Questions about VPI 16.5 operation

[hezagenius]

I couldn't find these questions addressed using the search function.

I'm at that point of getting a RCM because I am done spending a lot of time manually cleaning each record. I'd like to keep the cost to ~USD 600. I don't want to mess with manual rotation and I would like a platter so that I can scrub the record if necessary so that has pretty much led me to the VPI 16.5 (although the Okki Nokki looks OK, too).

Before I pull the trigger, I was hoping to get an answer to a few questions about the VPI's operation.

1) After the vacuum switch is turned off, does it leave a line of water on the album where the wand pops off the surface? It seems to me that there will be some water/cleaning solution still in the velvet strips after the vacuum is turned off that could leave something on the record when it pulls away. Does that happen?

2) How dry is the record after a few rotations under the vacuum? Dry enough to put the record in a sleeve or should it air dry a little bit?

3) Does the wand clean off water from the lead-in groove and run-out groove areas?

Thanks

[brianmch]

I couldn't find these questions addressed using the search function.

I'm at that point of getting a RCM because I am done spending a lot of time manually cleaning each record. I'd like to keep the cost to ~USD 600. I don't want to mess with manual rotation and I would like a platter so that I can scrub the record if necessary so that has pretty much led me to the VPI 16.5 (although the Okki Nokki looks OK, too).

Before I pull the trigger, I was hoping to get an answer to a few questions about the VPI's operation.

1) After the vacuum switch is turned off, does it leave a line of water on the album where the wand pops off the surface? It seems to me that there will be some water/cleaning solution still in the velvet strips after the vacuum is turned off that could leave something on the record when it pulls away. Does that happen?

2) How dry is the record after a few rotations under the vacuum? Dry enough to put the record in a sleeve or should it air dry a little bit?

3) Does the wand clean off water from the lead-in groove and run-out groove areas?

Thanks

1-mine leaves no line when I turn the vac off and then turn the platter off.
2-my records are dry. by the time I walk from the machine to my tt they're ready to play-5- seconds or so max
3-yes-lead in and out grooves are covered by the wand.

i've gone to a 2 stage wash then rinse process and I am happier with the results than just using a wash cycle only. it's like what, 20 more seconds maybe?

I am very happy with mine.

[bauzace50]

Hi,
In my experience with the VPI 16.5 washing machine, my replies are exactly the same as brianmch above.
I also find that a wee bit of fluid is left in the tube, which is then totally sucked in by switching on the vacuum when the tube is swiveled away from the LP.

One extra bit of attention which one could do: take out the tube and blot the lips with a paper towel. That is extra. I do not do it because the lips always seem to be clean with the extra bit of sucking mentioned above.

My 16.5 allows me to clean my LPs so they leave NO residue on the stylus upon playing after washing. I cannot imagine any sort of "cleaner" condition, and am now surprised about the amount of debris I tolerated with my previous manual methods. I use the VPI fluid with optional alcohol added at home according to VPI instructions.

Am very happy with my VPI washing setup
Am also about to try the domestic formula used by esteemed VE member alec124c41:

1 cup Isopropyl alcohol
4 cups Distilled Water
8 drops dishwashing detergent ( or less, to taste)
Rinse with Distilled Water.

Best wishes,
bauzace50

[Tedrick]

brianmuch nailed it. After 2-3 rotations in the vacuum cycle, the record is completely dry and ready for sleeving (or playing) and there's no line of moisture under the wand. The suction is strong enough to dry the record AND the velvet strips on the wand.

Good brushes are essential. I highly recommend the Mobil Fidelity brushes. The MoFi brush is wide enough to cover the entire playing surface of a record, the cleaning pad is user-replaceable, and replacement pads are pretty inexpensive. I use a 3-step cleaning process for most records using the Audio Intelligent solutions (enzymatic cleaner, super cleaner, ultra pure water rinse). For really dirty records, I add a pre-cleaner as the first step. I have 3 of the MoFi brushes for the cleaning steps, and a high-quality 3" wide paintbrush for the rinse step.

One thing you should always remember: during marathon cleaning sessions, drain the spent fluid reservoir after every 10-12 records to prevent spent fluid from leaking into the inside of the machine. I also recommend draining the reservoir at the end of every cleaning session.

Congrats on your decision. Once you've got an RCM, you'll wonder how you ever got by without one.

[hezagenius]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think that seals the deal for me. I plan on using 2 wands, one for after brushing with homebrew cleaning solution and one for water only rinsing.

[bauzace50]

Hi,
one thing to verify every once in a long while is the fit of the transparent wand in its black housing. The tube may move slightly out of its fitting, and one just needs to push it back in for the original tight fit. This assures the maximum vacuum effect on the LP

Regards,
bauzace50