4 Steps to a BETTER Vinyl Record Listening Experience
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Follow these 4 Steps, and you will always enjoy a great vinyl record playback experience.
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Whilst I 100% agree with all that you said, part of the vinyl experience for me is accepting those pops and crackles imperfections. I really don’t mind it, in fact it’s part of the charm of vinyl playback for me. Granted, others won’t agree, but as long as the record is clean (I clean every record I buy) then I’m happy. Cheers.
And that’s exactly what it’s all about. Nobody needs to agree with what makes you happy, Paul. Cheers! 🍻
Listening to ambient music or something with really quiet passages and hearing crackles and clicks isn't enjoyable at all.
I can tolerate it otherwise
I don’t mind some pops and click but if it takes over the music that’s when it bothers me
I also take many of these steps. I’m looking forward to your update on correct use of the antistatic gun. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Welcome, Kevin! Thanks for watching 🍺
Good video. Thank you! Less product placement of speakers and amps I can't afford, and more about maintaining and appreciating my collection. That's the Joy of Vinyl for me, brotha!
Great video! I have that Peter Criss album too from when I bought it in 1978!
I think I bought mine in '79 or '80. Cheers, Tony! 🍺
Laser Media,goat brush,mofi pad,high end micro fiber, Record Mat Sound Guard circ.
1977. Static fiber brush.
Perfect 🍺
Good video. Simple and easy to follow. 👍👍
Thanks David! 🍺🍺
I may have mentioned this in the comments of one of your other videos. I used to sell Zerostats when they first came out in the 70's. They seemed to work but I couldn't afford one - or couldn't justify the price. But I also knew that water would kill static, if you get my drift. Also, I discovered a few years ago that those plasma wand candle lighters will do the same thing. I bought a pair for $20 off amazon and yep. they worked. The key is zapping them OFF the turntable by giving it a couple of circular passes over the record while you hold it. The results were immediate.
But I've discovered an odd problem with them. The rechargeable battery only lasts through ten or so records. Fortunately there are two, and they use USB plugs so you can keep one plugged in all the time.
I keep hearing this mentioned. I really need to check this out.
Once a week, I play records every day, I clean the Stylus with the stylus brush where I put 2 drops of distilled water on.
And I always do All the steps you just explained.
Then the stylus is cristal clear.
I’ve been contemplating the distilled water route too. Thanks for bringing that up.
Yes. I was going to say the same. Wet brush n distilled water.
I asked this of one of the best re-tippers in the business and he said absolutely nothing wet on the stylus brush. He says he's seen at a ton whatever you do the liquid migrates up the cantilever and causes issues.
@@chelillingworth9466 I realize this is very subjective. I've watched videos from knowledgeable people, showing the gunk buildup, thru a microscope after just one play, with a clean record and using the Mr magic thing and a high brand dip before playing. I'm not talking about splashing water all over the cart. Remove the headshell and very carefully stroke from back to front being very careful you're just touching the diamond. Afterward the tip and top base looked black and brand new. My eyes and ears are always open to anything anti distort and you know as well as I do that vinyl is a tedious and touchey business.
@@robertwoodward9231 Well that certainly sounds like it works, I think careful people can get the fluid at the cantilever sounds like you do a great job of avoiding that! You are correct about it all being a touchy business, I think it's a miracle that the magic trick of dragging a diamond across vinyl grooves even works at all!
A good stuff I found recently is auto Groom, used in cleaning car vinyl, I think it used to go under the name vinyl groom, I don't know if you can get it over there works really well very impressed! it's like a foam cleaner just rinse it off afterwards, you can apply it with a sponge or a painters pad leave it on a few minutes before rinsing and final clean. I wouldn't use any magical erasers asking for trouble! You could easily pull the magnets off or the styli.
Never heard of it. I'll have to look it up to see the ingredients. Thanks!
Sage advice 👍 to you 😉
Another great video - thank you for the content! I always learn something new. My only concern is that CD snobs will say that CABS stands for "CDs are better sounding"! 🙂
😂😂😂 that's perfect !!!
But CDs ARE better sounding! 😂
@@materiaisdeestudos9219 They certainly get rid of the pops and clicks, like streaming its the best way to get the cleanest sound. BUT all analog on a good system, warts and all, still delivers something digital lacks for me and many others.
CDs have their place. They may be CLEARER sounding, but I don't know about always BETTER sounding. Anything pre 90s/post 2010 I want on vinyl. CD for most anything between. There are exceptions of course.
True story! I lived with Lemmy for 6 weeks in london at his house in Maida Vale. It’s was always pitch black inside, it had a huge python in the living room. I used to tease him by playing You can ring me bell -Anita ward single on 12” UNTILL one day he set it alight! 😂😂😂 was a really nice guy. I was 19 at the time.
I LOVE that story 🍺
Hey Rick, since you've already received my usual comedic response, here's a more technical question. I noticed that when you use the record brush, you drag it across the grooves at the end. The instructions with the brush I use recommend just lifting the brush straight off. My question is if you drag it across the grooves, couldn't that deposit some dust back into the grooves from the brush? Maybe not, but that thought popped into my head. But hey, there's lots of room in there for random thoughts sometimes.
I’ve always used a dual bristle brush. I’m not sure if it comes across in the video but I slightly incline it to let the back row pick up anything from the front row to sweep off the record. I’m sure there’s a few stragglers but I’m pretty sure I’m sweeping off as much as possible. I’d even wager someone has an even better way.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
Ah, that makes sense. I'm sure either way you do it, you can't remove every last bit.
Magically? I always wondered how channels did that!! Now I know! LOL! Another great video! Wish those Zero Stats were a little less expensive! Maybe Black Friday this year!!
They really are too expensive,Glenn. That’s the main reason I held off for years. I didn’t want to spend close to $100 for something that might be a placebo. I’m glad I bought it but I would never tell someone they “need” it.
Such a strange hobby at times, huh? 😂
Back in the day there were outboard boxes that claimed to remove pops & clicks. One was called the "Hiss Assassin." It didn't really work. Great video. Thx.
I think there's even one on the market now, but the name escapes me.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords sugarcube
I remember back in the early eighties, a company called DAK produced audio cassettes for recording music. They also produced various audio equipment for home stereo. They sold a component called the "hiss assassin" like you mentioned, designed to take out pops and clicks of vinyl records during playback. I did not purchase one but I was always curious if it really worked or not. From what I just read, sounds like it didn't work.
@@perrysobotta-tn7ol It just cut all high frequencies. Kind of like the tone filter switches on older gear. Sometimes called "High" cut.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you sir for your answer to my question about the "Hiss Assassin." I was always very curious regarding how effective this unit was at reducing or eliminating pops and clicks of a vinyl record playback. Your answer is much appreciated. Thank you! 😀
Just wanted to know what you think about cleaning your stylus with a brush and liquid like groovewasher stylus cleaner I don't have a machine yet to clean my records but I do use groovewasher
Groovewasher is respectable. I don’t know what’s in their liquid and I have a feeling it’s proprietary and not stated but I could be mistaken. I’ve used a dry stylus brush but I’ve recently been told that a couple drops of distilled water is a good idea. Someone even mentioned that today in the comments. I may go that route. Always learning new things and methods to try.
@thejoyofvinylrecords, regarding the C: I know you've been digging the Record Doctor X lately over the VCE2. By chance have you had any issues with the VCE2 leaving small scratches on your records? That tiny bit of exposed metal where the felt strips meet the vacuum opening always made me nervous, and now I suspect it’s the culprit in some minor little knicks. Just curious if you (or anyone else) have seen anything similar?
Yikes!! I haven’t experienced that with the VCE2. I just went and looked at the strip and just like you said - slightly exposed. I ran my finger across it and can’t feel anything but, yes, that would make me nervous too.
All your points are valid ones. The biggest one for me that improves playback?..actually pay attention to the stuff you purchase lol. Sometimes be willing to pass up a copy of something in order to find one thatis better. Especially if you cross genres in music bc you may be able to get along better with a slightly "not perfect" death metal album were as a a softer Jazz or classical album will be much more unforgiving with imperfections so keep that in mind before you even buy that album :)
Excellent point - especially with the difference in genres. Some are way less forgiving than others.
I've had a question that I've asked if anyone had an answer for (on other forums or channels), but I've never gotten an answer. So I thought I'd ask here and see what happens.
I have always used the microfiber brush to clean off anything on my LP's before I play them. I do it on both sides. I'm legally blind and I don't think I noticed this at first. But eventually I saw that there were still little particles of white (paper from the inner sleeves I assume) that would remain on the album when I brushed going with the grooves. I was hesitant for a while to brush from the inside, near the label, out or to the edge of the LP. But I finally started doing that prior to using the brush in the common direction going with the grooves. I was wondering if there is any harm being done when brushing from the label to the outer edge of the record or across the grooves? So far, I haven't had any trouble or surface noise resulting from doing this. And the album I'm doing it on is definitely playing great with no pops or crackling. Does it hurt to brush against the grooves? And if so, could anyone explain why it might?
Thanks for any info or advice...
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
Hey Brian! I can say with certainty that you’re not damaging anything given that the bristles are soft. You’re not pressing down hard and gently sweeping away from the label and off the record if I understand right. Certainly no harm.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. And that's good to know. I could understand not sweeping across the grooves if there was something like grit or hard particles on the record. But just being more dust-like or even paper/dog hair like particles, I was thinking it should be okay. Thanks for the confirmation!
I am in Australia and watch your channel, I looked at your amazon shop but the cleaning fluid cannot be purchased here, is there a way to find out your do it yourself recipe?
Hi Glenn - email me through this link: joyofvinyl.com/contact/
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Thank you
I'd like to chime in and say that, in my experience, some of the steps Rick mentioned need only be done occasionally. I never wet-clean my new records unless I hear a problem. (I tried cleaning a few & they sounded the same before & after.) I do use a Zerostat (by Discwasher circa 1981), but it doesn't need to be used every time you play the disc; the anti-static effect lasts quite a while. I do use a carbon fibre brush *every* time I play a side of an LP: allow the record to rotate a few times as you very lightly rest the tips of the bristles in the grooves (ideally, touch a metal surface with your free hand to ground yourself), then slowly sweep from the label toward the outside as if using a broom as Rick did in his demo. (Will this leave a bit of dust on the disc? Probably, but sweeping likely removes more than simply lifting it.) Cheers, All!
Get a good, strong turntable light and see all the bristles that brush leaves on your record, not good.
I've tried 3 different ones and they all have (maybe some don't?).
I'll never use one again.
Cheers, Pat! 🍺🍺🍺
@@pnichols6500 I recall a Stereophile review recommending carbon fibre brushes with the note that a couple of the other staff writers "strongly disagree," so there's controversy!
Hi Rick, do you think a anti static arm for the turntable is efficient? I'm consedering buying one
Hi! Do you mean the arm brushes that ride in front of the stylus. I’ve never used one. I think a simple brush off prior to playing is sufficient. Let me know if I misunderstand the question.
The best possible way is to listen to a cd while playing a record on the turntable for effect. Then enjoy the album cover art and liner notes while not having any vinyl artifacts at all.
😂😂😂
Another good instructional, thanks! I stopped using carbon fiber brushes, I've tried two different brands and both left small bits of the brush on the vinyl album, I also didn't find them to be very effective. Instead of the Zerostat, I use a plasma arc lighter to reduce static on my albums, the lighter works quite well and is a lot less expensive. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, after cleaning, I treat all of my albums with Gruv Glide, a very effective and long lasting method of preventing static build-up on records. I've been using Styrofoam peanuts to test the effectiveness of my methods but someday I'll buy a static electricity reader to get more accurate readings. Have a good day!
Ugh - I should have saved some of the peanuts from the last package I got. Good idea to use those as a test!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yea, the peanuts cost nothing but those static electricity readers are expensive!
I Have a large used record collection. The best money I ever spent was on a Sweet Vinyl Basic Sugar Cube It removes all pops and clicks with no derogation to the music.
Those are relatively new right, Charles? I believe I saw a review of those recently.
They have been out for a few years. I have SC-1 Mini. Its about $1500 you can purchase them from Music Direct
I've heard good reviews of those. (And yours makes one more.)
My favourite band also has the unlaut, Spın̈al Tap
Good add!
I usually turn my music all the way down. Removes 99.99% of pops and clicks!
LOL
That works too 😂😂😂
What?
@dainty. The lack of music is a bit of a problem though. ;)
@@7171jay 😂😂😂
Have you heard of the Sweet Vinyl Sugar Cube. Removes clicks and pops that record cleaning misses.
Converts the signal to digital, kind of defeats the all analog benefits of vinyl. Just play a CD instead.
I have heard of it but never actually seen or used one.
@@pnichols6500 Lot of positive reviews from analog users
I often wonder if dragging a brush or cloth block over the record with the motor running will reduce the life of the belt, or damage the motor?
As long as there's not any un-needed pressure added it won't harm anything. Cheers!
Yeah the spin clean works well. I need to buy some new cloths and maybe pads. I've ran over 100 hundred records through it, its time haha
I ended up buying new pads too! 🍺
Got to be honest, but after over 50 years of buying vinyl, I have never come across a single case of clicks, pops, or surface noise that has ever been made any better by cleaning, Zerostat, etc. I'm not talking about records that are utterly filthy, but ones that are looked after, handled correctly and brushed every time they're played to remove dust. I've tried the pva glue trick, static removal, washing in distilled water, playing the record wet with distilled water, etc. In every single case the record ends up with exactly the same surface noise, crackles, etc, in exactly the same point of the music as it always did. The truth is that a very significant part of the problem is the purity (or lack of it) of the vinyl used to press the record, plus the cleanliness of the manufacturing plant. Minute contamination will lead to louder surface noise and bigger particles settling on the vinyl during the pressing process cause the pops and clicks. I have a copy of Abbey Road that has almost zero surface noise, plus just one click, but also a copy of Be Here Now that is almost unlistenable on decent gear because of the surface noise. I assure you that it ain't dirt causing it.
You're right, Roger. Contaminants introduced by pressing issues are rampant, especially today (although, I'm sure in the past as well).
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Actually, here in the UK, the newer records are generally vastly better quality than those from the 1970s. Back then, they used the "oil crisis" as an excuse to make LPs paper thin and about as flat as The Rockies, as well as using poor quality vinyl. These days, I tend to buy 180gm pressings, not because I'm naïve enough to believe they inherently sound better (they don't), but because in my mind I like to believe that they have been manufactured with more care. Yes, I may be deluded, but I do seem to have a much lower rate of returns with them.
@@rogerking7258 I have the same experience, some of my new records have high surface noise, and a lot of clicks and pops even fresh out of cleaning, and played wet, others are silent after only brushing and played dry. That said, the later one came from a more "audiofile" oriented label. Also agree on 180g not inherently meaning better quality, but the manufacturer that does that probably has higher standards on all the other aspects also. And this transfers to a lot of other areas too, when you look something easily noticable that is better quality, even if that on its own does not contribute much to the quality, it is a sign of better manufacturing alltogether.
Ultrasonic is the best way after physical clean . Amazing.
One of these days I'll get my hands on one to try it out. Thanks!
I have and use a California Air Tools ultra quiet air compressor.
Work well?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes and especially to remove dust and debris off of cd's, dvd's and bluray's. Especially other stuff too.
Hi Rick, I hate the brushes, actually just by putting on top of the record while spinning to clean it, my impression is it creates greater static and I can see particles appearing in the vinyl as it turns.
Very interesting. I haven’t seen that happen. Do you mind sharing which brush? You can always send it to me in private if not comfortable doing it here. I like to keep track of these things.
Actually, @davesdream is right. I've noticed it also. In fact, some brush companies advise you to repeat the cleaning process with the antistatic brush no more than twice because it can generate more static.
8:14 In the case of the window I would say it's more artistic 😏
lol - yeah - true
I think most people use uber or lyft these days instead of cabs. That being said, I agree with your process. I'm starting to become more disciplined in the process of caring for and preparing my records for playback thanks to you. I guess it's a good thing. I keep watching, so it must be. I am enjoying my records. Thanks for the tips! I just need to get better at explaining why I need this stuff I keep buying for my records to my wife. Sometimes I get some really weird looks. Does that ever happen to you? 😂
😂 yep - she does give me strange looks, Neil. I get up to flip the record, hit it a few times with the zerostat, put it on the platter, run the brush over it, put on the record weight, and sit back down. She must think I'm insane most of the time.....
@TheJoyofVinylRecords
Lol! Well, I do have an idea, but tread lightly. Watch her putting on makeup and ask her questions about all the tools she uses. I tried that once. I had mixed results. Then, I just said I'm sorry, I'm an idiot never mind me. 😂
@@neilfisher7999 If I have a black eye in my next video you'll know why 😂😂
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
😂😂😂
As a dj back In the 80s I used to use a spray bottle with distilled water in it. A couple sprays and pops go bye bye
Interesting. I think I’ve heard that before too. Did you dry it off after?
I can never get a brush to really clean, as in, I need to vacuum the brush and then brush the record, or else it just lays more dust down. Maybe my process is flawed.
I tend to use a bulb air blower to puff the dust off. Logic tells me it sucks in dust just to pelt the record with it while blowing other dust off, but, with a critical eye it appears to work just fine for me.
I don’t think that’s a bad idea at all. Unique solution!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords by the way you sound like a fellow New Englander - I grew up in Rochester NH (FL now) with both parents from Haverhill MA. Thanks for your videos regardless of where you reside
@@FasuloA Well that's a crazy coincidence. I live in Rochester NH - family moved here from Hanson, Ma when I was 9 and been here ever since 🍺. Small world!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords thats awesome! Spaulding High School grad, lived near Frisbie partway up Rochester Hill. Mom lives in Portsmouth now. Small world indeed
@@FasuloA Same here - Spaulding class of '85!
The trick with the Zerostat is to slowly.squeeze its trigger. I you hear the Zerostat click, you squeezing its trigger too fast.
Yes! Exactly.
Best way to listen to an old record is in front of the fireplace with a glass of fine wine! You will be shocked to find that the record sounds brand new!
I’ll drink to that 🥃
Mine do. I.dont buy scratched records or scratch new and have vacumn record cleaner.
I know is very expensive, but after pricing record cleaners, I decided to go with the SWEETVINYL SugarCube SC-1 click and pop remover. Between the Spin Clean and this device, all my records sound like near mint condition without affecting the analog sound we all love. About 40% of my record collection is classical music, which a lot of the passages are quiet and any groove imperfection -no matter how much you clean your records- translate to annoying pops. The SugarCube is one of the best investments I have introduced to my two channel setup.
I've heard of it, Luis, but never actually seen it in action. I do believe I saw a review on another channel on it or a similar device.
@2:03 "...and I bet you already know what that stands for." -- (word starting with "C")
My guess was "Crepuscular".
@6:25 "...and I bet you know what 'B' is."
I was thinking "Biblioklept".
You were so close. I was thinking I should actually use both of those. I keep missing opportunities!! 😂😂😂
I had to laugh at your video on the 4 steps to a better listening experience The steps you’ve mentioned are probably why a lot of people don’t like vinyl and go for CDS or streaming Cleaning, Removing static,cleaning the stylus,buying all the accessories for this is why a lot of people sold their vinyl and moved to CDS in the 80s A lot of folks don’t want all the work of maintaining a good sound from the record
I can't disagree
I can't disagree either, and the convenience factor and simplicity is outstanding, but for any record collector who appreciates the technology and nostalgia that comes along with it, will appreciate what an achievement it was, before digital was even a twinkle in some one's brain
CD's need cleaning sometimes. Probably depending on how they've been stored and or cared for. I'm finding a lot of my older CD's develop smudgy marks that are possibly mould causing them to skip or not play at all in extreme cases. Then there's the handling of CD's where they can be more delicate than records if they're not handled properly and slip or fall out of their covers if the centre ring clips or jewel case hinges break as those are quite fragile. Slight scratches or pinprick holes in the layer of dye or anything on the disc can completely throw the laser beam light right off whereas only deep scratches tend to throw a stylus off track and slight scratches don't always affect the surface noise of records. Only with careful handling and storing CD's can eliminate all the problems associated with records. The whole idea or marketing gimmick of perfect sound forever is a myth with CD's.
@@ccadam That’s weird because I have never experienced mold on my CDS You do have to wipe them off easily with a soft cloth and if you scratch them they will skip but overall so much easier than vinyl care
@@davepounds8924 I think the few mouldy CD's I have were stored in my garage or my house gets a bit mouldy. Generally CD's do need less care until they get damaged and CD rot or a scratch on the label top side hear the centre that contains the table of contents data as in number of tracks and playing time, can completely render a CD unreadable. Apparently humid climates are more prone to disc rot. I'm on the coast so that would explain it. Humidity.
Pops and crackles are part of the vinyl experience. Can’t fix a scratched record.
Buy a professional painters brush. Best ant static cleaner.
Here's how I get a better vinyl experience:
1. I listen to a CD instead.
That's all! ❤
P.S.: Just kidding, I like vinyl too!
😂😂😂
I put the records on, turn volume OFF, put CD in. Friends are always like “wow, your vinyl sounds so warm”. 🤫
Now that was funny 😂😂😂
Why don't you simply use an air brush. The moment you start rubbing anything on it it's history. The secret used to be tape it on the first play because it was never going to be that good again.
Orrrrrrr.............RECORD ROLLER!!
Sound like a cool song title, Alex 😂😂😂
Easy, play a CD 💿🤘
I love vinyl, but its an absolute PITA
It really is at times!
@crazy. Vinyl is definitely a PITA but for some it is worth it. If you have OCD tendencies all the ritualistic tasks involved can even be considered enjoyable.
Kill pops and clicks by replacing records with CD's 😆👍
Thought you'd left - I knew this was the perfect opportunity for you to chime in 😂😂
I'm afraid you haven't gone far enough because you must clean religiously, ergo CRÄBS. For when you need to scratch that itch for better audio quality. You are welcome.