Thoughts on my new toy - a RCM

[HackneyRF]

I know RCM's have had plenty of coverage here but I wanted to offer a few thoughts on my new Pro-Ject Record cleaning machine. Firstly it's my second one as the original developed a leak, dropping a pool of dirty fluid after about 5-6 cleans. It's replacement is a 2nd generation and has no problems so far. Set up and operation is straightforward and was up on running in under ten minutes.

Prior to this I was using a Knosti set up which has to be said is not bad at all. But this is clearly a step up getting some great results. So far I've cleaned around 50 records. The reduction and in many cases elimination in audible clicks, pops and surface noise is evident. Some records need a second clean to get the best result. I'm using 'The Right One' fluid which helps in a big way. Anyone know If Paul still producing this stuff? A big change for me is no more crap left on the stylus after playing records!

Obviously it's not the last word in record cleaning but for the price it does a damn good job. It's noisy yes and motor is also a bit noisy which apparently is common. But overall I'm really pleased. Money well spent I reckon.

Cheers

Loz

[Jimbo]

I know RCM's have had plenty of coverage here but I wanted to offer a few thoughts on my new Pro-Ject Record cleaning machine. Firstly it's my second one as the original developed a leak, dropping a pool of dirty fluid after about 5-6 cleans. It's replacement is a 2nd generation and has no problems so far. Set up and operation is straightforward and was up on running in under ten minutes.

Prior to this I was using a Knosti set up which has to be said is not bad at all. But this is clearly a step up getting some great results. So far I've cleaned around 50 records. The reduction and in many cases elimination in audible clicks, pops and surface noise is evident. Some records need a second clean to get the best result. I'm using 'The Right One' fluid which helps in a big way. Anyone know If Paul still producing this stuff? A big change for me is no more crap left on the stylus after playing records!

Obviously it's not the last word in record cleaning but for the price it does a damn good job. It's noisy yes and motor is also a bit noisy which apparently is common. But overall I'm really pleased. Money well spent I reckon.

Cheers

Loz

Any record cleaning machine is better than none. I am sure the Project is good. I don't know how any vinyl spinner does without a RCM. I use a VPI myself,noisy, basic but solid. Does the job. I could do with a recommendation for some cleaning fluid at a reasonable price Loz so if you could pass any info on that would be great.

[HackneyRF]

Any record cleaning machine is better than none. I am sure the Project is good. I don't know how any vinyl spinner does without a RCM. I use a VPI myself,noisy, basic but solid. Does the job. I could do with a recommendation for some cleaning fluid at a reasonable price Loz so if you could pass any info on that would be great.


James, The Right Stuff as mentioned is really great fluid. Quite a few on AoS use it. Paul Stewart of this parish sold it but I'm unsure if he still is. Might be worth sending him a PM?

[blackholesun]

With Knosti I used a mix of IPA/ water/ wetting agent, because it was dirt cheap. I switched to L'art du Son when I bought an Okki. I have the RCM in my work room, which is quite small. Cleaning the records with an IPA solution during winter was an issue - it's no fun cleaning records with an open window at -10C outside. IPA smells quite bad so you really should have good ventilation. On the other hand, L'art du Son has no ugly smell (it actually smells quite nice) and IMHO room ventilation is not necessary. Although the cost of L'art du Son is quite steep, I reckon a bottle should be good enough to clean around 700 records. I mix the solution 1 ml fluid to 50 ml water before cleaning the records, it is enough for around 7 records, so one Knosti drying rack.

[Jac Hawk]

i had a Knosti and thought it was great if a little bit of a chore, it's like doing the dishes by had rather than using a dishwasher, anyway i've been hankering after a RCM for ages, every time a thread like this pops up, it pushes me closer to parting with the cash

[Cas]

I could do with a recommendation for some cleaning fluid at a reasonable price Loz so if you could pass any info on that would be great.

I use this always have - http://www.originlive.com/turntable-belts-replacement-new/accessories/l-art-du-son-cleaning-fluid.html

You can find it cheaper and one small bottle makes about 5 litres of cleaning fluid.

[struth]

Been making mine for years. Tried all the pre made stuff, and mine is at least as good imo. And many times cheaper overall. But its horses for courses.

[bobreel]

I too have invested in a pro-ject cleaning machine. Got it last July, money well spent I think. Records from past car boot purchases and original lps from my earlier years sound great after cleaning. There is no static build up that I can detect just greatly reduced pops and clicks as you might expect. The effect I think is known as vinyl roar, doesn't appear to be reduced by much. Although this maybe due to wear/damage from my earlier, cruder record decks. I am using the fluid supplied with the machine diluted with deionised water, although I did get some IPA and wetting agent to knock up my own brew. I have decided against it after reading about possible damage to vinyl by IPA, so I now have 5 litres of the stuff, enough to clean all my tape heads for the next 50 years I reckon.