question - liquid stylus cleaner? Yes or NO.

Posted by: gavagai on 18 February 2004

I use a record brush and a stylus brush, but does anyone use stylus cleaner liqid that is applied with a small brush? (clearaudio, last, etc.) I do not have a record cleaner, but most of my records are in excellent shape. What are the advantages of this? Does it prolong cartridge life? Does it sound better? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated
Posted on: 18 February 2004 by Audio Visionary
We sell both carbon fibre record brushes and
stylus cleaner from Clearaudio. Our explanation
for the need for liquid stylus cleaner is that
as the stylus traces the groove, an extraordinary amount of heat and pressure is
exerted on the disc, and during playback, small
bit of dirt, vinyl and debris attaches to the
tip of the stylus and is difficult to remove
with out assistance from the chemical cleaner.
I think that having a stylus tip free from all
this junk produces better sound, longer record
and stylus life. The only care is make sure the cleaning fluid does not migrate up the cantilever and enter the cartridge body. So do not use too much fluid and keep the brush as close to the stylus as possible.

Bryan
The Gramophone
Posted on: 19 February 2004 by David Stewart
Safest way to apply liguid cleaner is by using one of the very short, stiff bristle brushes specially made for the purpose. Disc Doctor (amongst others) do a good one. I suspect it would be difficult to stop cleaner migrating up the cantilever, if applying it with a long soft bristle brush.
Just my 2p-worth Smile

David
Posted on: 19 February 2004 by J.N.
A dry vibrator has always worked fine for me.

Steady now boys...............