I'll never again play an LP that hasn't been through this cleaning machine! It transforms even the most worn-out vinyl. The first record I cleaned was a 38 year-old LP which had been played numerous times on a toy record player with a ceramic cartridge and now was unlistenable. After a pass through the VPI Cleaning Machine I couldn't believe how close to "like new" (except for the scratches) the LP sounded. The best value for the money in terms of improved sound for any vinyl enthusiast.
One note: The vacuum is so poserful and loud I actually wear ear plugs when operating it.

I can only agree with other reviews. The engine of the platter is powerful, there is no way stopping it. And the vacuum sucking system is working beautiful with no cleaning fluid remaining on the record. So it does everything what it should do.I can only advise everybody who buys or owns a lot of records to get one yourself.

Cleans approx. 95-99% of noise dependent on vinyl quality

Some handcleaning may be required for really dirty LPs.
Static electricity should be handled.
It cannot handle singles.

I have cleaned many thousand LPs since buying this machine in 1998. Very quickly I found that spraying the solution on the surface would help spreading it evenly. This is the only thing that should and could easily be incorporated in the design. The result of the cleaning is terrific, but also dependent on the vinyl quality - some US record labels used vinyl that would make the dirt stick to its surface. Also, static electricity still keeps some of the lighter dust clinging. Some handcleaning with a linen cloth is necessary now and then as the solution and the vacuum tube don't remove some of the worst dirt. If using too much liquid some of the dust will become soaked and so heavy that it will not be sucked by the vacuum tube. However, even scratched records sound way better by being cleaned, as a scratch can be tolerated when the sound is good otherwise. Beware of buying used records from heavy smokers, as cigarette smoking can damage your record collection - it seems the warm ash makes microscopical damage to the grooves. When all this is said, I only have to add that the machine is indispensable and the result between before and after is like a miracle. Now, nearly three years later, I still can't believe my ears.

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I've owned this product for a number of years now and consider it to be the single most important part of my analog system.Many enthusiasts balk at paying $400 for a "record cleaner," and that's understandable.
To those I simply say "try it." Take out a couple of your favorite older LPs, ones that you treasure but haven't played much lately because you thought they were "worn out." Pops, ticks, static, noise, etc.
If you have a VPI dealer in your town, take them to his/her shop and ask for a demonstration. The dealer will run the LPs through the cleaner. Just take them back home and pop them on your table.
Chances are, they were not "worn out" at all. Most of the nasties you were hearing were due to the dreaded "groove grunge," dust, vinyl flakes, oil from your fingers, etc., that accumulated deep in the grooves over the years. That, along with static electricity, was what was making all the fuss.
No brush, no matter how well designed, can remove this stuff from your precious LPs. The VPIs, along with the Nitty Grittys, can.
What convinced me was a precious recording of Richard Rogers "Victory at Sea" score. I had played it so many times on old, "groove digger" turntables it sounded totally shot.
Then I moved to Houston and a since departed dealer, Sheffield Audio, had this huge Keith Monks record cleaning machine. They would allow customers to bring in up to 10 LPs to run through the machine.
I brought in the vintage RCA Red Seal LP, ran it through the Monks, took it back home and put it on my trusty old AR turntable. I could not believe my ears.
I'd say, conservatively, that 90% of the noise was gone! The LP sounded like it was nearly brand new!
If there is no dealer in your town who carries either the VPIs or Nitty Grittys, try to find another audio enthusiast who has one.
Once you hear the results, you probably won't think $400 is too much at all.
For what these machines can do for your treasured LPs, I give the VPI 16.5 FIVE STARS!

I purchased this vacuum machine a couple of months ago. It cost more than my Music Hall Turntable and it was worth it. I tried to make do with Last products and the Orbitrac system but it just didn't do the trick. This machine definitely does the trick. I purchased this machine rather than the less expensive Nitty Gritty machines because this machine seemed more solid and convienient to use. I even purchased an extra vacuum tube and brush so I could clean off my old 78's to use on my vintage 1910 Victrola, and you know what? it makes a big difference even on Victrolas.
Vacuum cleaning your records is very important. The better gear you get, the more crud you'll hear. The VPI machine is solid and I am very happy with the results.