Dust on records

sombunya

Well-Known Member
Oct 18, 2012
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Just curious, does anyone here use any of the devices that pick dust up from the vinyl as it is playing?

I know Rega discourages the use of such devices and even says that a small amount of dust is of no concern. The stylus will push it aside.

I use an Orbitrac to pick up debris before I play one, but sometimes the carbon fiber brush I use that tracks the disc as it plays will still get a little bit that the Orbitrac left behind.

I'm curious about what others here think?
 

mep

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Apr 20, 2010
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I clean every record before I play it on my VPI 16.5 and don't worry about any dust that might fall on it as I'm playing the LP. Each record is pristine when I put it on the table.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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May 16, 2010
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I clean every record before I play it on my VPI 16.5 and don't worry about any dust that might fall on it as I'm playing the LP. Each record is pristine when I put it on the table.

You use the VPI with every play?
 

Shaffer

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Nov 2, 2012
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I'm in a gross minority that won't buy a quality TT that doesn't have a hinged dustcover. No way, no how. No hinged dustcover, no sale. I live with three cats, a dog, two children and a wife, all of whom have a hell of a lot more hair than me.

Felix
 
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treitz3

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Dec 25, 2011
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You use the VPI with every play?

I use the Nitty Gritty with every play. In fact, I'll do it before play on each side of an LP even though it's a dual sided cleaner. Even if the LP is brand new. Like Mark, I don't worry about any dust that might fall on it as I'm playing the LP.

Tom
 

Johnny Vinyl

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I use the Nitty Gritty with every play. In fact, I'll do it before play on each side of an LP even though it's a dual sided cleaner. Even if the LP is brand new. Like Mark, I don't worry about any dust that might fall on it as I'm playing the LP.

Tom

Tom - Personally I think that's overkill, but hey...one does what one is comfortable with. Once a record has been RCM'd it should be good to go and not require further cleanings. An wipe with your trusty anti-static brush and a clean of your stylus should be good enough.
 

treitz3

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Perhaps. I have not found this to be the case, though. The LP somehow picks up unwanted artifacts after handling, storage and further handling and IME becomes audible to me. Dust to an LP seems to be akin to a moth to flame. To me, it's worth a little bit of my time to experience less artifacts. YMMV.

Tom
 

Johnny Vinyl

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May 16, 2010
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Perhaps. I have not found this to be the case, though. The LP somehow picks up unwanted artifacts after handling, storage and further handling and IME becomes audible to me. Dust to an LP seems to be akin to a moth to flame. To me, it's worth a little bit of my time to experience less artifacts. YMMV.

Tom

I can appreciate that. :)
 

Johnny Vinyl

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Yep. It takes less than two minutes to clean a side of an LP.

Hey Mark - As I said to Tom, I think it's overkill, but I can respect the reasoning.
 

audioarcher

Well-Known Member
May 6, 2012
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Seattle area
If you don't have a wet cleaner it would be a good investment. If your on a budget a spin clean for about $80 would be a good start. For a bit more you can get a vacuum based cleaner like a Nitty Gritty or VPI 16.5. I started with the VPI 16.5 and now have a Audio Desk Vinyl Cleaner. The Audio Desk is automatic and does an awesome job but costs allot.

Personally I clean my records initially (new or used) then use a carbon fiber brush for about 5 to 10 plays then clean them again. If you have the time and the patience to clean them every play go for it but I think it's a little overkill.

Another important thing to do is clean your stylus before every side. It just takes a few seconds and will make your stylus and records last longer. It will also sound better.
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
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I no longer have my Nitty Gritty, but I did buy the SpinClean so I could at least have something and it works quite well. One of the things I started doing last year is to have my dealer clean my new vinyl that I buy on his VPI 16.5 and he's glad to do it. It should be pointed out that I am a good customer, so this service works to his benefit. I use the SpinClean for my existing vinyl.
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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La Jolla, Calif USA
A while back, there was a lot of talk about how important it is to wet clean a new LP prior to play. The idea was to remove any residual mold release and other debris. Guys, how many of you have ever had a new LP with residual mold release on it? I can tell you I never have...at least not that I could tell:confused:.
 

treitz3

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Hello, DaveyF. I'm not sure about any mold as I haven't ever noticed any but I can assure you with complete confidence that IME a new LP has something lodged in those grooves that almost always disappears after a good cleaning.

Tom
 

audioarcher

Well-Known Member
May 6, 2012
1,396
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Seattle area
A while back, there was a lot of talk about how important it is to wet clean a new LP prior to play. The idea was to remove any residual mold release and other debris. Guys, how many of you have ever had a new LP with residual mold release on it? I can tell you I never have...at least not that I could tell:confused:.

Not really sure how anyone could tell for sure if there is mold release still on a record. The reason I clean my new records first is because there is usually some dust on them. Especially if they used paper sleeves. Paper sleeves always shed allot of paper dust. I replace the liners with the plastic MOFI inner sleeves after cleaning.
 

Shaffer

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Nov 2, 2012
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I clean all new records, as well, with a 16.5 and DD fluid and brushes. Replace the sleeves, too. I usually don't machine-clean again for a while. Just a Hunt or an AQ brush before each play.

Felix
 

treitz3

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Dec 25, 2011
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Hello, tony ky ma. What is this special coating you speak of?

Tom
 

treitz3

Super Moderator
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Dec 25, 2011
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The tube lair in beautiful Rock Hill, SC

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