Comments on: Vacuumed vinyl sounds better--or why LP lovers need record-cleaning machines

Record cleaning machines vacuum the deep-down, ground-in dirt from LPs. Pristine vinyl is quieter and sounds, well, cleaner!

[alegr]

How about wet playback? Is anybody still making such tables?

Anyway, why not just let them digitize those LP to 96kHz/24 and not bother with mechanics?

[tboyblu]

Wet playback reduces some of the vibrations and harmonics and was quickly discarded as a way of improving sound. A dry environment with some humidity (to reduce static) is best. Yes, much more work than digital. I've digitized many of my albums to 192kHz/24, not that the super high sampling is really going to be heard, but just in case ;^)

[osynnek]

I have a record cleaning machine and it's great. I pick up a lot of garage sale finds and a good cleaning brings the music back to its prestine new condition.

Personally, I think the start-up cost is a bit on the high side as the technology isn't all that high. With a bit of work, one can build his own. But the Nitty Gritty machines are quite good quality and I guess they don't sell enough of them to be able to bring the price down.
So a reasonable investment.

[epitone]

Wow, can't believe I was dumb enough to think that you might be able to get through a post about an LP cleaner without insulting iPod users. But there I go.

[make_or_break]

That's because so many iPoders ARE worthy of ridicule. :)

[cyberDJ-2038765336053745013836]

Not all iPod deserve to be insulted.

Just the ones who wouldn't read this column and therefore not understand what sound quality is.

[Vic_Trola]

I have the VPI record cleaning machine that I have been using for some 12 years now. It still works great and is a big part of my vinly ritual.

[NewbSlapper]

Epitone, are you serious? That isn't an ipod insult at all. You are certainly being overly sensitive. I hope your ipod short circuits your lack of a sense of humor.