Mike Mettler

Recently, we here at AP decided to resume reviewing record cleaning machines (RCMs) on a more consistent basis — but where to start? The new Record Doctor X vacuum record cleaning machine (a.k.a. the RDX VRCM) fit the bill perfectly. It’s an RD series update that offers new features like a bi-directional turning motor that alleviates the need to turn records by hand, and it also sports a vacuum swing arm that vacuums the top surface of an LP while the bottom gets vacuumed by way of a slot under a sweeper strip. Read on to see how well the RDX VRCM cleaned both old and new records alike, and if it’s worth the notable price of admission. . .

We get a lot of queries from audiophile newbies asking us how they should start on their turntable journey, so we’re going to address that all-important Q today by focusing on the Fluance RT81+, a new entry-point ’table from the notable Canadian manufacturer. Read on to see all the features and specs for the RT81+ and find out why it’s a good way to bring budding new critical listeners into our vinyl-centric world. . .

Jim Hagerman is at it again. The Hagerman Audio Labs head honcho did some soul searching recently about cartridge loading — and while doing so, he in turn came up with the Piccolo Zero MC (moving cartridge) headamp. Read on to see more about Hagerman’s lightbulb moments leading up to creation of the Piccolo Zero, and what it does. . .

The Starman takes to the skies yet again — or rather, he’s taking another spin (or three) on our turntables. To that end, Parlophone has just announced the release of David Bowie’s Waiting in the Sky (Before the Starman Came to Earth) as a Record Store Day LP exclusive on April 20. Read on to find out about the source material and to see how the Waiting tracklisting differs from that of Bowie’s seminal 1972 The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars album. . .