I am a believer in clean records and the value of record cleaning machines. I have been using a VPI 16.5 for years (and have used their 17 in the past but prefer the 16.5). I first began my record cleaning using the VPI fluids, then went a few other then to RRL, and then started using the Disc Doctor's brushes and fluids with the 16.5.

My record cleaning routine has been as follows:

I have TWO separate brushes and TWO separate suction tubes for the VPI - one set for the cleaning fluids (application and suction) and one set for the distilled water rinsing (application and suction). Both of these tubes and brushes are kept in a closed dust free container.

I apply the DD fluid to the brush and scrub 1/3 of the LP in BOTH directions approximately 6-10 stokes in each direction then do the other 2/3 of the LP the same way. Then I turn the VPI motor on and suction off the cleaning fluid. I then do two distilled water rinses with the other brush and tube. I use compressed air to blow both the cleaning fluid off the applicator brush and the suction tube as well as the distilled water off the rinse brush and suction tube after each cleaning and rinsing (cleaning the brush and tube between rinses).

Lately, having read some of the posts here, I have been thinking of going back to the RRL fluids as I can see a film on the lead out groove on my LPs after a Disc Doctor cleaning (even after the above procedure). However, one day I saw a post about the Loricraft PRC3 cleaning machine and read a few reviews and comment on it. I will state up front, I was a little hesitant about $1800 for a record cleaning machine. I called the distributor, Smart Devices, and they were quite helpful and I decided to try it when they told me it has a 30 day money back guaranty.

I got the PRC3 about 10 days ago, unpacked it and then got cold feet and left it sit there on the table. I thought about the price, looked at the machine (even though it is quite nice looking in an industrial sort of way) and thought to myself "This thing just can't be worth that much, and can it really make THAT much of a difference to justify its price?" I had pretty much convinced myself to just send it back and save the money or use the money elsewhere around the house. Then, Saturday night, my wife asked me to get the machine off the dining room table and so I figured, what the heck, I might as well at least try it out.

Well, I am here to tell you, I am freakin glad I did. I am still absolutely shocked that this thing made such a huge difference. No, this is not exaggerated hyperbole, my friends heard it too. I decided to clean 8-10 of my most often played LPs, then turned to a few that I don't play because of noise. For example, I have a Peter Case LP "Beeline" and Jewel's "Spirit" double LP that I bought new and yet each one had a fist cut that sounded like the cartridge was being dragged through sand - especially bothersome on the quiet passages on both cuts. PLUS, I had cleaned both of these LPs twice with no improvement with my VPI and the DD and other fluids.

This time, I used the Smart Devices spray cleaner with the Loricraft (I will tell you why I chose to use that cleaner in a minute), I used the nylon brush that came with the unit (similar to the VPI brush only a little softer) and I placed the tonearm near the label and turned it on. First, it's dead quiet and takes about 40 seconds to traverse the LP. The nylon string between the LP and the pinpoint suction hole keeps contaminants at bay. NO static in this process at all. The record looks even cleaner than before and NO residue.

So, at this stage I am still a Doubting Thomas and figure that most of my LPs cleaned the previous way looked clean so I figure the LP will still sound gritty. I dropped the arm onto the LP sat back in my skeptics chair and got hit in the face with the most pleasant silence I have ever heard. I am not kidding, the noise was gone off BOTH LPs. Also, it seemed like the entire sound improved - treble was more extended and sweeter and the bass more articulate and harmonically more accurate. EVERY LP I cleaned with the PRC3 sounded NOTICABLY quieter and more enjoyable. They ALL looked cleaner and I like the fact that there is NO static build up when vacuuming. This machine greatly improved my analog enjoyment the last few days and it is CERTAINLY a keeper.

I should add that maybe the DD fluids are a contributing factor possibly even more than the VPI (which I still think is a great machine at its price point). So, maybe people using the VPI with RRL fluids may not experience as much of an improvement - I don't know. What I DO know is that this machine is easy to use, dead quiet, built well, and with the Smart Device spray, is VERY quick and needs no rinsing to get the results I did (although I will experiment with other methods).

Finally, I used the Smart Devices spray cleaner because the machine spins MUCH faster than the VPI so any kind of beaded up or excess fluid spins off the record onto the machine and everything else around it but the spray doesn't. The spray also contains alcohol (which I usually don't use) but it sure worked well with my LPs. Again, I will experiment with other cleaners to see if they improve the process or not.

I should also note, I am NOT affiliated with Smart Devices or Loricraft, did NOT get any huge discount nor am I going to do a formal review nor did Smart Devices ask me to write this, I am just simply amazed that my LPs that had been cleaned 2 or 3 times before sounded SO much better after cleaning with this machine.

If you are an analog lover, an analog die hard or have a large LP collection and you want your LPS as clean and noise free as possible, I think this machine is WELL worth its lofty price tag.

PS- I am going to try cleaning another LP tonight with the Smart Devices cleaner (as opposed to the DD fluids) but using the VPI, to try to get a handle on whether the fluids are more of the problem or if it's the Loricraft that is the main reason my LPs sounded so much better. I do not think this will be the case since I had cleaned some of the LPs I am writing about previously with other fluids and they still had the noise that is now gone with the PRC3.

As always folks, these are just MY thoughts and experiences and YMMV!!

Frank Peraino
West Bloomfield, MI
7-06-04