Problem with Knosti Disco Antistat?

Mike,

As you notice, the "Knosti" lets the cleaning fluid drip-off to dry, rather than being vacuumed off, such with the more expensive LP cleaners.
Some residual stuff obviously remains, incl. whatever compound contributes to the anti-static properties.
Other users actally did mention some gunk left on the needle after first use.
I tried to spin the record with the accu-drill (CAREFUL is the word !! - and it's not everyones preference to treat their rare & valuable black treasures this way !!)
For superior requirements you may end up with one of these better LP cleaning devices.

Urs

Mike,
Most probably the problem is being created by cleaning residue remaining in the groove. I've used the Disc Doctor LP cleaning system, which involves fluid and a brush.

This system recommends careful rinsing of the playing surface with distilled water to remove the cleaning fluid. The rinse water is then mopped up with a soft long fibre cotton cloth (they recommend Terry cloth as used for nappies).

Finally, the LPs are racked for air-drying only when most of the liquid has already been removed from the surface. This system minimises the risk of any contaminants drying into the groove again.

More recently I've used a Moth vacuum machine. Both systems work well, but the DD system is much harder work and the results IMO are not as good or as consistent as those achieved with the Moth.

I think in conclusion that this is a case of 'you gets what you pays for!'. The Disco is probably fine as far as it goes, it just doesn't go far enough.

David

I am so envious of you folks with a decent cleaning system.

I do I think that the Disco cleaning system is OK, difficult to compare records cleaned with different methods.
My complaint is that after drying, and if I dont play the clean LP straight away, I put them in a anti-static sleeve, often the clean record picks up a residue from, I guess, the sleeve.

I also use the Permaclean system, which I like because of a lack of hassle and in the past have used Disc Doctor - a little too much effort.

I read many years ago that that the best way to remove dirt from a record groove is by playing it.

Best option is to use the Nagaoka or similar type of anti-static inner sleeve after cleaning. The newly cleaned vinyl should then stay clean and static free for ages.

Never use plain paper sleeves, they cause abrasion and spread fine paper dust onto the playing service which can then get ground into the grooves.

Ordinary polythene lined inners seem to create more static and can't really be recommended. The antistatic ones are more pricey but well worth the small cost difference.

David

I do use Nagaoka sleeves, I suspect that I don’t allow enough drying time, although it wasn’t every record.

Interesting comment about the "old" Zerostat gun. Perhaps when I start working again I may treat my-self to one. Would prefer a 2nd hand Hi-cap, though my partner would object to that self-indulgence.

Thank for the thoughts, David

I use Nagaoka sleeves as a metter of course after an AntiStat clean; and am fairly scrupulous about air drying them.

I do think that as the Knosti leaves an anti static coating on the surface of the vinyl, this physical residue is affecting the sound - eg. by getting into the groove, as it where.

I think that from now on I will only be using the Disco for 2nd hand purchases - does anyone near Reading have a Moth or similar and would they consider some kind of hire deal?

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

Mike
I have a Moth that you are welcome to borrow. I'm not cleaning any of your bloody records though, I've got enough of my own stacked waiting for a bath.

Simon

Simon

what a kind offer. Would lunch be an acceptable trade?

I'll go to private topics on this

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

Well time for an update.

Having borrowed Lo Fi Si's Moth cleaner, I have had the local kids peering through the door at that man hoovering his records while wearing big green ear defenders.Cleaned about 25-30 albums and feel that I have reached a valid conclusion - namely, that the Disco Anti Stat leaves an audiable residue on vinyl. There is no doubt that it cleans albums and has top anti static properties but it definately affects the sound. Most noticeable on "Paris, Texas"; the metallic twang to Ry Cooders' slide guitar has come back. Hurrah.

The Moth has removed this veneer, does a pretty good job of cleaning, too. DAS is good news for 50p bargain bin stuff; keep it away from treasured albums.

Regards

Mike

PS Si - have been off sick - return Moth at weekend?

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

--------------------
..I have had the local kids peering through the door at that man hoovering his records while wearing big green ear defenders.
---------------
Mike,
Blue Danube (www.bluedanube.at/waschbaer.html) now sells an LP Cleaing Machine called "FlüsterBär" - http://www.bluedanube.at/fluesterbaer.html
which would let you work without ear ache...!!
Recent tests in a German HIFI Mag were quite OK.

Regards

Urs

So this Moth kit - how easy is it to build? I use the Disco Antistat and I've not really noticed a lack of treble (but then it's only a Planar 3 and Ortofon 540) - but I *have* noticed the gunk in the groove syndrome.

I'll clean new records if they're ridiculously staticky (more than likely ) as the Milty Zerostat I have doesn't seem to do much for really staticky records IME. I have to admit though that I hate waiting for the records to dry...

Just how noisy IS a Moth cleaner?

Does that Blue Danube site have an English version?

When the music's over turn out the lights

Dom

Its an unsilenced vacuum cleaner, thats how noisy the beast is. The manual says "Some noise will be heard." English understatement at its best.

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

Dom
The kit is pretty easy to build but the instructions are not brilliant. It's not obvious which drilling dimensions are critical and some vary depending on the exact components supplied.
You'll need a jig saw and a power drill (a pillar drill helps a lot).

Mike
Either this weekend, or next Friday (25th) would be fine.

Simon

On the subject of the DSOTM anniversary pressing, can you tell me whether it's worth it over the version in the 1997 PF vinyl box set? I got this s/h, and have really enjoyed it. However, a couple of weeks ago I stupidly left my copy of DSOTM in the sun and it now has a rather interesting topography not suitable for tracking with a pricy rock on the end of a wobbly unipivot.

So, rather than faff around with ovens, pieces of glass and thermometers (the Audio Asylum recommended 'unwarp' recipe) I am tempted to treat myself to the new version.

However, I'm worried about what they might have done to the mix... can't be doing with that... can you enlighten me to the changes?

Ta very much in advance,

John

TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."

OK TC ( sorry, but I love being able to say that )

I don't have the '97 version, but I am pretty pleased with the 30th anniv reissue/remaster; as far as I can tell there are no changes in the mix - apart from "Breath" being a Hardcore House remix ( not really - its a disco remix ).

I spent years looking for a decent pressing and I am pretty pleased with this. Wonderful heavy virgin vinyl and its beautifully packaged, too, with the original posters and stickers, plus a new poster. Its so nice I am seriously tempted to get myself another copy, and one each for my girls currently aged 6 and 9, for when they are older. They are fans already; the older one asked "Who is this, daddy?" "Syd Barrett." "Did'nt he used to be in Pink Floyd?" I was so proud.

Just do it, you'll be happy.

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

TC

Do not worry about the mix. Buy DSOTM whilst it is available or live to regret it. I was faced with a dilemma several years back, namely, should I buy Night of the Opera, when EMI re-issued it as part of their centenary celebrations. At the time, my original was fine so I didn’t and now regret it.

The 30th Anniversary edition is very nicely packaged, but it doesn't sound as good as the original pressing to my ears. It's just not as open or dynamic. But... you have to compare it with the original UK pressing, not some later re-issue...

Tim

Maybe, but the 30th anniversary offering

a) is available
b) costs about £16.00

Regards

Mike

On the Yellow Brick Road and happy

Just check out the "Whispering bear" record cleaner. It looks well made and worth, I guess, the £800 charged. Perhaps they will show it in London at the HFN&RR show.


Paul