So I finally bit the bullet on a VPI 16.5 RCM after years of hand cleaning...

So you use both ?

 

Yup...a four stage cleaning process for me.

 

If the 'sludge' is removed from deep down in the groove and off the side walls, you will hear so much more of everything.
IMO US cleaning is the only way to go... you should reconsider that option
Static is an environmental problem

 

These are true words.

 

I also incorporate a US in my cleaning process. After the US, I then use the 16.5 for a thorough rinse.

 

What is that alien object to the right of your US machine?

 

That's the "tower" that holds the motor/switch assembly. It's a Home Brew Version.

 

Oh, I see now! From the previous shot/angle I thought it was a static remover or something!

 

I could probably use one of those as well

 

Would it have killed you to go with the alien story?

Nice job on the motor/spindle.

 

I'll know better next time

Thank you, but I can't take credit for the design. I did buy and install the Motor and Switch, and Purchased the Tank as well.

The rest of the Hardware was made by an acquaintance on another Audio Forum. He designed and fabricated the Metal bits and the Spacers/Hubs. The Spacers are made of a very hard Nylon material with a rubber type material adheared to them for label protection.

The whole shebang works very well for my needs.

 

I am bouncing back and forth between pulling the trigger on one of these or the new Proj-Ject VC-S2.

Does Music Direct ever have sales/discounts like Black Friday time or whenever that might reduce the price?

 

i built an RCM based on a cross of the 16.5 and their Typhoon.

more powerful vacuum motor, reversible platter motor and no drain tube.

I use a turkey baster to suck out spent fluid after cleaning quite a few records.

 

don’t do this. Keep the clamp on the hose when running the machine. There is a chance liquid can be inhaled into the vacuum motor.

over time this will ruin the vacuum motor and in extreme cases excess liquid over time rots the wood of the unit.

there are some instructive pictures online.

 

You use the VPI wand and upright or that DIY too?

 

I bought the VPI platter, spindle, wand and tower/base

the rest was made or adapted by me

Read about it here:

New project - RCM ** Finished at last! **

 

Holy cow G E, nice job on your RCM!!!!!!!!!! More than impressive...

 

Based on my own experience with US cleaning method...I know US cleaning won't beat a VPI style machine at cleaning. The US cleaning method, IMO, is one of the most overhyped audio things I've come across in recent years. It's no miracle cure despite the claims you read online.

 

Looks like you did a really good job, overbuilt. How do you access the waste receptacle to remove the water? Did I see a hatch?

 

This is a good point--on the Monks, the drain jar (like a Mason jar) has a fitting through the lid for the waste tube on top and on the inside, there's more tubing that extends down a couple inches, mainly to guide the used contact thread into the jar. You are not supposed to let the waste water level get anywhere close to that inner tube for the reason you describe. I suspect the power of the vacuum on the Monks has been taken into account somehow in allowing for the waste bottle approach-- it's a very good vacuum pump-from a German dialysis machine, but given that it's a point nozzle, it's probably nowhere near as strong as the vacuum on something like a Typhoon.

 

I remove the wand/tower and use a turkey baster and suck it out!

thanks for the props. It only took 9+ months to build. Ha ha.

but it works great and it gave me a focus. I like having active projects. Working on re-furbing an old Harman Kardon turntable and a Hagerman Bugle phono preamp now. They were my phono system for quite a few years before I upgraded to Well tempered and Trumpet phono

I’ll list them for sale in the hardware section and USAudiomart when they are done.

 

I have one question and one question only for you: Does your wife know you're using the turkey baster?

 

I got her a new one when I got mine!

 

What did you use for a fluid in your US?

 

Hi guys I just bought a 16.5 and I guess im doing something wrong every time I clean a record there is tons of gunk on my needle. Can you guys help me