Anyone tried the Zerostat or Ionoclast?

I was wondering does anyone have any experience with these "destaticing" devices for their lps or audio components (interconnects, speaker cables, etc.).

The famous discwasher zerostat was one such device and I noticed Mapleshade Records is selling a new device called the Ionoclast which appears to be a very similar device.

In theory this seems to make sense in reducing the electrical ion charges to reduce hum and therefore background noise. I was wondering though if anyone has any real world experience and can report on any audible benefits of either of these?!?

 

I have the zerostat, and it seems to work just fine. Every so often (1 out of 20 lps) I get a static loaded lp, the zerostat kills the static.

 

Zerostat is a big deal (and REALLY expensive nowadays), but I'll give you my experiences with the Zerostat:

1. Anything you can kill with a Zerostat can can come back on a record, especially new ones.

2. The easiest way to kill static on new records is to use VRP Discwasher sleeves. This is the only way I've seen troublesome static dissapear permanently. You can even use it for a few days, and notice the difference. Many Classic reissues when used with vinyl/paper sleeve combos produce an amazing ammount of static on those 180g records. (and big-time annoying streak marks and scuffs from paper shavings scraping acorss a record from newely-cut sleeves).

I so, so very rarely use my Zerostat. It's a great tool and never needs batteries.
98% of all background noise is not from electrical static. It's usually ground-in dirt, poor cutting and some pre-amp noise.

When I've heard static, it's usually high-pitched "CCC-RRRackling" going into the tonearm. It's very noticeable from dirt and poor cuts.

 

Ahh, so I'm not the only one who noticed! Those PP sleeves are tough on records.

I'm very very careful taking them out the first time. Believe it or not, just crinkling up the PP liner solves the problem (and blowing air between the record and sleeve before removing it).

 

That's a good way. The only thing I've been known to do is to slit the original sleeve on really pesky-staticy sleeves to the point you can peel the sleeve off the record.

There's no one's fault for this; but it happens, and when it's really bad, I am SO careful taking the biscut out of the sleeve. It's usually then I see those pesky scuffs. They never go away.

But after being in a VRP sleeve for a few days, it's tamed for a very small fee. It's usually kept in those sleeves.

Note: TommyTunes had a few of them seep additives on some of his prized records. I've never experneiced this with VRPs, but it's worth mentioning.

 

I used to have the whole Discwasher System years ago in my vinyl day's...Was very beneficial.

 

And the whole sytem, which included the Zerostat, was cheaper than the Zerostat ALONE is today.

 

If you live in a humid environment then static electrcity is not so much of a problem. But in a very dry and somewhat dusty environment, a statically charged record spinning around on a turntable is a magnet. If you can counteract the static charge of electrons by a burst of positive ions for the duration of the record, you will be helping your records greatly.

Particles that are too large are no problem - the stylus pushes them out of the way. Particles that are too small are no real problem - they fall to the bottom of the groove. But particles that are just the right size will be embedded in the grooves as the stylus melts the vinyl at the point of contact.

I would do all I could to look after records. The cost of a Zerostat is minor if you have a valuable record collection. The effort to use it is also minor, and once it's part of your ritual, it's not a problem; goes along with cleaning the stylus, sweeping with a carbon fibre brush, dabbing on a touch of Stylast, positioning the tone arm, flicking the cueing lever ... you know.

Regards,
Geoff

 

Really! I can see why...since the Cee Dee came along. Less sales...higher prices!

 

a lot of people have the wrong idea

about the zstat. i have rarely heard static effects while playing records. the static charge is ALIVE when you first remove a disc from the tt. this is when the zstat should be used so it does not attract the dust while setting in the sleeve with 50kv of static charge .
one inward squeeze at the center of the record from about 8-10" away and releasing the trigger after you point the gun away from the disc will do the job most of the time. a second shot is sometimes required.

 

Mr. Tommy, good to see you. (I recall your reaction on AA when someone called you Mr. Tommy - was it Audio Girl?).

I hope you'll find it fun here. I'm sure we will enjoy your posts - vinyl junkies in particular.

Regards,
Metralla

 

;^)

hi to u2.
i suppose i could be sensitve to mr.tommy because of my advanced age. glad to be here, i really like the automagic feature like aa has. nice that you niticed me. i usually keep an eye on your posts wherever.

 

I used a Zerostat but it finally pooped out and I replaced it with an Empire Static Eliminator. Same thing. When it dies, I will probably have to buy a new Zerostat or whatever.

I certainly would not want to be without one of these things. It always seems to 'relax' the sound, and it never makes it worse.

Back in the OLD days (i.e., the vinyl-only times), I used the Zerostat to help clean records, and then occasionally while the record was playing.

Nowadays, I use it mostly on the cd/dvd/sacds as they are spinning in the player, but I also "shoot" my reel and cassette decks, and the preamp and amp, the compressors, and anything else that gets connected.

And I can still use it keep vinyl clean, of course!


FFF