Reddit reviews Vinyl Styl Anti-static Record Brush

This for a deep clean and this for getting dust off right before you play it

There is a lot of debate about brushes. IME, the bottom line is that a discwasher type brush or a carbon fiber one isn't really going to "clean" records. It merely helps remove debris that is on the very surface of the record.

I have found this carbon fiber brush to work pretty well for what it is supposed to do, though I've never tried a pricier one like the one you linked:

http://www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Styl-Static-Carbon-Record/dp/B00C4UBQ2U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417991664&sr=8-2&keywords=vinyl+styl

Whatever CF brush you get, make sure you use it correctly. There are videos on youtube.

If you really need to "clean" records, get a Spin Clean or RCM, the brush won't do that.

Nothing fancy because I don't have the money or inclination to invest in a vacuum machine right now. I have a bunch of 40 year-old records covered in crud, mold, bong residue, etc. First I lay down a microfiber cloth (like the kind you get at any office supply store) and lay the record on it. I do a quick sweep with a basic antistatic brush. Then I apply either basic record cleaning solution or an enzyme cleaner if it's really funky to a decent record cleaning brush. 3-4 rotations clockwise, 3-4 rotations counterclockwise, then set the record aside on another microfiber cloth to dry (takes maybe 5 minutes). Some people swear by this rolling record cleaner for more routine cleaning/maintenance sessions. I have yet to use one but I may pick one up eventually because it seems pretty convenient.

FYI you can make your own record cleaning solution by mixing 1/3 denatured alcohol to 2/3 distilled water + a drop of dish detergent.

VinylStyl is a great and cheap static brush, and there are a few others. I use mine to take care of hair and light dust. If you go any cheaper then that, you may run across a poorly made brush, which can leave bristles or be too rough and damage your records.

Other then that, you may want to pick up some cheap microfiber clothes and a gallon of distilled water. A gentle wash can take care of build-up.

Hi, first time poster here. I'm about to pull the trigger on my first turntable setup, but I feel I need to check in with the helpful people on this sub with the equipment I'm thinking of buying and whether or not its all compatible. Other things like isolation pads for the speakers, better record sleeves, a cork matt, a record brush, gram scale, and a cleaning kit are accounted for. Are any of those things unnecessary?

The following is strictly the hardware. I've been torn between two different set-ups however.

SET-UP 1: Audio Technica AT-LP120 ($299) & the Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers ($120). TOTAL: About $419

SET-UP 2: Audio Technica AT-LP120 ($299), Micca MB42 Passive Speakers ($60), and the Yamaha R-S201BL 2-Channel Stereo Receiver ($130) TOTAL: About $489

I'm also unsure about adding a subwoofer for I don't know if one is essential or just a nice thing to include for the complete package. My eye is on this one: Pioneer SW-8MK2 100-Watt Powered Subwoofer ($160)

Any and all advice is much appreciated.