Vinyl Cleaning

[rlw]

Sorry, but I find this such a lively topic that I thought it deserved its own thread!


The tools:

VPI 16.5 w/ VPI brush
AudioQuest CarbonFiber Brush
ZeroStat anti-static device
Stylus cleaner: Record Research Labs, Lyra, etc.
Hunt EDA Brush for dry cleaning


The Chemicals:

Record Research Labs Cleaner, HomeBrew, RRL Stylus, Lyra Stylus.




The procedure.

Grade the record. You'll quickly be able to tell at a glance whether the record needs the full treatment, or a partial treatment.

The full treatment:

1. Using the supplied VPI brush, and the homebrew fluid, get the record good and wet by holding the VPI brush at an angle, and applying the solution. Then, rotate the brush so the bristles are vertical, and let it scrub.

If you have any stubborn spots - and they might be the entire surface - stop the VPI table, add more fluid, and manually scrub with the brush, making sure to always go with the grooves. Keep the LP wet.

Note: when cleaning a very dirty record on the VPI, place an innersleeve on the VPI prior to the record. Clean side 1 as above. When you flip to side 2, remove the innersleeve. This keeps the surface of the VPI clean, so that you're not placing a just cleaned side down on gunk.

Note: It's the stubborn-spot procedure that makes the VPI unit reside in a league apart from the Nitty Gritty - you have a surface to work on.

2. Dry. Using the VPI vacuum tube, let the record rotate until it is 100% dry. Don't worry about static buildup; you want to get that baby as free of residue as possible.


3. Using the AudioQuest brush, and the RRL Cleaner, clean the record on the VPI. This cleaner is very pure, the AQ brush gentle, and will get more residue off the surface that was left from step 1&2.

4. Dry as in step 2.

5. If there is static buildup, use the ZeroStat to remove.

6. Give a quick wipe to the TT platter with an optical cleaning cloth. Place LP on TT; clamp down, and clean using the Hunt EDA brush.

Note: do not use the Hunt brush as the supplied instructions indicate. Instead, allow ONLY it's own weight to hold it down while the LP spins. Then, holding it absolutely level, and applying 0 vertical force (neither up nor down) pull it straight off the LP - just like using a standard carbon fiber brush. You want to avoid applying any weight to avoid having the pad contact the surface of the LP.

7. Clean stylus - after every side.


The partial treatment:

Only steps 3-7

The "I've cleaned it already" treatment:

Only steps 5-7.



HomeBrew Recipe:

Distilled water, 80%

90% Pure Isopopropyl Alcohol, 20%. Do NOT use rubbing alcohol, as this has additives.

1-2 Drops only of Dawn per gallon as a surfacant - I often skip this.

Likewise, I don't use any other ingredients, as residue becomes an issue. Residue=surface noise.

[F1nut]

Man, I worked up a sweat just reading that........so let's see 2 hrs.
plus for cleaning for maybe 40 minutes of snap, crackle & pop. No thanks....gave it up years ago, but to each their own. :p

[mantis]

Plain old soap and water.I also gave that up years ago.But still sounds good.

[F1nut]

Being the non-vinyl head that I am, I do know S&W will leave unwanted deposits. However, a little S&M isn't a bad thing.

[madmax]

I read and printed out the procedure this afternoon. Whew! I looked up the recommended components as well. Cleaner $450, Stylus cleaner $20, Brush $20, Zerostat $100. The home brew cleaner will save some $ as will the VPI over the nitty gritty.

This is an expensive sport to say the least. I'm in though.

Question, I have some new lp's coming as well as several older ones as well. Will playing the newer ones without cleaning cause any undue harm? This additional $600 will not happen for another month. Is there a compromise here for the mean time before the proper equipment is here? Everything else is due in on Mon or Tues.

The snapple and pop may not be an issue from what I have read given the proper equipment and cleaning. I too had the same concerns. I gave up lp's 15 years ago with a smile on my face and decided at that time I no longer wanted anything to do with them. This is a last chance effort to correct my previous problems. The S&M is interesting though. Maybe you have a procedure on that? 2hrs, I don't think so.
madmax

[madmax]

Originally posted by mantis
Plain old soap and water.I also gave that up years ago.But still sounds good.

Soap and water is good, especially if you are going to be around females. You might want to reconsider:D
madmax

[F1nut]

Guys,

Just some good clean fun.....:cool:

[rlw]

Originally posted by F1nut
Man, I worked up a sweat just reading that........so let's see 2 hrs.
plus for cleaning for maybe 40 minutes of snap, crackle & pop. No thanks....gave it up years ago, but to each their own. :p

I never said playing LP's was convenient; just that - given proper care and a good playback system - they sound better than CD.

Sort of like masturbating v. sex with a stunning woman. Yeah, I can spank the monkey in about 1/1000 of the time and for the price of a Puffs, compared to the time and effort it will take me to bed that drop-dead gorgeous lady with the perfect personality.

I'm willing to bet I'll be way more satisfied with the sex I have with the lady.

Not that there's anything wrong with monkey-spanking or listening to CD's. There's a time and a place for everything. I own a decent CD player, and about 1000 CD's. Last night, I didn't spin vinyl: just didn't feel like it.

But I'm already putting together a playlist of favorite vinyl for tonight - and some of the stuff has never been released on CD. I like having that choice.

[rlw]

Originally posted by madmax001
Question, I have some new lp's coming as well as several older ones as well. Will playing the newer ones without cleaning cause any undue harm? This additional $600 will not happen for another month. Is there a compromise here for the mean time before the proper equipment is here? Everything else is due in on Mon or Tues.


madmax

New records typically require only the Hunt EDA brush; 15 seconds, and you'll be enjoying that new LP. Some of them do require power cleaning - but you'll figure that out. I've played new LP's that are as quiet as CD; I've played new LP's that have a lot of noise - just plain crappy pressings. Fortunately, those are few and far between, even in the non-audiophile category.

As long as you clean the stylus after every side, I don't think you'll do any major harm.

On a side note, one nice thing about buying from The Bop Shop (listed on a prior post) is that they clean every LP with a Nitty Gritty before listing it. It might not be the best job, but you can certainly play those without a lot of cleaning.


Edit: Almost forgot your "compromise" question. Yes, for $30 you can pick up the AllSop Orbital Cleaner - works great for what it is. If you're dying to play some dirty vinyl, give it a whack with this, and you'll get a good bunch of the gunk off.

[rlw]

Originally posted by mantis
Plain old soap and water.I also gave that up years ago.But still sounds good.

Perhaps you didn't need to "retire" after all, but to adjust your attitude and bathe?

[gidrah]

DO NOT use SOAP and water. Use detergent and water. Warm water. Rinse thoroughly, rinse again. Let air dry.

I'm sure this won't compare to rlw's system, but my phono doesn't compare to his either.

[madmax]

OK, so I compromised, again. I ordered the Orbitrac II Allsop cleaner, Last stylus cleaner and Hunt EDA mark 6 brush. And some VRP sleeves. Another $140. Better than the $600 I can't afford. No Zerostat for awhile and the VPI cleaner when I can. Oh and propably a wall mount stand at some point.

I am now finally set with all the equipment unless I've totally missed something!

madmax

[George Grand]

Well.............

If the rig is real good at hiding the clicks and pops, you might as well dispense with all the other stuff and go right with Brillo or SOS pads.

I still have a turntable in my He-Man rig. I use it to play the 3 or 4 albums I have that haven't made it onto cd yet, and to record for friends.

A. Roma

[mantis]

Ive used mild soap and water for years without any problems,I use cold water and dry with a terry towel super soft.It works great for kids fingerprints on the games,cd and everything else.

[rlw]

Originally posted by mantis
Ive used mild soap and water for years without any problems,I use cold water and dry with a terry towel super soft.It works great for kids fingerprints on the games,cd and everything else.

And for how many years have you been cleaning LP's? What analog rig(s) in your years of experience have you owned?

[mantis]

Not anymore dude I gave up LP's in the 80's.

I used to have a full Technics system with a nice turntable my father bought me.The receiver was all wood outside and weighed a ton.I then picked up a pair of Panasonic Thrusters as they where the hot speakers back then....since cd's came into my life in 1987, I haven't looked back at LP's or tapes since.A tracks went with them as well.

But cleaning them I never gave it a thought then.Today with cd type things,I feel dish washing liquid deluted alot works great rinse real well and clean cd is left.

I'm not sure If I'm causing any damage,I haven't noticed any problems or sound loss, but after a good cleaning(only when the kids finger them up) they work flawlessly.

[madmax]

rlw,
I've seen stylus weight guages and protractors. Do I need either of those to set up the sme ver IV arm? Also, to set the VTA do I need anything special? The Goldring 1042 says VTA adjustment is more critical than many other cartridges.

I just got the Goldring today! The first part I've actually received!!!

madmax

[madmax]

One more question. Is there any reason I should keep my old pioneer table? I don't know why I would but is there any reason it would be benificial to have? (cleaning, testing, ???)
madmax

[Paul Connor]

Madmax,

Once you have heard your new setup, you will not be able to listen to the pioneer. and I don't think you will be listening to unacceptable lp's. I kept my Marantz for a while, but even with a decent cartridge, I couldn't listen to it any longer and all it did was take up room.

You will already be way ahead of me with your initial set up, so I cannot see any reason not to put it up on ebay and use the money for new vinyl.

Maybe when I get the kids raised, I will begin upgrading. I have learned a lot through your recent experience. It's nice to have a guy like rlw around. I'm stll learning through this thread.

Paul

[rlw]

Originally posted by madmax001
rlw,
I've seen stylus weight guages and protractors. Do I need either of those to set up the sme ver IV arm? Also, to set the VTA do I need anything special? The Goldring 1042 says VTA adjustment is more critical than many other cartridges.

I just got the Goldring today! The first part I've actually received!!!

madmax

Excellent news on the cart!

I can't imagine you needing a stylus weight gauge for the SME, provided it's in good shape. If you want to double-check it, for giggles, I can loan you mine.

Protractors: you will need the original protractors as supplied with the SME arm. It uses a different approach from other arms for setup.

This is for the V, but will give you a good idea of the IV (http://www.sumikoaudio.net/New%20PDFs/sme%20lit/series%20V%20lit.pdf)

When you get your arm, walk through the setup. If you're unsure about any parts, or feel like you're definitely missing some parts, give Jim Alexander at Sumiko (the US importer of SME) a ring [or, as they say in the UK, "a bell"] at 510-843-4500, and he'll walk through it with you and make sure to get you any parts you need. WARNING: you may experience sticker shock at the price of a nut for the SME.

VTA adjustment with the SME-IV will be piece of cake - unless you're hands are really shaky! This is one of the easiest arms to setup. Feel free to drop me an e-mail, and I'll shoot you my number, and we can walk through any setup issues you come across. Speaking of which: I mentioned Werner in relation to Michell tables earlier. Check out

Werner's Personal Site (http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/hills/4133/)

for a great look at Gyro setup.

You're coming into the home stretch!

I don't know about the Pioneer. Nostalgia? Until you get a VPI, a platform for cleaning with the AllSop?

[rlw]

is the most fun I've had talking about audio in ages.

Let's keep talking about vinyl and get Micah and Justin to start a new forum for us!

[madmax]

A vinyl forum would be great. Me, you and paul. I doubt many others would ever read it. I could be wrong though.
madmax

[Paul Connor]

Perhaps we can persuade others to move beyond the current digital paradigm. A grass roots movement, so to speak.

[rlw]

OOC, Paul, have you noticed that since getting back a good analog rig that CD's are a step down?

And that Dolby Digital 5.1 is a major step down from CD's?

I'm not talking about things like dynamic range: obviously, that's all there, and more, with DVD.

But I find that there's something "edgy" and "thin" about the sound that makes me not want to listen, and can be unpleasant.

I also have found that a ProLogic mix on LaserDisc can sound better than the latest 5.1, in the same way. Case in point is "Apocalypse Now." I have the LD, and the 5.1 DVD. I can hear how the DVD makes better use of the surround channels; how there are more dynamics; how the bass seems to wrap itself around you.

I still prefer the PL mix on LD. There's something that is more natural, relaxed, and real sounding.

It's not my gear being stressed by the dynamics: I have plenty of power, and speakers with plenty of dynamics. The system itself is not straining - and in fact, before I got my TT, I never noticed this phenomenon, and loved the 5.1 stuff to death.

Analog rules.

[Paul Connor]

You are absolutely right about cd's being a step down from analog. With that said, I still own a sizable collection of cd's that I still listen to, but I find that I spend less and less time with them since I bought the Rega. The sound of lp's seems warmer and more natural than cd's. Digital music to my ears seems much the same as listening to the radio. I have described the sound in the past as tinny (if that makes any sense).

Before I bought the Polk SDA's and the two Carver amps I was running a Pioneer Surround system. It was ok. That is the best I can say for it. From the mid 70's up until around 88 I ran a 100 wpc Pioneer reciever with a pair of Marantz Imperials and for the time, it was an awesome rig (revered throughout the land) At the time I had a Marantz TT and as I recall the sound was very warm, but could shake the house on demand. Wish I had it today for comparison. Surely I would be underwhelmed.

One thing I have noticed, is that I prefer to listen to Led Zeppelin on CD rather than LP. Do you think it could have something to do with the CD's being remastered versions? I keep telling myself I am going to set aside an entire day and listen to the entire works of Page and Co. on both vinyl and digital to try and figure out the difference.

I have no experience with DVD, however a friend owns a Krell/Thiel rig that I have spent some time with and I must tell you that listening to DVD on his rig is a great experience. But it is also worth mentioning that he is blown away by the Polk/Carver analog experience especially considering the price difference of our two rigs.

Spent the morning listening to the Stones and now that I am stirred up again, think I will go upstairs and listen to some early Fleetwood Mac on vinyl. Bare Trees. Yeah, thats the ticket.

Later, Paul

[madmax]

I can only guess about what you are talking about at this point. Next month may be a different story though. I hope so anyway. :)
madmax

[HBombToo]

I would imagine that cd's are a step down if their, cd players, sampling rate and dac are of low quality.

I don't have the capability of comparing the 2 but if there is a good 2 channel lp system... I would like to start a shootout with my Cal Labs DVD/CD player. We can split shipping.

HBomb

[Paul Connor]

I don't think I will get into shipping, but certainly your point is well taken concerning your rig. Like I said earlier, my friends Krell/Thiel rig is unbelievably good, especially with DVD.

That said, I live 3 miles south of I-70 in western Colorado, and if you are ever passing through, I can be available for an analog demo, cold beer, and your music of choice.

Paul

[F1nut]

Originally posted by rlw
But I find that there's something "edgy" and "thin" about the sound that makes me not want to listen, and can be unpleasant.




I agree that redbook cd's are not all they could be, but neither are redbook lp's. That's why I buy audiophile cd's and sacd's. They are warm, detailed and natural. Another factor to consider is the gear that is used for playback. With the right gear you can make redbook cd's sound awesome, just as with the right gear you can make vinyl sound awesome. The statement that cd's are a step down from vinyl is ignorant.

BTW, analog doesn't rule and how is Cleveland these days?

[rlw]

Originally posted by F1nut


I agree that redbook cd's are not all they could be, but neither are redbook lp's. That's why I buy audiophile cd's and sacd's. They are warm, detailed and natural. Another factor to consider is the gear that is used for playback. With the right gear you can make redbook cd's sound awesome, just as with the right gear you can make vinyl sound awesome. The statement that cd's are a step down from vinyl is ignorant.

BTW, analog doesn't rule and how is Cleveland these days?


Pray tell, what are "redbook lps"?

I have a decent CDP - the Balanced Audio Technology D5-SE- and I still say CD's are a step down from LP. What would you suggest as a the "right gear" to make CD's sound better?

Speaking of ignorance, what high-end vinyl rig do you have access to for comparison?

[rlw]

Originally posted by HBombToo
I would imagine that cd's are a step down if their, cd players, sampling rate and dac are of low quality.

I don't have the capability of comparing the 2 but if there is a good 2 channel lp system... I would like to start a shootout with my Cal Labs DVD/CD player. We can split shipping.

HBomb

I have the BAT VK-D5 SE - maybe you consider that "low quality", but you would be the first person to say that, considering it's a $6,000.00 CDP.

[rlw]

Originally posted by Paul Connor
One thing I have noticed, is that I prefer to listen to Led Zeppelin on CD rather than LP. Do you think it could have something to do with the CD's being remastered versions? I keep telling myself I am going to set aside an entire day and listen to the entire works of Page and Co. on both vinyl and digital to try and figure out the difference.

Later, Paul

Have you tried the Classics re-issue on 180G vinyl? IMO, only a deaf person would say that the remastered CD sounds better.

I'd agree that the original masters of LZ suck.

[F1nut]

Originally posted by rlw



Pray tell, what are "redbook lps"?

I have a decent CDP - the Balanced Audio Technology D5-SE- and I still say CD's are a step down from LP. What would you suggest as a the "right gear" to make CD's sound better?

Speaking of ignorance, what high-end vinyl rig do you have access to for comparison?

Redbook lp's......standard issue, non-audiophile.

The right gear.....a good sacd or cd player that upsamples, a good dac, good seperates, good speakers and good wires.

I no longer own a vinyl rig. I have demoed high-end vinyl set ups at the local high-end audio shops and while they did sound good, I prefer cd's.

You missed my point, both formats CAN sound very good with the right source material and gear. You seem to be biased and defensive on this subject. It is a subjective hobby and neither cd's nor vinyl are perfect, but vinyl is not the end-all in sound reproduction.

[rlw]

Originally posted by F1nut


Redbook lp's......standard issue, non-audiophile.

The right gear.....a good sacd or cd player that upsamples, a good dac, good seperates, good speakers and good wires.

I no longer own a vinyl rig. I have demoed high-end vinyl set ups at the local high-end audio shops and while they did sound good, I prefer cd's.

You missed my point, both formats CAN sound very good with the right source material and gear. You seem to be biased and defensive on this subject. It is a subjective hobby and neither cd's nor vinyl are perfect, but vinyl is not the end-all in sound reproduction.


Why do you feel compelled to hop into a discussion between two other members about their actual experiences of LP's, and start defending CD? And then dogging their findings?

FYI: Redbook CD = the technical specification for a CD.

There are no such things as redbook LP's, SACDs, and DVD's, or 8-Tracks.

As far as CD's sounding as good as LP's, as I said in another post:


A buddy who's favorite CD is Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" grew up digital. He came over one night, and we compared a regular CD of WYWH with a limited edition Super Bit Mapped version I have; clearly, the SBM version whomped the regular CD.

Then I put on a standard LP of WYWH - not audiophile, I don't even know what generation the pressing was, I picked it up for $4.00 someplace. The LP so definitively trounced the SBM CD it wasn't funny...and not just to my ears.




Believe me, when I shopped CD players, I bought the best sounding player that I could find - and I still think the BAT is that player that can make CD's sound as good as they can sound. I was, and still am, extremely happy with the sound of the BAT.

However, there's something about analog that is just more musical.

Ironic that I sound defensive to you: you're the one who hopped into the thread defending digital, and claimed that my position was "ignorant", while displaying your complete ignorance of the subject matter at hand by throwing around terms like "redbook lp", and in fact, not having a high-end analog rig in your system for comparison.

I don't like having my position labelled "ignorant" by somebody who (a) doesn't use standard terminology, and instead invents their own terms ; and (b) admittedly has little basis in reality for making their claims. Sorry, but that ruffles my feathers, and I will go into attack mode.

Honestly, I don't see why you can't accept the fact that a couple of us want to talk about the merits of vinyl. If we both find CD's to be a step down from LP's, why should you care? After all, those are just our subjective opinions. Why hop in and defend CD's when even Sony and Phillips say that CD's are no longer "perfect sound forever", but need to be replaced by the latest, greatest digital format?

[madmax]

In the end, it seems that Paul and rlw believe LP's offer something that CD's do not. It may depend on what they are listening for. I used to listen for power. Anything under 500 watts per channel seemed lacking to me. I don't listen loud but these behemoths have a particular sound to them. After that I got into tubes and noticed much more detail that seemed to turn to mush with the transistorized stuff and I ended up leaving the behemoths in the dust. I don't know what LP's may have to offer but once I put together my turntable system I'll let you know my results.

BTW,
Just in case you may be thinking I will be pro-LP because of the investment, I wont. It can all be re-sold for the same price I paid. I had a lot more cash invested in the SS stuff and that didn't stop me from taking them out of service. (although 10,000 SS watts will make a hell of a nice HT setup!)

madmax

[Paul Connor]

The many reasons I prefer vinyl to cd's I have talked about in these threads the last few days, and I certainly cannot take exception to the tastes of others. My stereo works great with the cd format and I love it. However, I prefer to listen to 331/3 LP's.
In fact, I think I will go spin a few right now.

Have a nice day.

Paul

P.S. At my house vinyl still rules.

[madmax]

I would go for a spin right now if I could! Anticipation sucks.
madmax

[Paul Connor]

Max

What is your target goal for first spin on the new equipment?

[George Grand]

Paul,

While you and I are not familiar, I appreciate your choice of sign-off lines.

Sadly, Warren Zevon has recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His comments regarding his diagnosis?

"It's a bitch if I don't make it to the next James Bond movie."


A trouper, right to the finish the way I see it.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grand's)

[Paul Connor]

Hi George,

I heard that Warren was dying. Very, very sad. I love his music. He is one of those guys who has been slugging it out for years and still going in spite of the bad years of adiction. I saw him after he cleaned up in about 1988 (I think). He played at the Fort Lewis College gym in Durango, Colorado to about 200 of us and it was truly a great show. I remember then thinking how grizzled and old he looked. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead has always been one of my favorite songs. I feel some vicarious ownership with the lyrics and have called it my theme song. It seems sort of ironic now that he is leaving us. Naturally, his comments upon learning of his diagnosis does not surprise me considering his macabre sense of humor and the world around him.

When he passes, I intend to buy a bottle of Bombay Gin, break out my collection of his cd's and albums and spend a day in fond memory of the music and the man.

Paul

[Paul Connor]

Here it is....


So much to do, there's plenty on the farm
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Saturday night I like to raise a little harm
I'll sleep when I'm dead

I'm drinking heartbreak motor oil and Bombay gin
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Straight from the bottle, twisted again
I'll sleep when I'm dead


Well, I take this medicine as prescribed
I'll sleep when I'm dead
It don't matter if I get a little tired
I'll sleep when I'm dead


I've got a .38 special up on the shelf
I'll sleep when I'm dead
If I start acting stupid
I'll shoot myself
I'll sleep when I'm dead


So much to do, there's plenty on the farm
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Saturday night I like to raise a little harm
I'll sleep when I'm dead

[madmax]

My first spin will probably be with Tom Petty, Southern Accents. After that I gotta hear Kiss Unplugged. I have that on DVD as well and musically it is great. After that I want to hear Jimmy McGriff on the B3 and some Janet Jackson. I wish I could find some Shaun Mullens on LP but no luck.
madmax

[Paul Connor]

Neil Young's Harvest is a great one on LP. Can't wait to see how your new gear works out. The suspense is killing me.

[Frank Z]

With all due respect to my fellow audiophooles I must say that the best way to handle those vinyl gems is as follows:

1. Have a beer

2. Yell at the old lady cuz the kids are makin too much damn noise.

3. Hey where's my beer?

4. Dig out the Hank Williams records from the Grand Old Opry...and the Megadeath albums...your an audiophile ain't ya!

5. Get into the cleaning mode by having a beer.

6. Tell the kids to go get dad's rifle cleaning box....and a beer.

7. Apply a liberal amount of Kiwi shoe polish...Hell them things are black ain't they?

8. Beer works better for spit shinning don't ya think?

9. Buff the wax in a circular pattern, one side at a time.

10. Allow records to "Digest" the wax for a smooth polished sound, and while you're waiting...How about a cold one?

11. Level the trailer for proper tone arm tracking on the "Close-n-Play."

12. Warm up the vocal cords and get ready to sing along, don't forget to use your Beer Bottle Microphone.

[madmax]

Level the trailer! I forgot about that one!!!

[rlw]

Oil Change Instructions

1) Go to auto parts store and write a check for $50.00
for oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a
scented tree.

2) Discover that the used oil container is full.
Instead of taking it back to O'Reilly to recycle, dump
in hole out back.

3) Open a beer and drink it.

4) Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack
stands.

5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.

6) In frustration, open another beer and drink it.

7) Place drain pan under engine.

8) Look for 9/16 box end wrench.

9) Give up and use crescent wrench.

10) Unscrew drain plug.

11) Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil: get hot oil on
you in process.

12) Clean up mess.

13) Have another beer while watching oil drain.

14) Look for oil filter wrench.

15) Give up; poke oil filter with screwdriver and
twist off.

16) Beer.

17) Buddy shows up; finish case of beer with him.
Finish oil change tomorrow.

18) Next day, drag pan full of old oil out from
underneath car.

19) Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during step 18.

20) Beer. No, drank it all yesterday.

21) Walk to 7-11; buy beer.

22) Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin
coat of oil to gasket surface.

23) Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.

24) Remember drain plug from step 11.

25) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.

26) Discover that the used oil is buried in a hole in
the back yard, along with drain plug.

27) Drink beer.

28) Uncover hole and sift for drain plug.

29) Discover that first quart of fresh oil is now on
the floor.

30) Drink beer.

31) Slip with wrench tightening drain plug and bang
knuckles on frame.

32) Bang head on floorboards in reaction to step 31.

33) Begin cussing fit.

34) Throw wrench.

35) Cuss for additional 10 minutes because wrench hit
Miss December (1992)
in the left boob.

36) Beer.

37) Clean up hands and forehead and bandage as
required to stop blood flow.

38) Beer.

39) Beer.

40) Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.

41) Beer.

42) Lower car from jack stands.

43) Accidentally crush one of the jack stands.

44) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh
oil spilled during step
23.

45) Beer.

46) Test drive car.

47) Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the
influence.

48) Car gets impounded.

49) Make bail.

50) Get car from impound yard.

Money spent Parts $50.00 DUI $2500.00 Impound fee
$75.00 Bail $1500.00 Beer $25.00 Total -- $4150.00 But
you know the job was done right!

[Paul Connor]

Hey......You guys been watchin me work on the car????

[madmax]

If you had to make a list of your top few LP's concerning playback quality what would they be? It doesn't matter whether you think the content is good or not.

madmax

[rlw]

Originally posted by madmax001
If you had to make a list of your top few LP's concerning playback quality what would they be? It doesn't matter whether you think the content is good or not.

madmax

But here's a start:

(1) Holly Cole, "Temptation".
(2) Led Zeppelin II: Classics 180G reissue
(3) Portishead: "PNYC"
(4) Leftfield: "Rhythm and Stealth".
(5) Any of the Classic 180G Reissues
(6) Any of the Classic 45RPM Reissues
(7) Tom Waits, "Mule Variations". All pressings excellent; Dutch pressing is outstanding.
(8) Pink Floyd, DSOTM, 1st Japanese Pressing. The 2nd pressing is still great, 1st is hard to find.
(9) Chemical Brothers, any title, they're all good.
(10) Dixie Chicks, their latest regular LP release
(11) Any of the Johnny Cash American I - IV
(12) Mott The Hoople, any of the Analogue Productions Releases.
(13) Art Pepper, Intensity, Analogue Productions.
(14) Any of the Analogue Production releases
(15) Any EmmyLou Harris produced by Brian Ahern

Let me know if you want some more.

[madmax]

By few I meant maybe the top five or so but this is great. I just want to get a few higher quality ones that I could feel confident about as far as being "higher quality than the norm".

Thanks! Any additional titles are appreciated!
madmax

[F1nut]

rlw,

"compelled to hop in?" It's a public forum and I don't need a personal invitation.

Redbook is considered a generic term for standard issue anything in this area, perhaps not in yours. Like how your area calls carbonated soft drinks, pop. Here it's soda and in the south, coke. I'm not inventing terms, perhaps you're too stuck on them.

"little basis in reality?" Really, and you say this because I use to own a vinyl rig and choose not to now. :rolleyes:

Why can't you accept the fact that I find the sound of audiophile grade cd's and sacd's better than vinyl and that I voiced my opinion as such? You will note that I didn't say that my prefered source material rules over all others. I know folks who like their reel to reel best, but to say one format rules is silly. That has been my point!

I'm glad Sony and Phillips decided to offer sacd's to us, they are great.

As madmax stated, perhaps we just look to hear different things from our music and I'm cool with that. Perhaps, now we can end this pissing match and enjoy our perspective rigs. :p

F1nut......out

[madmax]

The real joy of audio is the process of getting where your going, not ariving. I have little doubt that given enough coin, enough inteligence, enough time and similar interests we would all eventually end up in the same place with similar rigs. So, lets get traveling!
madmax

[rlw]

Originally posted by F1nut


Nah. Instead, I'm updating my BozoFilter.

[F1nut]

rlw,

Well, I offered a olive branch, but you have shown your true colors. Since you can't seem to handle a little opposition I've only got two words for you.......eff ya! :lol:

[Paul Connor]

Hey Madmax,

Here are a few of my favorites. I agree with rlw on the 180 reissues. The ones I own are fantastic.

Willie Nelson Red Headed Stranger
Mott the Hoople All the Young Dudes
Van Morrison Moondance
Neil Young Harvest
Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks

These are a few that really sound good to me. I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm not sure of the older vinyl releases of Led Zeppelin, and rlw replied that perhaps the remastered versions are better. I think I will look into buying them in the future. If you like the Beatles, Rubber Soul is one I find pleasing and there are a couple more. I believe you can find the full remastered Beatles out there on vinyl. Don't remember the company that released it, but I have seen the full set on ebay. If I remember right the set was released in the early 80's. Are you familiar with this set rlw?

Paul

[madmax]

I'm making a list here for future reference. Thanks!
madmax

[rlw]

Nope, never followed them...but I seem to remember that there's a Mobile Fidelity Box Set from around that time? Didn't it come with a nice wooden box and an alignment disc?

[Paul Connor]

That sounds like it. And Mobile Fidelity does ring a bell..

[Paul Connor]

Madmax,

Here is a read with some top ten suggestions by Marc Phillips:

http://www.furious.com/perfect/vinyl20.html

[ziplin]

:cool: Don't forget the last (name of product) cleaner and record treatment. Jerrys used vinyl in Pittsburgh PA has a building divided into three football field sized rooms filled with about thirty thousand used vinyl albums at $4.50 ea or more. Rare treasures and many lost hours to be had there.
Thanks for all the fun reading and tips in this thread. if I find a web site for Jerrys I'll post it.

[madmax]

Jerry's in PA? Is it in downtown Pittsburgh or where? I can make a road trip there one day! Thsy could be fun. I can see coming back with boxes of LP's.
Thanks for the tip!
madmax

[rlw]

There's a huge vinyl-only show there on 11/17...I'll be there, how about anybody else?

[ziplin]

Wow. have to send my wife (shipping off to the Middle east 11/12/02) in the PA Air National Guard, 171 Air Refueling. Thanks for the info.:)

[ziplin]

Jerry's in PA? Is it in downtown Pittsburgh or where?

Jerry's is in the squirrel hill section of Pittsburgh. coming from RT 376 east or west get off at squirrel hill exit. Turn left onto Murray Avenue and Jerry's is a block and a half up on left (Above Chinese restaurant) last trip I scored nine unique pieces of vinyl for thirty bucks:D

[ziplin]

Jerry's is closed on Mondays.:

[madmax]

That would suck to go all that way on a Monday!

http://pittsburgh.citysearch.com/profile/8612199/

[madmax]

Originally posted by rlw
There's a huge vinyl-only show there on 11/17...I'll be there, how about anybody else?

I doubt that I will but where is it anyway?

[ziplin]

Thanks for posting the link. The new convention center in downtown Pittsburgh has been completed enough to host such an event.

[rlw]

Originally posted by ziplin
Wow. have to send my wife (shipping off to the Middle east 11/12/02) in the PA Air National Guard, 171 Air Refueling. Thanks for the info.:)

If you have any LP's on your wish list, send me an e-mail. I'll be happy to pick them up for you.

GodSpeed on your mission.

[rlw]

Originally posted by madmax001


I doubt that I will but where is it anyway?

Radisson Hotel, GreenTree.

I'm going to be there Saturday night, the show is Sunday.

At least one round of drinks is on me Saturday!

[ziplin]

Thanks for the Kind words and gesture. Can't think of any that is a got to have at this time:)

[ziplin]

I have an Linn LP12 and the local high end outlet decided to drop there LP12 and other turntable enterprizes. I have looked on ebay to get a set up manual (Linn will only give that to dealers) my table has preformed flawless so far. any thoughts on any other brand of table that is less fussy to set up? I really like the linn and would like to keep it for many years to come, but when setting it up, changeing cartridges, and maintence it seems one false move and you have damaged the bearings or some such other delicate part. That is what the technician that preformed the magic on the LP12 used to say before he moved to Philly :rolleyes:
Just want to be ready when I have to become a LP12 mechanic. LOL.

[ziplin]

This is my gear Lp12 at the top of the digital heep.

[ziplin]

Sorry picture did not come through.:(

[HBombToo]

Squirrel Hill! Mineo's Pizza Baby!!!! Damn good stuff and I miss it much.

Damn I'm homesick.

Sad is the HBomb

[ziplin]

Don't forget Primanti Bros :D

[HBombToo]

Oh man your killing me over here! I need to go on a South Side Crawl.

Damn I miss the Burgh!

I need another beer... I'll be back!

Bumbed is the HBomb

[ziplin]

Iron City?

[HBombToo]

No Iron in Missouri...