Vinyl Styl Deep Groove Record Washer System - for 7/10/12 Inch (White)

Will this machine clean as well as a vacuum or ultrasonic system? I'm almost positive it won't. But if spending anywhere from $200 to $1200 (or more) isn't an issue for you, then off you go to a better world. For anyone looking for a great option under $100, this might be the machine for you.There are several basin-type cleaners on the market, most notably the bright yellow Spin-Clean which has the distinction of having been around the longest of the bunch. And for me, it was a dead-heat between the SC and this Vinyl Styl system for a long time (tried-and-true vs. new-and-improved). In the end, the VS Deep Groove cleaner won out, but not because it was cheaper (which is nice). First, the whole thing packs up into a great self-contained package. Second, the included drying rack saved me even more money by not having to purchase or build another device for holding wet records. Third, a clamp to protect the label is a great idea, and it's also the center axle of the spinning mechanics, which seemed to make more sense than the two rollers on the outer edge that the SC uses. And finally, I liked the idea of goat hair brushes better than the cloth pads the SC uses. I'll be the first to admit that it's purely speculative, but it just seems like the soft bristles of the brushes would do a better job at digging crud out of grooves than the pads would do. I've used similar stand-alone pad brushes like the ones in the SC in the past, and have never liked them.As to the issue of the fluid, many here (and on other forums) have complained that the Vinyl Styl cleaner left a film on their records which transferred to the stylus in the form of a gunky build up. It's possible that this is due to the fact that there's no rinse basin (unless you buy a second machine), or even a recommendation for one in the instructions (you're meant to just let them air dry, hence the drying rack). But rather than even chance it, I decided to throw out the included fluid and go with a home brew solution as many other reviewers have done. Google "London Jazz Collector Record Cleaning Fluid" for what is arguably the best recipe out there, or you can go with the classic distilled water/isopropyl alcohol/Dawn mix that has been used and praised far and wide. You could even use the Spin-Clean fluid in this machine if you wanted, but whatever you do, I would personally recommend a rinse with distilled water and a dry-off with a microfiber cloth before you put it in the drying rack to dry completely.So, while you could very well use this device right out of the box, I personally think you're better served by swapping the fluid, adding a rinse, and picking up a pack of microfiber cloths. I considered taking a star off my rating for this reason, but I feel that while those additions might be better choices, they're not absolutely necessary to get you started. And some people haven't had the problem with the gunk it seems, so who knows? The VS fluid might be just fine after all. But as with any method you use for cleaning vinyl (or storing it, or listening to it, or pretty much anything having to do with it), you're going to encounter heated debate on every message board and forum you read.As for the results, I'd say the VS does an excellent job of cleaning records. Granted, I have not inspected any of the grooves with an electron microscope, but in my own before-and-after play testing, the noise has been dramatically reduced, if not eliminated from most of the vinyl I've cleaned. No, it will not fix scratches, worn grooves, or warped records. It *might* fix skips or repeater loops *if* those problems are caused by dirt/debris on the disc (as it did for a couple of mine), though most often those issues are caused by physical damage to the surface of the record. Some records can also benefit from multiple cleanings, so if you're disappointed that the 50-some-odd year-old record you just washed still has some surface noise after a wash, try it again. If after two or three washings it sounds the same, then chances are the grooves are just worn. But while some of my older, more worn discs still have surface noise (and always will), after a cleaning or two it sounds like the volume on the crackle-and-pops has at least been turned down.All in all, a great investment for your vinyl for not a lot of money. If you're between this and the Spin-Clean, I think you'll be well served with either device, but with all the extra features the VS offers I think it's a slightly better value.

The lowdown — A fantastic tool to clean your prized vinyl. Innovative and elegant design. Unique spindle keeps labels dry and makes it easy to add a rinse. Goat hair brushes, very fine yet springy, provide superior interaction with the LP surface. This is a clear advantage over the competition.There are several schools of thought on how to clean vinyl records. Two principal elements on which most agree is to use a detergent, a solvent such as IPA, or enzymes together with some sort of interaction with the vinyl surface. This can be a brush, sponge, fluid spray with suction, or even ultrasonics.Vinyl Styl does it with two fine, dense, replaceable brushes made of goat hair. Goat hair brushes are finely textured yet have a lot of springiness. This makes them uniquely suited for getting deeply yet gently into record grooves. They do this much better than flat surface brushes or sponges used by the competition. They mount perpendicular to the grooves in a vertical wash basin. Fill the basin with the included IPA-based cleaning solution, insert the record, rotate in both directions for several revolutions and voilà, there's your interaction.Vinyl Styl's spindle design is a stroke of genius. You tighten two acrylic disks joined by a bolt through the spindle hole. This seals two butyl rings around the labels so they stay completely dry! And handling disks via the spindle eliminates the risk of fingerprints.The drying rack holding seven LPs is another helpful touch. It makes it much easier to dry your prized vinyl without generating static or depositing new particles.You can stick with the stock process or add variations. For instance, I use inexpensive DrFormulas digestive enzymes for the heavy lifting, then a detergent to wash off the debris, and a distilled water rinse as final step. Would you not rinse off your dishes or car after washing? The two photos of 120x enlarged LP grooves show how this process works for me.I did try out Vinyl Styl's included cleaning solution just for this review. It consists of diluted IPA and a detergent, much like others of its kind. 'Worked ok for me. The opinion of other reviewers here show a wide range. Keep in mind that what defines this machine is its superior technical approach, not the included cleaning solution.All elements, even the drying rack and a cute square funnel, store as one compact, attractive unit. Vinyl Styl is industrial design at its best.Last but not least, when I approached the manufacturer with a question they wrote back promptly and courteously. That's rare these days.Summarizing:• Goat hair brushes interact strongly with record grooves• Labels stay completely dry• Clever spindle makes handling records a breeze• Adding a rinse becomes straightforward• Record surface stays untouched after cleaning• Integral drying rack avoids toweling• Elegant, self-contained design• Manufacturer supportVinyl Styl is a thoughtful masterpiece. You will love it.