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Does anyone use a Zero Stat and more importantly do they work?
Ammonite Audio
03-09-2018, 06:02
Yes, Yes (I've had mine for 40 years).
Yup Ive an old one too [emoji13] works great
I've been using one for some time, works great. I used to have a really bad static problem, pops and crackles and even the platter mat sticking to the records but no issues now.
Thanks for the comments chaps, on the basis of these I think I will purchase one.
I know its a bit of a daft question but how exactly do you use the Zero stat gun as I have read some folk use it whilst the record is on the platter and some when the record is off?:scratch:
take it off and fire it slowly in, then slowly out on both sides Jim. slower the better, and at about 12" is fine. I usually use mine after cleaning and that usually holds it til next clean. dont use it when platter is turning, or near your cart
Ammonite Audio
03-09-2018, 14:03
Just to re-iterate what Grant says, it's important to squeeze the trigger slowly, and to release it slowly too. If you squeeze too quickly the Zerostat will make nasty clicking sounds, and it won't deliver the ions effectively.
I tried the Zero Stat last night on a number of records and it does work and is therefore not a snake oil product. I have long considered buying one but as they were a tad expensive I was unsure. It works a lot better than I expected and on a few records it reduced the vinyl to complete silence. I am fortunate and have a VPI 16.5 RCM so use this first with L'Art Du Son cleaning fluid which is excellent by the way. One of my records in particular was now so quiet it sounded like CD background.
One observation which may be psychoacoustical in nature was that free from any static and any surface noise the recorded material seemed to have and extra fluidity and transparency - vocals in particular became even more holographic and slightly ethereal with palpable presence. I can only attribute this to zero clicks pops and background noise. There seemed to be a general lowering of the noise floor which had a subtle effect on the cartridge vinyl interface which allowed the recording to have a particularly vivid presentation - interesting!
It also helps keep the records cleaner, as they don’t attract dust as much.
It also helps keep the records cleaner, as they don’t attract dust as much.
Good point.:thumbsup:
I had one years ago, I’m not sure what happened to it? But I bought another a few years back, about the same time I bought a RCM. After vacuuming a record, it creates static. Air rushing over vinyl makes static, I can tell because the vinyl sleeves are attracted to it. So, I Zerostat it after cleaning and it makes a good bit of difference. Many times pops we hear are not dirt, but static, removing it makes them play back much quieter. There are other, more expensive static removing devices, but the Zerostat works well for the money.
Russell
I had one years ago, I’m not sure what happened to it? But I bought another a few years back, about the same time I bought a RCM. After vacuuming a record, it creates static. Air rushing over vinyl makes static, I can tell because the vinyl sleeves are attracted to it. So, I Zerostat it after cleaning and it makes a good bit of difference. Many times pops we hear are not dirt, but static, removing it makes them play back much quieter. There are other, more expensive static removing devices, but the Zerostat works well for the money.
Russell
That is exactly what I found Russell especially as I have a vacuum record cleaning machine. I knew the records were free from dust and dirt but still got clicks and static pops. The Zerostat has now eliminated that. Superb result.
That is exactly what I found Russell especially as I have a vacuum record cleaning machine. I knew the records were free from dust and dirt but still got clicks and static pops. The Zerostat has now eliminated that. Superb result.
I find that if I pull the trigger very slowly, while pulling the gun away, I get more work done with it than just shooting away at the record. Even the needle riding in the groove can create static. Perhaps there is some ingredient they could include in the vinyl formula that would eliminate static all together? That would be a boon for new record sales!
Russell
I have found that the Zerostat can also be used on your cartridge as well as records. I was still getting a bit of static on some records even though i had zapped them but since zapping the cartridge any remaining static has now gone. I would say the effect on the cartridge maybe more significant than on LPs.
Just don't zap your cartridge when your system is turned on as:eek:
Sherwood
13-01-2019, 17:25
I have found that the Zerostat can also be used on your cartridge as well as records. I was still getting a bit of static on some records even though i had zapped them but since zapping the cartridge any remaining static has now gone. I would say the effect on the cartridge maybe more significant than on LPs.
Just don't zap your cartridge when your system is turned on as:eek:
I would be very wary of using it this way. The voltages generated by these devices is very high. Somebody better informed than I am can perhaps advise you!
yup, i wouldnt do it personally. theres about 10k emitted from the milty and thats 3 times a standard discharge from say you and the door for instance. If the cart was disconnected from the tt it may be safe.
Was mostly thinking of those tiny wires in cart getting fried Jim. Might be fine tho but personally with a dear cart I'd be hesitant.
Sherwood
13-01-2019, 18:15
Was mostly thinking of those tiny wires in cart getting fried Jim. Might be fine tho but personally with a dear cart I'd be hesitant.
Intuitively it seems a bad idea to push 10k volts into a device that operates at mVolts! :uhho:
Was mostly thinking of those tiny wires in cart getting fried Jim. Might be fine tho but personally with a dear cart I'd be hesitant.
Al I can say is since I zapped it I have ZERO static anomy system sounds better than I can remember? Nothing fried. I only zapped it as a journalist suggested this was OK?:scratch:
Not saying its not OK. Just I wouldn't risk it.
Not much current in it but I am concerned it might burn through insulation
I seriously doubt is is going to put thousands of bolts into anything. It simply releases charged ions.
I seriously doubt is is going to put thousands of bolts into anything. It simply releases charged ions.
Ever been zapped by one?
Friends don't shoot friends with a zero stat gun.
It only hurts if you touch it.....
Sherwood
13-01-2019, 22:33
I seriously doubt is is going to put thousands of bolts into anything. It simply releases charged ions.
That's riveting! :D
It only hurts if you touch it.....
Try firing it up your Jap's eye;)
Marco.
That's riveting! :D
Perhaps that is why my system sometimes sounds like a bag of nails?
I bought one about 2 months ago & yes it does work. It has definitely improved my vinyl playback, no doubt about it. Wasn't cheap at £49 but i've forgotten about the price now & just enjoy listening to my vinyl even more.
could always light a few candles near your record deck.
Charge on record should attract oppositely charged ions produced by flame and neutralise themselves.
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