PRO-JECT VC-S Record Cleaning Machine & Groovy Hi-Fi Solutions TM-8 Record Cleaning Fluid

My OCD would never permit me to play any of them before that. Because vinyl was, at first, more of an experiment, I was unsure whether it would hold my interest and thus justify any sort of substantial investment in record-cleaning equipment. After a bit of research, I was lucky enough to obtain for review the Spin-Clean Record Washer. Given its small footprint, modest cost, ease of use, and overall effectiveness, I came away impressed. I ended up keeping it to help me further explore my interest in vinyl. Later on, a desire to experiment with one-step cleaning solutions led me to Mobile Fidelity’s popular record cleaning brush and its highly-regarded alcohol-based “ONE” formula. As I still mostly acquired used records, the transition to full manual cleaning, while more time-consuming, was a positive one as it allowed me to vary the amount of force I used to clean a record. After going through a bottle of Mobil Fidelity One, further research led me to the Audio Intelligent Premium One-Step Formula No. 6, which was somewhat of a revelation as it netted great improvements in antistatic performance.

I had no real complaints regarding my record cleaning protocol, but ever the tinkerer, I wondered if there was anything new out there. After coming across repeated references to a one-step cleaner called “TM-8,” manufactured by Groovy Hi-Fi Solutions, I got around to reading the website and realized it was the sister company of Brooks Berdan Ltd., a highly-regarded Los Angeles-area retailer that specializes in turntables. After I reached out to Groovy’s co-owner, Shelia Berdan, I was invited to visit. I’ll save the details for the full review, but after spending the afternoon with Shelia, Groovy co-founder, Joe Knight, and the rest of the Brooks Berdan staff, I knew it made sense to review the TM-8 along with a vacuum-based record cleaning machine. A month or so later, the Pro-Ject VC-S arrived and a month or so after that, I finally had a chance to unbox it.

At $499, the Pro-Ject VC-S does not have a ton of competition other than the well-regarded OKKI NOKKI, which is also a motorized, vacuum-based unit. Having seen record cleaning machines that cost thousands of dollars, the VC-S impresses immediately as a quality item. The cabinet is nicely finished and the controls are simple and clearly marked. The motor will rotate a record in two seconds and the heavy-duty, easy to use metal clamp ensures that no cleaning fluid will reach the label. The vacuum arm is substantial and constructed of metal. The used fluid capacity is 2.5-liters and is clearly marked to indicate remaining capacity. A detachable spout makes disposing of used fluid simple and an optional dust cover is available as well. While I have only cleaned approximately 25 records so far, the vacuum system on the VC-S has worked flawlessly. Records come out not only spotless, but completely dry, and it is a game-changer to be able to put records into sleeves immediately. As far as the sound, after several listens, it is obvious that these records have never played so quietly and so dynamically. Wow. More to come soon!