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Review: VPI Industries H-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine

Protecting my priceless LPs can be a chore, especially when a well-intentioned tissue swipe can buy a one-way ticket to scratch city. That was until we got our mitts on the VPI Industries H-16.5, a pro-quality record-cleaning machine. At 9 inches high, it’s a bit taller than your average turntable and just as heavy. The […]
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Rating:

8/10

WIRED
Spectacular performance. In most cases, soiled records are returned to a pristine, like-new condition. Heavy-duty housing and sturdy components. Special adapters precisely fit 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. Powerful 19,000 RPM vacuum fan. Operation is quick, satisfying, and even - dare I say - fun.
TIRED
Bulky, noisy, expensive. Fluid evacuation requires tilting the unit a dubious 10 degrees. Not automatic - user participation is required from start to finish.

Protecting my priceless LPs can be a chore, especially when a well-intentioned tissue swipe can buy a one-way ticket to scratch city. That was until we got our mitts on the VPI Industries H-16.5, a pro-quality record-cleaning machine. At 9 inches high, it's a bit taller than your average turntable and just as heavy. The interface is straightforward: brush VPI's proprietary cleaning fluid onto the spinning record, position vacuum arm, and WHOOSH - vinyl resurrection! My well-worn copy of Bacharach Baroque never looked, or sounded, so clean. Simply put, if you've got the cash, the collection, and the love, the H-16.5 is an investment you won't regret. The record is dead. Long live the record!