John
Pro-Ject debuted its entry-level record-cleaning machine in 2016 (and we reviewed it here). Three years later, the Austrian company revised the design to swap out the black-laminated MDF housing for aluminium and at the same time introduced a smaller, more affordable model. This week comes news of further refinement to each unit.
The 2023 editions of Pro-Ject’s record cleaning machines (RCMs) are called the VC-E2 and VC-S3 ALU and feature 1) an all-new magnetic clamp (instead of screw-on) to more speedily cover the record’s label, 2) an improved cabinet design, 3) an improved vacuum steam outlet, 4) a self-adhesive arm strip (reportedly) for better cleaning and 5) a bottle of Wash it 2 cleaning fluid.
From the press release: “The new magnetic clamp not only seals the record label from cleaning fluid to avoid damage to the label, but it also speeds up the whole cleaning process. Place your record on the machine, put on the clamp, and you are ready to go – no more tedious screwing of the clamp anymore. The robust, easy-to-use metal arm is mechanically stable and focuses all suction power directly onto the record surface. Paired with easily-replaceable self-adhesive arm strips, your records get cleaned perfectly.”
The VC-E2 is on sale now for €450; and the VC-S3 ALU for €699. Both are made in Europe.
Further information: Pro-Ject Audio Systems
