wpines Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 I was setting a budget for my "first" turntable and cartridge (to go with my new BlueberryRemote and VRD stereeo amp) when it occured to me that I would need to budget for accessories. The best table and cart need clean records or what's the point? I need recommendations. I'd like to go with cheaper manual systems that work well, but if I need a higher priced automatic machine, then I'll start with a cheaper table and cart and go the upgrade path later. You opinions and experience will help me greatly. I havent's a clue. My budget was going to be about 2k. Craig recommended a Music Hall 5 with a golring cart at about $1,100. That would leave me moneey for a higher priced cleaner. Are there any other accessories besides a cleaner that I can't do without? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcarlton Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 Records.[8-|] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strabo Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 For $2k: Step up to the MMF-7 (w/cart), $1,200, Interconnects, $5 - $200, Cleaning Solution $20 - $50, Disc Dr Cleaning Pads $42, VPI 16.5 RCM $500 (necessary if you plan to buy used vinyl), A small level if you don't already have one (the bubble level in the MMF's is junk) $0 - $20, Shure Stylus Force Guage $25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strabo Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 For $2k: Step up to the MMF-7 (w/cart), $1,200, Interconnects, $5 - $200, Cleaning Solution $20 - $50, Disc Dr Cleaning Pads $42, VPI 16.5 RCM $500 (necessary if you plan to buy used vinyl), A small level if you don't already have one (the bubble level in the MMF's is junk) $0 - $20, Shure Stylus Force Guage $25 Another option that would put you around $2.2k would be to skip the RCM for now and upgrade to a better TT. But you will still want an record cleaning machine later. A VPI Scout $1,650, Add a cart for $350, Interconnects, < $100, Cleaning Solution $20 - $50, Disc Dr Cleaning Pads $42, A small level if you don't already have one $0 - $20, Shure Stylus Force Guage $25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wpines Posted May 26, 2007 Author Share Posted May 26, 2007 Thanks Strabo. Which way would you go? I will be getting my old vinyl out of storage (I used to clean then with a discwasher brush and fluid 20 years ago. I'm sure I'll be buying used as well as new records. -the better table/cart and a cleaning machine later -the lesser table/cart and the cleaning machine now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott0527 Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 Thanks Strabo. Which way would you go? I will be getting my old vinyl out of storage (I used to clean then with a discwasher brush and fluid 20 years ago. I'm sure I'll be buying used as well as new records. -the better table/cart and a cleaning machine later -the lesser table/cart and the cleaning machine now The more expensive automatic record vacs don't seem to clean any better than the cheaper manual record vacs. Just more convienent. The VPI's and Nitty Grittys are all great at cleaning records. Vacuming records though, no matter what system, gets really tedious for me. I can stand doing about 5 at a time before extreme boredom sets in. You can start out with a simple $200 basic Nitty Gritty and get your records as clean as higher end models. Then you can work your way up the ladder to either more automated Nitty Grittys or the VPIs later as your hobby progresses. There are a few other makers in the market now but they're on the expensive side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshnich Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 As scott said, the difference in cleaning machines is for the most part convenience. I started with a basic manual nitty gritty and it worked perfectly. I upgraded to the VPI 16.5 only because it was easier to use not because it did any better of a job. I would put the money in the TT and go for something like the Scout and start with a cheaper cleaner. I know some folks around here use this which is a really inexpensive way to go. http://www.garage-a-records.com/spin.html Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthfreek Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 There may be a shop that'll clean records for you. There are several places here in Austin that does 'em for a buck a pop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottF Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 I have the VPI Scout and the VPI 16.5 and highly recommend both. Cleaning records with the 16.5 has worked out fine for me but I started out with that system. I also use an Allsop Orbitrac 2 manual system to preclean before the VPI if I find an LP I gotta have that has a bunch of mold on it. It works well at getting the mold off and the 16.5 brush doesn't get gunked up. If I put on some music and grab a beer, I can go for at least 30 minutes of cleaning the old vinyl. You can probably clean about 30 records or so in an hour so at $1 per clean, outsourcing is a little expensive if you have a lot of vinyl to scrub up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauln Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 I like the Orbitrac system, a wet and a dry pad that revolve around the spindle (manual). I make my own fluid. You may get one here... http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6937278/a/77500+Orbitrac+2+Vinyl+Cleaner.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.