I don't presently have a digital camera, but here are the plans I went by when I did mine. Mine is much more crude and simple. I used an old yardsale turntable, bought a $20 1HP Shopvac from WalMart, plugged up the end of the crevice tool, cut a slit for suction along the crevice tool, lined each side of slit with self adhesive felt (86 cents for 8x11 sheet at WM). See the link for more info on the crevice tool mods. Mine looks like crap, but it works well and does it's job, which is to suck the dirty fluids off the record.

http://www.grynx.com/index.php/projects/record-cleaning-machine/

I hope this helps. I am on a very small budget, so this worked well for me.

wwwrecords May 09, 2006 17:48

I recommend not messing around with homebrew fluids and go ahead and buy some RRL (Record Research Labs) fluid. It is the only cleaner that I am aware of that doesn't require rinsing. You will actually need 2 brushes, one for wet cleaning and one to remove any dust before each play. I also recommend you begin looking at Record Cleaning Machines. If you do a google search for DIY RCM you will find how to easily build one for about $30. That is what I did and it works great. At some point you may want to buy a factory made one, but for now you can get by easily with a DIY. DIY= Do It Yourself. The whole purpose of a RCM is once you loosen the dirt and crud with the fluids and brush, it will suck the suspended dirty fluids off the record.

As far as a stylus cleaner, check out member dougdeacon Mr.Clean Magic Eraser stylus cleaner. A $2 investment will give you enough to clean your stylus for 20 years. A search should provide the info. If not, let me know and I will help find it.

Everything I have mentioned above should run you about $100 including building your own record cleaning machine. Then you will be set to do it just like the big guns.

wwwrecords May 09, 2006 01:19

Sounds like you did good to me. You being satified and happy with your system is the main thing. Vinyl is alot more hands on that digital, but it is alot more fun and rewarding. To me anyways. Now you can focus on building your vinyl collection. If you haven't done so yet, you need to do some looking on how to clean your vinyl purchases and cleaning your stylus. Both will be important to your continued enjoyment.

wwwrecords May 08, 2006 01:55

If you phono stage can handle a low output MC cart, the Denon 103 is a good choice. If your phono is for a MM cart, I would suggest a Denon 110 or 160. The 103 can be had new for $150, 110 for $120 and 160 for about $140 or so.

The Dual 701 is one of the finest tables Dual made. Your current cartridge sounds like a Shure Type III with a Hyper Elliptical stylus. If you are unsure of it's condition and wear, you would do well to get a cart that will not damage your Lp's. If you are unsure how to properly setup a cartridge, you will need to seek some help. No need getting a new cartridge, not setting it up correctly and not getting its best. Not to mention causing excessive wear to both vinyl and stylus.

wwwrecords May 06, 2006 21:41

Philoman2, vinyl is alot more hands on than CD, but I find the rewards well worth the effort. And my turntable is pretty meager by Agon standards. Analog is something that you should give a good listen and compare to digital and make up your mind. You have a very nice system by the way. Awesome for someone of your years.

wwwrecords May 03, 2006 02:47