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November 24, 2008 - 2:53pm
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Walker Audio VPI cleaner arm wand?
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I know VPI sells replacement wands for their cleaners. However, I've used the VPI cleaners and I cannot understand how a hard plastic wand that never actually touches anything can possibly wear out in anyone's lifetime.
Jan, when I first got my 16.5, I was told by my friend that it was good to replace the VPI tubes every year or so because of the felts on the tubes get kind of nasty or worn or both. Is this too OCD? Seems like the Delrin material on the Walker wand would be better on the record & easier to take care of & hence, more durable?
Maybe I'm not remembering correctly, doesn't VPI sell replacement pads for the wands? Or must you buy a new wand when the pad wears out? Since the Delrin doesn't actually touch the disc, the material of the wand shouldn't make any difference I would think, the wand is riding on the felt pad. A longer wearing pad would be the ticket.
I was considering this as well. From what I can tell, the WA Delrin tube comes with a couple of shims that go under the record to compensate for the thickness of the cleaning pads, implying that the tube DOES touch the surface of the record during the vacuum process. Delrin is not exactly a very soft plastic. The idea of running something as hard (or harder) than vinyl in contact with my records was enough to turn me away. Heaven forbid if any dirt or grit ever got trapped between the record and that hard plastic tube.
If someone else wants to try one and finds it work well, then I'm all ears.
No, VPI does not sell replacement felt strip pads, only replacement tubes. However, the makers of Mint LP cleaning solution offer a free set of strips with each bottle of their cleaner. Info can be found here. I've not tried these yet, but will likely do so in the next few months.
Yikes! No, thanks, that's one risk I'm not willing to take. My impression was that the wand does not touch the record surface, hence the consideration. I went to audiogon forum and a couple members raved about it, with a healthy contingent expressing doubt. I'm just going to stick with VPI tubes, as they get the job done well enough for me; I was just interested in the Walker tube for the convenience of not having to swap out the tubes during my 3-step process...
fyi - Just saw this review of the Walker replacement tube on PFO.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue40/vortex.htm