Opinions needed on the Clearaudio Smart Matrix Record Cleaning Machine

[johnny33]

I'm looking for a record cleaning machine now.I seem to recall that this one is suppose to be really quiet and do a great job.Quiet is important. Ill be doing most of my cleaning at night.

Anyone have one they are using and do you like it?

thanks :wave:

Sorry Gorts I guess you cant key back and fix a thread title - oops.

[fmuakkassa]

I was going to post a similar question regarding the Clearaudio Matrix. So'll I'll wait to see if there are any replies to this post first.

[johnny33]

Nobody has one of these ? :)

[dogpile]

At $699 (Music Direct) it's quite a deal and they look much nicer than the Nitty Gritty & VPI units but I have no direct experience with the Matrix. However, I would highly recommend a Loricraft but they are a lot more.

Good luck... your stylus will thank you :righton:

[TONEPUB]

I used to have a VPI 16.5, and I like the Clearaudio much better...
That second cleaning in the opposite direction really does it for me!

Also, the wand is made of steel intead of the plastic one on the VPI.

For an extra 50-100 bucks (?) it's a much better value, built a lot better.

[johnny33]

I used to have a VPI 16.5, and I like the Clearaudio much better...
That second cleaning in the opposite direction really does it for me!

Also, the wand is made of steel intead of the plastic one on the VPI.

For an extra 50-100 bucks (?) it's a much better value, built a lot better.

Hey Jeff ,

I couldnt remember if it was you or Marc that was getting one in awhile back. Is it much quieter? Glad to know it cleans well and goes both directions. I want one that does that. Sounds like a good build also.:thumbsup:


How long have you had yours?

[visprashyana]

Much quieter and uses parts from BMW or Mercedes, I can't remember, but its a piece of machinery vs. the homemade VPI that is mdf glued together. The nitty gritty is only used when the budget is severely limited.

[LeeS]

One thing that the 16.5 has that is nice is the clear tube. This allows me to see how much grime is coming off the record which I like. Parts availability is better as well.

[johnny33]

Parts availability is better as well.


Why is it hard to get parts ? Is repair availability an issue also then?

[McIntosh]

One thing that the 16.5 has that is nice is the clear tube. This allows me to see how much grime is coming off the record which I like.
Then you should REALLY like the Clearaudio Matrix Clear :-)


http://store.acousticsounds.com/images/as201JPG/U-MATRIXCLR.jpg

[TONEPUB]

Except that clear plastic tube on the VPI breaks really easily. That was my big complaint with the 16.5, and I agree with VP on the build quality. The only "Parts" you will ever need for the Clear, are the little pads that go on the cleaning wand. Garth at Musical Surroundings (the US importer) always has plenty in stock so it's no big. I just bought four extra sets when I picked mine up so I'd never have to worry about it.

The only other parts would be the drive motor and the pump. As Clear has great service on their tables, I can't imagine that getting one of these serviced would be a problem....

I've also been told by more than one person at Clearaudio that the Simple Matrix uses the same motor as the Matrix clear. The Clear is cool because it's see through, sprays the fluid on automatically, etc. But the Simple matrix does just as good a job at cleaning.

Last but not least, the pump in the Clear is more robust. When I had a 16.5, if you cleaned more than about four records in a row, the motor would overheat. (matter of fact they warn you about this in the manual) I've never had this problem with the Clear, so again for an extra hundred bucks you get better build quality, less noise, cleans in both directions and will clean longer.

I rarely clean more than about four or five records at a time, but those of you that are heavy duty users should keep this in mind.

[jstraw]

I have owned a VPI but I think I'm likely to opt for the Matrix next. But just one thing...the best price i can find for each is $200 apart. $499 for the 16.5 and $699 for the Matrix.

[Oyama]

When I had a 16.5, if you cleaned more than about four records in a row, the motor would overheat. (matter of fact they warn you about this in the manual)


This is the one thing I really dislike about the 16.5. Once that motor overheats, the spindle gets very hot and transfers that heat onto the vinyl causing it to slightly warp (my experience anyway). I'm much more careful now, frequently monitoring the spindle temperature with the underside of my forearm. If I sense a certain amount of heat I then stop the cleaning process and let it cool down (approx. 45min).

[LeeS]

Except that clear plastic tube on the VPI breaks really easily.

I have not seen this happen yet in a few months usage.

When I had a 16.5, if you cleaned more than about four records in a row, the motor would overheat. (matter of fact they warn you about this in the manual) I've never had this problem with the Clear, so again for an extra hundred bucks you get better build quality, less noise, cleans in both directions and will clean longer.


I have done 8 records in a row with no problems.

I'm certainly not knocking the SmartMatrix...I'm sure the Clearaudio is a great choice as well. It certainly looks better made with a metal case and all. I was just pointing out some pros of the VPI. I came close to getting the SmartMatrix but I did not find many reviews at the time and we lack a local dealer with one in stock. It was $200 more as well which was a consideration.

Question: Can you have multiple arms on the SmartMatrix? One for deep cleaning and one for rinse cycles?

[Gregory Earl]

This is the one thing I really dislike about the 16.5. Once that motor overheats, the spindle gets very hot and transfers that heat onto the vinyl causing it to slightly warp (my experience anyway). I'm much more careful now, frequently monitoring the spindle temperature with the underside of my forearm. If I sense a certain amount of heat I then stop the cleaning process and let it cool down (approx. 45min).

Man! How many records do you clean for that to happen? I know I've cleaned up to 10 records in one session and I've never had an issue with over heating.

[Oyama]

Man! How many records do you clean for that to happen? I know I've cleaned up to 10 records in one session and I've never had an issue with over heating.

Hi Gregory,

I suppose this would depend on your cleaning process. I’m currently using RRL cleaning fluids so I generally start with one wash of the Deep Vinyl Cleaner (first time cleaning only) and then two with the standard Vinyl Wash per album side, followed with a vacuum between each (3-4 revolutions). After about the fourth album you can feel a fair amount of heat dissipate from the spindle.

One of these days I’m going to strap a temperature probe on the spindle after using my cleaning method above and see exactly what the temperature is.

[Deranger]

Hi johnny33 & fmuakkassa

Have you bought the Clearaudio Smart Matrix RCM ?
If yes then are you pleased with your choice ?

p.s. I've read here - http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=87286#post1925734 - that a vacume tube has to be replaced after every 200 LP's cleaned ? Is it really so ?

[McIntosh]

I think that was specific to the VPI 16.5 unit

I do have a question about the 16.5 though. I was really surprised while reading the manual that it needs a new vacume tube every 200 LP's cleaned

[luckyman]

I got my Smart Matrix back in December, and absolutely love it. I wouldn't
describe it as quiet, as it is a vacuum. It is not obnoxious in the least.
The most records I ever cleaned at one time was 12 with no overheating
problems whatsoever. The bi-directional scrubbing works great. The unit
is built like a tank, and has a Mercedes/BMW quality construction. I did
notice on occasion that the tube did not suck up the fluid on the leading
edge of the record, with the vacuum wand in the"locked" position.
This quirk is also experience by the more expensive Matrix machine
according to the folks at Musical Surroundings, and is easily remedied
by slightly angling the vacuum tube. No biggie there.
I very highly recommend it!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[TONEPUB]

I'm certainly still thrilled with mine a year later...

[fmuakkassa]

Hi johnny33 & fmuakkassa

Have you bought the Clearaudio Smart Matrix RCM ?
If yes then are you pleased with your choice ?


I have not bought one yet. In fact I am leaning more towards the Loricraft

http://www.smartdev.com/loricraft.html

[TONEPUB]

The Loricraft is awesome, but a lot more money.
Great machine though...

[motorcitydave]

Looks good, but the price...:eek:

[Deranger]

I did
notice on occasion that the tube did not suck up the fluid on the leading
edge of the record, with the vacuum wand in the"locked" position.
This quirk is also experience by the more expensive Matrix machine
according to the folks at Musical Surroundings, and is easily remedied
by slightly angling the vacuum tube.

luckyman, can this happen because your micro fabric stripes on the end of the arm tube are worn out ?
The manual suggests that one should change the stripes every 200-300 record sides.

Can you describe how to angle the vacuum tube ?
I just can't figure it out by looking at the manual without having ever seen a real Smart Matrix :) Is it something like angling a tonearm of the turntable ? :)

p.s. Did anyone have a chance to compare ClearAudio Smart Matix to VPI HW-17F PROFESSIONAL ?
Which one is better at cleaning especially dirty records ?
Or it mostly depends not on the machine, but on the cleaning fluid used ?

[luckyman]

luckyman, can this happen because your micro fabric stripes on the end of the arm tube are worn out ?
The manual suggests that one should change the stripes every 200-300 record sides.

Can you describe how to angle the vacuum tube ?
I just can't figure it out by looking at the manual without having ever seen a real Smart Matrix :) Is it something like angling a tonearm of the turntable ? :)

p.s. Did anyone have a chance to compare ClearAudio Smart Matix to VPI HW-17F PROFESSIONAL ?
Which one is better at cleaning especially dirty records ?
Or it mostly depends not on the machine, but on the cleaning fluid used ?

The velvet strips show no sign of wear. To "angle the suction tube", I
just turn it to just shy of all the way counterclockwise. I have never
compared it to a VPI HW-17F which I'm sure is a fine machine. I have'
heard that many VPI owners prefer to scrub their records manually, and
there is a big expense to automatic cleaning.

I use RRl Super Vinyl Wash, leftover from my trials with an Orbitrac.
I'm sure some of the Enzymatic cleaners would do an even better job,
and someday I will try one of the multi-step cleaners. I have barely made
a dent in the quart bottle of RRL, it lasts a long time. I like the convenience
of a 1 step process, and so far I am pleased with the results I have been getting.Records that sounded "good" before, now sound great.