Recently I've been playing some of my old (~30YO) records and have been surprised by how frequently I need to clean my phono stylus, even if the record doesn't exhibit much surface noise. I'm guessing that perhaps plasticizers in the vinyl have migrated to the surface where they can get onto the stylus but perhaps something else is going on?
Whatever the cause, I'm wondering if other folks have encountered this, and, if so, what sort of record cleaning regimen was used to clean up their records.
I just recently got a spin wash system for my records but have concentrated on records that clearly need some TLC But perhaps I should just go through all my old records, on account of this particular problem....?
Fortunately, IPA seems to work pretty well for removing the crud on the stylus, although it's a bit of a pain to (frequently) clean it off. A one-and-done clean on a record would be nice, if that's possible....as long as it's not too expensive to achieve.
Whatever the cause, I'm wondering if other folks have encountered this, and, if so, what sort of record cleaning regimen was used to clean up their records.
I just recently got a spin wash system for my records but have concentrated on records that clearly need some TLC But perhaps I should just go through all my old records, on account of this particular problem....?
Fortunately, IPA seems to work pretty well for removing the crud on the stylus, although it's a bit of a pain to (frequently) clean it off. A one-and-done clean on a record would be nice, if that's possible....as long as it's not too expensive to achieve.
Just a gentle caution about using IPA to clean your stylus: There is a possibility that the alcohol can dissolve the adhesive bonding between the diamond tip and the cantilever tube (and/or the intermediate bushing if it's not a nude diamond tip). I had this happen while cleaning a very cruddy stylus on an old DUAL/Ortofon cartridge. I was working with extreme care under a stereoscopic microscope, using a very soft & fine artist's brush & 99% pure (USP) Isopropyl Alcohol. Imagine my surprise when the stylus tip just fell off abruptly; even a bit of the flattened tube at the base of the tip flaked away.
Since you've had success with it so far, perhaps your stylus is tolerant of IPA?? Myself - I won't take that chance again!
Since you've had success with it so far, perhaps your stylus is tolerant of IPA?? Myself - I won't take that chance again!
I use one of the Pro-ject VC-E2 vacuum systems and new sleeves after cleaning and almost never have to worry about any major debris building up. I can probably play a record a dozen times after that with just a quick anti-static brush before I clean again. Everyone has their own preferences but the record cleaning machine was a worthwhile investment that I’m glad I spent the money on…
I was donated 200+ vinyl albums from a deceased estate. All in the 30 to 40 year age range. Many were still in pristine sleeves however they all deposited a lot of crud when played. Given the quantity I invested in an ultrasonic cleaner, stole the rotisserie moter off the BBQ and built a record cleaner taking 5 discs at a time. Some cleaned up with one session but a few required several before they played clean. I was worried about destroying the vinyl surface but some discs have done 3 20 minute sessions without noticeable harm.
@steve jones is right microline stylus do tend to dig out a lot of muck.
@steve jones is right microline stylus do tend to dig out a lot of muck.
It's the same cartridge and stylus I was using back then so it's riding in the same grooves.
I had thought I would need to replace the cartridge due to its age -- it's an Adcom high-output MC & the stylus is not user-replaceable. Even if there WERE replacement stylii for it. But I was surprised. It sounds fine to these old ears.
I have read elsewhere on this forum that a 60KHz ultrasonic is the preferred weapon for cleaning records. Is that what you're using? Being a general DIY-er I have looked into that approach but 60KHz units tend to be a lot more $. I actually considered buying the transducers and driver boards to make my own ultrasonic cleaner but the cost of the individual pieces quickly approached the cost of a commercial 6L unit. Throw in some niceties like a bath heater, enclosure and switches etc. and the DIY idea went bye-bye.
Also can you share what cleaning solution you use in your setup?
Thanks!
Mark
So this could well be a worn diamond gouging the bottom of the groove. Any use at all would add up to a lot of hours in 30 years and failing rubber parts means the cantilever won't be behaving right.
I put a pause on playing vinyl around 30 YO, too. Now the "pause" button has been released 🙂 So the diamond isn't any more-worn than it was back then.
Based on my experience with the Sonus Red and Blue cartridges, which didn't hold up very well, I expected the Adcom to be toast -- but it's playing surprisingly well. It has to be showing its age in some ways but they aren't jumping out. It could be that its apparent sensitivity to "crud" on the stylus s a sign of age.
I have the original box for the Adcom. I'll look at the information with it to see if it indicates what sort of stylus profile it has. Probably elliptical but.....that's just a guess on my part.
I found that washing records with a damp cotton washcloth under warm tap water, and then thoroughly shaking and blotting the water off, air drying, and storing in anti-static sleeves eliminated any build-up on the stylus. The effect is permanent (20 years later).
Ed
Ed
I've got a cart with a shibata profile stylus, it has been excellent at scraping crud out of my older records (they're mostly 30+ years old). I've been ripping them and got a Degritter USC as there were around 1200 discs. Generally I clean a disc, play it and clean it again, then rip.
I've been using vinyl studio to do the rips and I can see differences in the clicks from first to second clean on most of the older discs...
Cleaning the stylus I use one or two swipes with a bit of magic sponge wet with a 90/10 mix of deionised water and IPA.
I've been using vinyl studio to do the rips and I can see differences in the clicks from first to second clean on most of the older discs...
Cleaning the stylus I use one or two swipes with a bit of magic sponge wet with a 90/10 mix of deionised water and IPA.
I am in the process of moving so all my gear is in storage and I can't get to the ultrasonic tank but it was one of the cheaper models and I believe they were 60KHz. The solution is 4 litres of de-ionised water for the tank, 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1 cap of dishwasher rinse aid. Basically the mix I used for hand cleaning. Tank temp was set at 22 deg C and I gave the discs 20 minutes. Those that looked dirty I ran them in the solution for a further 20 minutes without the ultrasonics in the hope of softening the crud before giving them a blast.