VC-S3, Premium record cleaning machine with new magnetic clamp, Silver

Very effective, but a bit tediously slow...

I was hesitant in buying one of these, since Pro-ject seem to bring out a new model every year and I've heard mixed reviews about the various models. Pro-ject seem to be doing ongoing research and development on their record cleaners, which is a good thing if the models they have released actually work and last.My first concern was the electrical motor smell that the unit emitted on first and subsequent uses. Will the vacuum motor last? is not a question I want to be asking having spent £500! So far it's worked and is still going, and I'll update this review if anything changes. It leaves records looking spotless and sparklingly clean. Sound also improves after cleaning and I've managed to reduce record noise, crackles etc significantly by using the Big Fudge wet cleaner and this Pro-ject cleaner. I first wash the record with the Big Fudge and then put it onto the Pro-ject cleaner wet, whereupon the Pro-ject sucks the wet record dry. So you can have a record cleaned and ready to play in minutes.Assuming the Pro-ject cleaner lasts a few years and continues to clean as it does now, I'll be okay with the price I've paid. It seems well built and reasonably well finished in aluminium laminate, and also looks good sitting in the corner. Pro-ject's accessories and replaceable parts are, however, obscenely over-priced, with the velvet adhesive strip on the suction arm costing £6 plus for one little strip of tape. That's daylight robbery, and really, there's no excuse for that, other than greed. There are some DIY solutions I've read about, however, like velvet ribbon and double-sided tape, that I'll be trying when I need to replace it. They do give you one extra 'free' velvet strip in the box, so once again, hopefully they'll last...watch this space for any changes to its performance.UPDATE 2025: Two years later and the Project cleaner is still working well. However, the noise of the motor has increased significantly since new, and is now loud enough to be a bit uncomfortable on the ears. The velvet strip has lasted, so that's also good. I've found that home made record cleaner in the Big Fudge record washer is far better than the over-priced rubbish being sold in little bottles. I use 80% Reverse Osmosis filtered water or distilled water, 20% isopropyl alcohol and about 5ml of Ilfotol wetting agent. You can use the solution on its own in the Big Fudge or diluted in water. Then vacuum using the Project cleaner...