The listening system is held as a constant for this thread, at least to the best of my abilities. The Kentos, well I like them a lot. Price wise they are on the high side for the market IMO. I like the Vandersteens Treo CT, Quattro CT and Kento Carbon in general. I tend to prefer a more relaxed sound that draws me in to the music in comparison to a more forward in your lap sound. A mid hall perspective, as in rows 11 to 15, not an upfront sixth row listening perspective.
Regarding the VPI formula and thread, I am aware of it. What I am using works for me. I listed it for reference, essentially to nip questions in the bud. There is more to tell and more questions to follow as this thread continues. Thanks you for your comments, questions and continued interest. More than happy to discuss the Vandersteen Kentos one-on-one by PM or phone if you like.
Thomas and I returned to Ultra Fidelis upon hearing that my Kind Of Blue had been cleaned. After settling in with a cup of Anodyne coffee and pastries the three of us, Jonathon, Thomas and I settled in for a listen to the KOB control copy. Fair enough was our initial impression, with surprisingly a slight bit of surface noise in spots, as well as a random pop or two on side one. So much for MoFiās Clarity clear vinyl. As I listened what ran through my mind was is it a gimmick, well maybe. My initial impression was it was very nice.
Then we put on the PVF-A copy. My first impressions were that I was hearing into the performance with out any strain what so ever. As others have mentioned KOB tends to be a hard right/hard left with some center fill type of presentation. Which is what I heard. However, what I also heard was a significant amount of dimensionality associated with each of the players, be it Milesā trumpet of Coltraneās tenor of Adderlyās alto. The sound of a brass instrument emitting the sound and air from its bell was unmistakeable. The reediness of Coltraneās tenor and a column of air emitted from it was a pleasure to hear. Adderlyās alto work was clean clear and satisfying. The sound was natural and the illusion of performers in a real space was much more believable. Paul Chambersā bass work was clean, with a certain body and roundness I associate with the double bass. Jymie Merritās cymbal work was clean and clear with the cymbal shimmer Iād expect. The piano was as how I have come to expect it on KOB, somewhat artifical in dynamics and tone compared to more modern recordings. I just want more of the nuance associated with a pianoās sound; the sustain pedal action, string interaction, and the effect of the instrumentās sound board.
Thomas was beside himself asking that we return to the KOB control, and then once again to the PVF-A. He was flabbergasted. Iād sum things up as the PVF-A version clearly and easily conveyed the performers nuanced playing, as I like to put it it easily conveyed their musical intent. Not a small thing in my experience. The dynamics and shading associated with the horns was there a plenty. Instrument details, sounds trailing off and decaying into the darkness were there with no need to strain to experience it.
My take away from this experience regarding record cleaning has been transformative to say the least.
I plan to follow-up with some thoughts regarding how this fits into the vinyl experience in general. For the moment Iāll leave it with Enjoy the Music!
The Wrap-up.
So in a nutshell Iād summarize the PVF-A process as equivalent to a phono cartridge upgrade, digging more detail out of the grooves. More detail and quieter surfaces is what I expected, and is what I heard. The surprise was the improvement went well beyond a basic cleaner sound. Tones were purer, three dimensionality was more evident, stage depth and layering much improved, and the instruments sounded like musical instruments played by human beings. The musicianās intent clearly on display.
Questions I have are what does one get with the high priced vinyl available from MofI, etcetera as the cleaning was necessary to convey what I would expect from such a purchase. How well will this process work with other vinyl formulations and older more pedestrian releases. Is the ultrasonic cleaning method I use really worth the time and effort. I will be revising my cleaning solution to see if improvements can be had. Basically reducing the alcohol content, or trying currently available formulations such as MoFiās Super Record wash. How effective are alternative ultrasonic cleaning systems such as Kirmuss, Degritter, Audio Desk System Glass Record Cleaner, LoriCraft, etcetera?
At $8 per LP and the need to take them to my local HiFi shop the PVF method is pricey and inconvenient. There are no plans to franchise the method at this time. Perfect Vinyl Forever does offer shipping options for those who wish to try their service from a distance. The records are removed from the outer sleeve and shipped to PVF. I should add, once cleaned the records, according to PVF, do not require and should not be ultrasonically or chemically cleaned. A brief cleaning prior to playback with a carbon fiber anti-static brush is recommended. Those who have a Degritter, or similar cleaning system may want to submit a handful of records to PVF for trial. Based on m experience with the MoFi KOB Iād suggest submitting your MoF One Steps and UHQRs for a PVF cleaning. Following the demo I left a carton of 27 LPs for cleaning and plan on having an additional 25 or so cleaned. I have the entire Music Matters Catalog, most of the recent BN Tone Poets, and Classic reissues. With time I plan on having them all receive the PVF cleaning. From there Iāll prioritize my collection and consider submitting additional LPs. I am also reconsidering my plans for future purchases of MoFi UHqR/OneStep LPs. Something about a $100 LP needing an extensive cleaning just does not sit right with me at the moment.
Hopefully many have enjoyed this thread, and my feeble attempt to substantiate what I heard.
Its very interesting! In my home if itās a really dirty record it gets a manual clean and then Ultrasonic. Normally Ultrasonic gets me right where I want to be.
I think you should at least try the opposite sequence, makes more sense. The result after the second step will always be a little better, but not letting it dry twice but leaving it watered longer and vacuumed at the end should give better results.
Very interesting experiment. Thanks for the review.
With shipping, using their packaging, the PVF service costs approximately $16 per album unless the cleaning charge does not include return shipping. The extra cost per album to get the best out of them makes me kind of blue.
The first time you order, you pick 2-way shipping & insurance and itās about $1 per record ($16 total with $400 insurance) - more insurance will cost more.
Once youāve used initially, you keep the box/shipping container and if you reorder, itās $10 less, so you end up with $.40 / record.
I do think itās worth trying at least one batch (unless you are totally satisfied with your current cleaning options).
As I clean my Ornette Coleman 6 LP Box set, Round Trip, I am considering just that. Revising my cleaning sequence similar to what I have done pre-ultrasonics BW I should add the records are not air dried between steps, but are vacuum dried on a VPI.
Basically adjusting the sequence to after an initial dusting off and visual inspection, a VPI cleaning, and DI rinse, followed by an ultrasonic cleaning, DI rinse and VPI vacuum dry.
I am also looking into the sturdier DiscKeeper Ultimate sleeves from Sleeve City. I am also going to question Steve from PVF seeking his suggestions. There is no way I am applying the PVF process to all of my collection.
I am curious as to what LPs you submitted on your first go around. Yeah, it cost me two MoFI UHQR LPs that are going back to my Daughters tomorrow. Well, one is, I have yet to decide if the second one will get a PVF-A cleaning. I wonāt ask her, sheāll just have me committed.
Iāll decide when the mailer arrives. Surely my best sounding, most favorites and also ones that sound awful but have great music. Not rocket science, huh?
Great idea, except I would continuously forget where I put it. Iād need a ākeyā finder mounted to it so I could locate it with my iPhone. Now where did I put the phoneā¦
