yet to have such a mishap occur, after hundreds of records cleaned, the Brush Pads I mention are very easy to hang onto.

I use appropriate small applicator Bottles, that were supplied to me by AIVS (Osage Audio), which are perfect for fluid application. I keep these filled from the bulk 1qt Bottles. Sadly, the owner of the company states that he no longer gets these little bottles, which I feel are perfect for containing cleaning fluids-rinse waters.

By using manual scrubbing, and using a dedicated brush for each cleaning step, and rinse steps, I feel I can more precisely scrub gently, as harsh scrubbing is not needed with the products I use. There isn't a brush made on the planet, that actually gets right down into the LP Groove, and "tickles" those microscopic Groove Modulations. All any brush-brush pad can do, is agitate the fluids, and contaminants into a slurry, it is the action of the cleaners-rinses that lift-loosen contaminants, and then along comes the Vacuum, to suck up, remove those contaminants-fluids from the Groove.

By using dedicated brush-brush pads for each individual cleaning step, and rinses, and the additional Vacuum Wand Assembly for the finishing rinses, I lessen the chance of cross-contamination.

Yes, more time consuming for sure. But the end results are superior to any one step cleaner-cleaning process, and are worth it IMO.

I firmly believe all one step cleaners, no matter who makes them, or thier claims, can, and will leave deposits-residues behind. A finishing rinse with high purity waters (not single step distilled water) will make substantial improvements to any cleaning regimem. More more residue free, and contaminant free your records are, the better a product like LAST Preservative will work.

Sort of like washing your car, or clothes with a detergent-water mix, and then drying them, without any final rinsing steps involved. I feel the same with LAST Preservative again to a certain degree, that one would not choose to wax-seal a dirty car's finish before washing, and knowing that all residues from the surface have been removed prior to waxing-sealing.

Some food for thought. Mark

There was a "protective" product I used in the '80s, but can't remember the name of it. I may still have some in a box.....somewhere. It was a solution that you "buffed" onto the record with the applicator provided. I stopped using it a few months after trying it because it left some residue that would build up on the stylus!

I cannot remember, but have probably heard of them, being into record playing this long. Current products such as "Gruv Glide" are utter junk. All products such as these will gunk a Stylus, and mask sonics.

The only one that won't, is LAST Preservative. This is the best product by far of this type to ever come along IMO. All of LAST products are exceptional, and of very high quality, but pricey. Mark

Karma, to answer other questions, which you may have intended asking, or asked, is the use of "LAST Stylus Cleaner", and "LAST Stylast" Preservative.

Yes, I've used these as well, and started use from day one on a brand spanking new Benz Micro Glider HO Cartridge that I bought some 11 years ago.

I used both of these products religiously for a number of years, generally before every playing sesssion I would clean the Stylus firstly with the Stylus Cleaner, and then apply the Stylast as the finishing touch. A few minutes at most was all it would take.

My Stylus was always clean as a whistle, clear, never any accumilated burnt on crud that I could not get off by repeating this procedure. I always applied both products from thier bottles onto a LAST Stylus Brush, and then applied, never direct from the bottle. Not much is needed, as I always felt it was only the ultra-small Stylus I was concentrating on,thus not dousing the entire Cantliever in the process.

For how little I used, and how little was needed, these products will "last" an end user many years.

I never noted, or ever had any issues with the use of these products, and in fact right up till the very last day of playing this "old" cartridge, it sounded glorious, right up to the point I broke-seperated the Cartridge in two pieces on Labor Day 2007, trying to align the Cartridge a bit better with a just gotten Mirror Protractor! :-(

Was then onto the new Benz Micro Ruby 3 Cartridge, trading the dead Glider (I still have the Ruby 3) and then the brand new ZYX Airy 3X a few months later.

Since buying these two new ones though, all I've been using is the Mr Clean ME, and the LAST Stylus Brush, with great results. Honestly, I'm now a bit afraid of applying any wet cleaners or treatments on these.
The ZYX Distributor, Mehran at Sorasound in Chicago, has clearly cautioned customers against the use of any wet type cleaners. Mark

I cannot remember, but have probably heard of them, being into record playing this long. Current products such as "Gruv Glide" are utter junk. All products such as these will gunk a Stylus, and mask sonics.

The only one that won't, is LAST Preservative. This is the best product by far of this type to ever come along IMO. All of LAST products are exceptional, and of very high quality, but pricey. Mark

HI,
Yep, I agree. Mark, not sure why you quit using Last. Yes, it is a bit pricy. But the up-side is huge. I have run long term experiments to determine if the factory claims (which are eye opening) are valid. I have personally confirmed them. It is too much to go into here.

One claim is extension of stylus life. I have confirmed this through experiment. Consider: a person buys a $1000 cartridge with the expectation of getting, perhaps 1000 hours of use. This is about average. Using Last and Stylast, I was able to double the stylus hours and even then, the stylus was not worn out. This means that one could spend $2000 on a cartridge, use it for 2000 hours, and the long term cost is the same but with much better sound. Pretty neat. I have confirmed this, I repeat.

Sparky

Well, it was not so easy to find the right tubing! I found the right size I.D. but the wall was a little thicker making the hose stiffer, which slightly affects the pivoting of the cleaning arm. It also makes it a bit harder to regulate the solution flow with the clamp. I needed to use a heat gun on the end of the tube that went to the solution tank as it was not the same size as the fitting on the pump. All seems to be working fine otherwise.

Well, it was not so easy to find the right tubing! I found the right size I.D. but the wall was a little thicker making the hose stiffer, which slightly affects the pivoting of the cleaning arm. It also makes it a bit harder to regulate the solution flow with the clamp. I needed to use a heat gun on the end of the tube that went to the solution tank as it was not the same size as the fitting on the pump. All seems to be working fine otherwise.

Hello Columbo,
Perhaps make due for now, but probably wisest getting in touch with VPI, and ordering the correct Hose.

I believe their business will be closed until either Jan 6th, or 9th. Often, Mike at VPI will ship a minor part such as this for free, no charge, but if you are charged for the part, it should not be a large sum of money, and it's better to have the machine work as it was designed to. Mark