DizRotus

If you read the pdf of the original TAA articles, you'll see that Reg Williamson also facetiously commented that the best way to keep a record pristine is to never remove it from the sleeve. In fact, since new records were never treated with an anti-static agent, a brand new record, when treated, will be better than it was while it was still sealed in shrink-wrap. I still give new records a facial to remove the dirt that was attracted before the static charges were eliminated. I have now located all of the ingredients. I'm still waiting for 8oz (enough for several lifetimes of permanent anti-static treatment) of the Cyastat SN to arrive. When everything is here, I'll record a video of preparing a batch and then make a before and after video of the results. Yes, the Elmer's ( PVA based glue) and similar methods are effective, but Reg Williamson (an audio legend in the UK) refined the process to near perfection. The addition of a wetting agent (Kodak Photo-Flo) and glycerin for viscosity stability make the application and removal consistent and easy. The best part is the anti-static treatment--which the glue alone method lacks. It's the static charge that sucks dirt out of the air and bonds it to the record surface. Unless you defeat the static charge, the record won't be truly clean and it will begin attracting new dirt immediately. If you utilize Reg's system once, the record will stay clean and static free indefinitely. Sure it takes some DIY effort, but that's part of the "hands-on" tactile experience that is rewarding about vinyl. Once a batch is mixed, it keeps for quite some time at room temperature in a dishwashing liquid bottle with a push to close top. I use a similar water bottle I got at a dollar store. Pull the bottle's stop, squirt the clear liquid (viscosity like thick maple syrup) onto the record, spread it out, let it dry overnight and peel it off with masking tape (see photo in pdf attached to post above). That record NEVER needs to be cleaned again. The article doesn't suggest this, but I stack the treated records into towers of 5-6 records, using plastic cups between the records' labels, to dry. The forthcoming video will demonstrate. Inevitably, I will have more of the key ingredients than I will ever use. I'm contemplating make cleaning sets available to interested individuals. Discwasher, dishwashing soap, record vacs, Zero-stat guns, etc., you name it, I've used it. NOTHING else that I've tried works as well, and lasts FOREVER, as the system Reg Williamson employed.

After listening to the TT, including the AT14Sa cartridge, I decided to leave positive feedback, but as neutral as possible. I indicated that a glitch was speedily resolved to my satisfaction. The silver lining is that the same ignorance regarding the proper packing and shipment of electronics was matched by his ignorance of the market value of the AT14Sa cartridge. If identified in the listing, the price would, most likely, have exceeded my max bid. Alternatively, if the eBay search results are an indication, the seller could have pulled the cartridge and listed it separately for twice what the TT alone was worth. I'm very pleased with the transaction, so some sort of positive feedback seemed appropriate.

That looks great. I notice the rears are not behind the listening position. I was expecting behind the listener would enhance the ambiance effect. Please elaborate.

The rears will be attached to the joists in my basement office. I wondered whether to have them face each other, face the front or face the diagonal and now you introduce a hitherto unconsidered variable of facing the floor. I guess I've just got to experiment.

It's eBay. A 1500 was ending; a 1200 wasn't. I placed a sniped bid and won. There was no conscious decision to go for a 1500 over a 1200; there wasn't a 1200 ending at the time. Notwithstanding the shattered dust cover, I'm pleased with the table, including the AT14Sa cartridge.

Dave- As I type, I'm listening to "The Turning Point" by John Mayall, which I just got for $1, on my new to me Technics SL-1500 with Audio Technica AT14Sa cartridge (see attached pdf of eBay search results). It sounds great. I'd forgotten how good records sound. I'm eager to listen to this excellent recording of a live performance using the QD-1. That'll be the weekend, at the earliest.

The Technics SL-1500 I just got off eBay has an Audio Technica AT14Sa installed. It makes the $1 example of "The Turning Point" by John Mayall sound great. If eBay is any guide, somebody likes this cartridge. See attached pdf of eBay search results.

Bruce- I think you're correct. The AT14Sa cartridge is no slouch. I've attached an eBay search page showing used units are fetching north of $250. As I type, I'm listening to "The Turning Point" by John Mayall, a record I just picked up for $1. It sounds fantastic. I'd forgotten how good a record could (should) sound. This live recording should work well with the QD-1 that Dave Mallete seduced me into getting, which then precipitated the urge to get a turntable . . . again.

I neglected to say it does work. The Audio Technica AT14Sa (see attached pdf) cartridge seems to have survived the ordeal, as well. Now the dilemma is whether to use this cartridge with no idea of its hours of use or replace the stylus with an aftermarket at anything from $17 to $118, or put that toward a new cartridge.

The formerly intact dust cover was shattered. The platter was not secured and the tonearm was not secured. There were several bits of packing tape, none longer than 10" and less than 48" total, inside the box to "secure" it for shipment. I contacted the seller, who vigorously defended the adequacy of the packing. In exchange for a full refund, including the actual cost to return it, I offered to double box and secure everything properly. I anticipated the cost to ship it back could be greater than the $25.02 it cost to get it here, as it would weigh more when properly packed. In the alternative, I asked for a $25 refund to offset the shattered dust cover. The seller immediately issued a $25 refund. My dilemma is whether to leave positive feedback. On the plus side, the issue was quickly resolved on my terms. On the negative side, the item was improperly packed. What would you do?

This photo shows a handful of peanuts and a garbage bag. With only a few peanuts and no double box, the unit was "free to move about the cabin."

The Technics SL-1500 I "won" on eBay arrived. Photos are attached to this and subsequent posts. The first photo shows the condition of the exterior of the box as it was found on my porch.

After an extensive search, I found the original articles from "The Audio Amateur" (TAA) magazine on a UK computer forum. I took the liberty of combining several WORD documents into one. and then correcting some minor spacing and formatting issues and correcting typos. The result is faithful to the content, if not exactly as it originally appeared. The compilation is attached as a pdf. As the edited subject of this thread now indicates, this cleaning system REALLY WORKS. Part 1 renders discs permanently static free, while Part 2 deep cleans the grooves with a PVA (polyvinly alcohol) " facial." The two processes can be combined to simultaneously clean and static-proof vinyl. I've personally seen 45s found in piles in a closet that were hideous looking and unplayable restored to as-new condition. I've located and ordered all of the ingredients, with the exception of Cyastat SN. I expect to soon locate a source. When everything is assembled, I'll record the preparation of the cleaner, and record a cleaning and the results. There are YouTube videos demonstrating similar facials using PVA based glue. When the directions in Reg Williamson's articles are followed, the results are unbeatable and more elegant than the glue techniques. TAA_articles.pdf

So, I was driving by this used record store . . . John Mayall and Boz Scaggs followed me home. I sense an addiction developing.

I'll keep the Shure in mind. My college roomate's son works for Shure in Chicago; maybe he has free samples.[] Next I'll have to figure out how to digitize the vinyl.

Dave Mallette's thread, "Quadapter Back, Yay!" http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/t/176614.aspx infected me with an urge to try a QD-1. After getting a QD-1 off eBay and restoring it, it was evident I needed a turntable, as Dave assured me that analog produces the best results with a QD-1. As I rocket down this slippery slope, I snatched a Tecnics SL-1500 off eBay. The seller could only say it has a cartridge. The photos suggest an Audio Technica. I'm interested an obtaining another cartridge, or cartridges, if anyone has one, or more, that are not being used. Please send email or PM with specifics.

To fully utilize my new QD-1, I decided I need a turntable. I just "won" an eBay auction for a Technics SL-1500 with some sort of Audio Technica cartridge. I exchanged several cordial emails with the seller prior to the end of the auction. He/she even asked for details on how to secure the platter for shipment, so I sent the pertinent page from the owner's manual. With my sniped bid I was pretty certain I'd get it. Irrespective, whoever got it deserved to have it arrive undamaged, Does anyone have a gently used cartridge that needs a new home?

I just "won" an eBay auction for a Technics SL-1500 with some sort of Audio Technica cartridge. I exchanged several cordial emails with the seller prior to the end of the auction. He/she even asked for details on how to secure the platter for shipment, so I sent the pertinent page from the owner's manual. With my sniped bid I was pretty certain I'd get it. Irrespective, whoever got it deserved to have it arrive undamaged, If the Technics hadn't worked out (or doesn't work out) I'll take Mark and Craig's advice and try the AT table from Amazon. My experience with Amazon assures me that I would be satisfied. Does anyone have a gently used cartridge that needs a new home? Thanks to everyone for the input.

The school uses and "loves" these daily. At my annual tweeter check I found the speakers to be great; the 70s vintage h/k 730 not so great. Soon it will be off to the forum's own dale_s for a total refurbishment. Fortunately, I just happen to have a spare h/k 630 for the school to use as a loaner. Note the coincidental "La Scala" banner to the left of the instrument lockers. The vertical banner references the musical scale, for which the Milan, Italy opera house was named, for which the Klipsch speakers were named. I suspect not many students appreciate the circular coincidence.

The school uses and "loves" these daily. At my annual tweeter check I found the speakers to be great; the 70s vintage h/k 730 not so great. Soon it will be off to the forum's own dale_s for a total refurbishment. Fortunately, I just happen to have a spare h/k 630 for the school to use as a loaner.

I've gotten the return to vinyl bug. The Audio Technica table at Amazon (see attached) seems like a bargain. For less than the cost of many vintage tables in questionable condition, this is available. Does anyone have any experience with it?

EDIT: May 9, 2019 My extra Cyastat SN supply has been exhausted. No more requests for Cyastat SN can be honored. FYI, the original articles from The Audio Amateur are attached to the next post. ________________________ Years ago I purchased the Reg Williamson record cleaning system from Old Colony Sound Lab. It worked very well. Old vinyl that seemed hopeless was returned to almost new condition, Nothing else I used before, or since, came close. The kit included DuPont Elvanol (Poly Vinyl Alcohol [PVA] in a white powder) that was mixed with distilled water, glycerin, alcohol, Kodak Photo-Flo and an anti-static agent. Unfortunately, I neglected to stock up before Old Colony disappeared into AudioXpress. Most of the ingredients are available. The recipe and sources would be helpful. Any assistance would be appreciated. EDIT: 08/24/15 If you like, skip to post #108 and keep reading from there. However, if it's too much trouble to read the entire thread, the effort to cook up a batch will probably be well beyond your level of patience. Go to: https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/155914-bjesus-a-miracleby-dizrotus/?hl=b%26%2339%3Bjesus for an unsolicited testimonial from Mallette.

That's the truth. "We can't talk here" Regnad Kcin

No, but the fox did. Squeeze him here, maybe he'll pass another. Now I have to get a turntable. In a moment of weakness, Years ago I gave away my AR XB with SME 3009II and Shure V15 III. Must've killed too many brain cells in my stoner days to do something that stupid. I'm into this project too far to quit now. A turntable is in my future. I've got my eye on one on eBay just like, including cartridge, one of the two I used in my mobile DJ biz 37 years ago.

Dave, Do you use it with R2R and/or other tape formats, as well as vinyl? If so, how does it work? Which produces the best results? Thanks,