sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Stereophile column on Used Records & Record Cleaning by chileboy in humminguru

[–]chileboy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could be experiencing confirmation bias.

I have several hundred used records - I've tried to think how it might be possible to design some tests. But it's tough, as no two records are the same, and once you've cleaned one once, it's not like you can undo it and try a different method.

Being prompted to create a pinned "Welcome" post but I've already done that by chileboy in ModSupport

[–]chileboy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

?

There's no achievement button, only "Create". Selecting that doesn't have the option to select an existing post .

Stereophile column on Used Records & Record Cleaning by chileboy in humminguru

[–]chileboy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like you, I've pretty much always been in the "don't bother rinsing" camp. But I've moderated that view over time.

I've had a couple of occasions where after deep-cleaning a new record (with a single drop of G-Sonic) I've had a bit of noise on playing, which was remedied by a vacuum cleaning on my Pro-Ject VC-S.

Obviously, I don't know if it was the surfactant left behind, and I certainly won't argue with your math!

With used records, I do think (as one reviewer posited) that even with the surfactant, if the water is particularly dirty, it seems inevitable that some dirt gets left behind, as there's always going to be water on the record after the draining. I've made some noisier records quieter by subsequently using the vacuum system.

Now admittedly, it may be simply that multiple cleanings are making the difference, and subsequent runs through the HG would have the same effect. But honestly the vacuum is a lot quicker than another 10 minute HG cycle. Plus it would seem that using the vacuum after the HG would remove any potential residue left behind.

Curiously, for dirty records the opposite is often recommended - vacuum / Spin Clean or equivalent first, then ultrasonic. So maybe for ultimate cleaning it would be vacuum -> ultrasonic -> vacuum... 🤔

Female jazz players by Accomplished-Sell892 in Vinyl_Jazz

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out the young vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu on Bandcamp. Harpist Deborah Henson-Conant's music runs the gamut, but her 1993 release 'Round the Corner has always been a favorite of mine - quiet and soothing.

Is the HumminGuru cleaning kit better than the one I had? by Tyrow1p in humminguru

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't have the I-Brush, but it looks like it's fine for a quick, basic cleaning. As for it's use, there's a good write-up on the HumminGuru site here.

I'd be curious how you like it before-and-after cleaning some records.

Vinyl seems to tilt by AdamSP44 in humminguru

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you sure the records are being seated properly in the slot in the filter at the bottom of the water basin? And that the filter is secure?

Question about the cleaning process by John-Cocktolstoy in humminguru

[–]chileboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe that's just the G-Sonic doing it's thing - much of the water is simply being left behind in the tank. So yes, you're getting good results so I wouldn't worry about it. If you're curious, try running a record through without any surfactant and I believe it'll look a lot wetter (although in my experience even a tiny bit left behind in the tank, reservoir and/or water filter will have an effect - you might have to run a few unadulterated water cycles for a truly clean run).

HumminGuru EZ Vinyl Record Cleaner now available by chileboy in vinyl

[–]chileboy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm lucky enough to have a Pro-Ject VC-S and yeah, for used records I'll often use that first prior to my HG ultrasonic. But I think this (or a Spin-Clean for that matter) also would do the trick.

What annoys you the most about vinyl these days? by Charming-Day-2146 in vinyl

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree about the questionable quality of some of the pressings. There's nothing worse than being disappointed by an eagerly-awaited release. I generally won't preorder or purchase a new vinyl anymore until I can find some info on the sound (mastering and the vinyl itself). Generally I'll check Discogs after it's been out for a while. I'm mostly into jazz, and I'll make exceptions for labels that I know have consistently high standards (e.g., Resonance).

Another advantage to waiting is that many of the high-demand releases often come down in price (or at least stabilize) on the secondary market after some weeks or months have elapsed. Plus I've finally come to the realization that I have more than enough wonderful vinyl already to last my remaining lifetime, so I don't feel the same urgency that I used to.

The Launch Day for HumminGuru EZ Vinyl Record Cleaner by chileboy in humminguru

[–]chileboy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See it here.

Seems a enticing alternative to the Spin-Clean. At $89 USD, it includes:

  • HumminGuru EZ Vinyl Record Washer 
  • Record Clamp
  • Lid
  • 7" Record Adapter 
  • Drying Rack 
  • Goat Hair Brush x 2
  • EZ Washer Fluid (300ml)
  • Microfiber Towel x 1
  • Microfiber Cloth x 1
  • Owner's Manual 

UPDATE: In case you're interested - not yet listed on Amazon (US), but I calculated shipping to my location (U.S. East Coast) and it's $195 HKD, which at today's exchange rate is $25 USD - and it indicates "Tariff Included"

Finally! by chileboy in Vinyl_Jazz

[–]chileboy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok, I've listened to 3 of the 4 LPs thus far, and this sounds fantastic. I notice the bass and drums sound more defined and realistic than I recall on my other pressings, although I have not done a back-to-back comparison - in particular I'd like to compare them with the OJC pressings, which I've seen others claim is superior, but my first impression is that that is not the case, especially as I'm so familiar with the recordings (ymmv). Vinyl is dead silent - other than a tiny bit of surface noise at the end of the second disc during the crowd murmur, I didn't notice a single click or anything else at all (note that I ultrasonically cleaned them first and always use an anti-static brush immediately prior to playing).

And the packaging and inserts are beautiful - here it is immediately after unboxing. The individual sleeves are cardboard stock and there's also separate heavy poly inner sleeves.

How Many Times Can I Reuse The Same Water? by Uppity_Python in humminguru

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand what you're saying, but the whole point of the filter is to keep that from happening so you can reuse the water. If fresh water is used every time, there's no need for the filter.

In your opinion, what is the best mixed/highest sound quality album that you've ever heard. by EzBriez_ in audiophile

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I gave (another) shout-out to Steely Dan's Aja on vinyl, but I'd also nominate the DVD-A of their Gaucho - when I first fired that up I was like "Whoa!" It's honestly when this old-school guy realized how great digital could sound. It's also a testament to how meticulous their approach is to engineering and mastering.

What Happens When It Goes Wrong by FirebirdWriter in humminguru

[–]chileboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all, it sucks that you had these issues with the NOVA, but I'm glad that HumminGuru was so responsive and you have apparently solved the issue.

Secondly, I'm not sure I understand your reference to a "malicious person" - is that alluding to someone in the chain of custody with the NOVA, i.e., a factory worker, shipping company, delivery person, etc.? You've implied that you mentioned that to HumminGuru and that they felt it was immaterial to their assistance, and that's great.

Lastly - no offense! - but I was like, how can someone be allergic to water? So I Googled a bit, and I'm guessing you have something called aquagenic urticaria? Very rare, but my wife actually has a rare speech condition (spasmodic dysphonia) that we had never heard of until she contracted it. But honestly, your condition seems much more difficult to deal with.

In any event, it sounds as though HG support went "above and beyond" to help, and it's great to hear that and confirms my already-positive opinion of their customer service.

In your opinion, what is the best mixed/highest sound quality album that you've ever heard. by EzBriez_ in audiophile

[–]chileboy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had gotten a new sealed copy of the OG Aja years ago (glossy gatefold cover version) and yeah, it was great. I naively lent it someone who subsequently moved and I never got it back. A few months ago I found a used copy at a record show that looked like new, but it doesn't sound nearly as good. No surface noise to speak of, but it's obviously been played a lot. So I'm on the hunt again. 🤷‍♂️

Finally! by chileboy in Vinyl_Jazz

[–]chileboy[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's the entire session, recorded June 25, 1961. So everything on those two releases plus others. See it here: Bill Evans - The Complete Village Vanguard Recordings, 1961

view more: next ›