AudioQuest new anti-static record cleaning brush

[magiccarpetride]

I never figured out what kind of issues/damages static electricity imposes on vinyl record playback. My local vinyl 'therapist' suggested I get the newest anti-static cleaning brush (https://www.analogplanet.com/content/throw-away-your-old-audioquest-carbon-fiber-brush). He gave me a nice discount, so the next thing you know I took it home. Now using it and wondering if it's placebo or not, but I think I hear less clicks and pops after using it.

My dealer said that it's important to hold the brush by its metal parts in the middle of the handle. Holding it that way while gently brushing the LP is supposed to help discharge pent up static from the record surface. This static could allegedly cause some noise during playback. I was never able to really understand whether that's a real or an imaginary phenomenon, but I now do think that the noise had subsided a bit.

Is this merely my naive expectation bias, or is there really some hard science supporting the AudioQuest anti-static brush claims?

[walpurgis]

Keep a potted plant or two in your listening room (and water them obviously). The water vapour transpired by the plants will keep humidity up and static down.

[legb4rsk]

I always believed it was not the static itself that caused the problem but the fact that the charge attracts the microscopic dust particles in the atmosphere that build up on the records surface.

[paulf-2007]

I don't get any static using a copper mat. I used to experience static when removing records from the turntable but not on the denon with the copper mat. Go figure.
Pops and clicks are more to do with dust or dirt in the grooves I would think, not static.

[magiccarpetride]

I always believed it was not the static itself that caused the problem but the fact that the charge attracts the microscopic dust particles in the atmosphere that build up on the records surface.

Yes, that's my understanding as well. I read somewhere that while the record is spinning, the friction between the diamond stylus and the vinyl groove generates temperatures high enough to make the vinyl soften enough so that it binds with the dust particles, if those particles happen to be sitting in the groove. These particles then get embedded in the groove, and keep producing pops and clicks. So the less dust gets drawn to the record surface, the less problems one will have on subsequent playback.

Not sure if and how can one remove those embedded particles from the grooves? Is a good wash and vacuum in RCM sufficient, or do we have to go into the expensive ultrasonic cleaning territory?

[Stratmangler]

I read somewhere that while the record is spinning, the friction between the diamond stylus and the vinyl groove generates temperatures high enough to make the vinyl soften enough so that it binds with the dust particles, if those particles happen to be sitting in the groove.

Ah, so you like reading fiction :)

[magiccarpetride]

Ah, so you like reading fiction :)

Haha, at that time I didn't know it was fiction, only friction.

[spikey_w]

I've got the new model that has a gold cover on the sides. I was sceptical about the purpose of the gold handle so measured for continuity between the carbon fibre and this cover and as advertised it measured a very low resistance. So as long as you hold the brush using the gold handle then you will act as a conductor to earth for the static to drain away. If you wearing shoes, as that would insulate you from earth, then maybe touching a metal equipment case should suffice. Please note this is not a permanent cure for static, a proper clean with record cleaning solution is required instead.

If you using felt mats, then I recommend making yourself a cork mat from a diy store for a few pounds so at worst you haven't wasted alot of money.

Hope that helps.

[spikey_w]

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/throw-away-your-old-audioquest-carbon-fiber-brush[/url]).

I'm sorry that I didn't click your link before I replied but that brush is the older model. The new one that I've been mentioning about is this one. (http://www.audioquest.com/audio-enhancements/anti-static-record-brush)

My previous brush I got that look similar to yours, the metal looking handle not directly touching the carbon fibre. Mine has black plastic moulding that is used to bind the fibre together and the metal handle surrounds this. Therefore no static is drained away.

[Jimbo]

I have the new *gold* Audioquest carbon fibre brush and have used their standard brush for years. I have not noticed any improvement in static removal but is is certainly better at picking up surface dust and debris.

[magiccarpetride]

I have the new *gold* Audioquest carbon fibre brush and have used their standard brush for years. I have not noticed any improvement in static removal but is is certainly better at picking up surface dust and debris.

I find it extremely difficult, almost impossible, not to touch the bristles when flipping that brush. The old brush was much easier to handle, albeit it didn't have the gold strip for allegedly removing the static.