Listed in The Absolute Sound High-End Audio Buyer's Guide
Stereophile "Recommended Component"
"Spectacular Performance" and Built to Last
The easy to use, built to last, full-featured HW-16.5 from the analog experts at VPI Industries is the best-selling vacuum powered record cleaning machine in the world!
The HW-16.5 is the standard in affordable record cleaning machines but neither its build quality nor its cleaning power has been compromised. Everything about the HW-16.5 had been meticulously engineered for maximum, safe, thorough vinyl cleaning performance. Its high-torque, 18 RPM turntable motor is more than capable of withstanding the pressure of heavy scrubbing during extended cleaning sessions, and its 35-second cleaning cycle per side makes quick work of even the dirtiest records. And, of course, it does all this hard work while being exceptionally gentle on your vinyl.
"Solidly Built and Ultra-Reliable"
The VPI HW16.5 was honored by being included in The Absolute Sound High-End Audio Buyer's Guide. According to the magazine, "The VPI 16.5 record-cleaning machine is one of these stalwart products that isn't fancy or expensive, but gets the job done, day after dayÂ… Solidly built and ultra-reliable, the 16 and 16.5 have been in continuous production for more than 30 years."
"Spectacular performance," reports WIRED magazine. "In most cases, soiled records are returned to a pristine, like-new condition. Heavy-duty housing and sturdy components. Special adapters precisely fit 33, 45, and 78 RPM records. Powerful 18,000 RPM vacuum fan. Operation is quick, satisfying, and even – dare I say – fun."
"I have found the HW-16.5 to be an outstanding performer. The record surfaces are microscopically clean and are so pristine they look new!" raves Bert Whyte in Audio magazine.
Now with Self-Aligning Vacuum Suction Tubes
Now with self-aligning vacuum suction tubes for even more accurate cleaning, the HW-16.5's high-powered vacuum ensures quick, deep cleaning. The newly designed vacuum pickup tube automatically adjusts to accommodate records of any thickness. The internal fluid collection system is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. In the VPI tradition, all components are extra heavy-duty and professional grade.
Powerful, High-Torque Motor
The HW-16.5's high torque motor spins records at a steady 18 RPM for deep cleaning without strain. Do you have 35 seconds to spare for the sake of a cleaner, and usually better sounding record? The powerful vacuum suction removes the record cleaning fluid from your LP surface all at once. It ensures quick, deep cleaning – removing old residue and preventing new build-up. The process takes just 35-seconds per cleaning cycle to do one side of an LP. When you've finished, you have a pristine, dry, static-free record that's immediately ready for your turntable. Thanks to the professional design, no liquid touches your record label.
"The VPI HW 16.5 machine solved my record cleaning problems," notes reviewer oldmgbguy at audioreview.com. "It really works. A couple of my LPs had become almost unplayable, but the HW 16.5 cleaned the accumulated deposits out of their grooves and now they sound fine."
Reviewer Bill at audioreview.com says, "This machine is worth every penny. It is a blast pulling out my old records and turning them into near mint beauties. It is even more fun finding gems in the used bins and converting them to pristine quality. I recently converted back to LP listening. CDs have come a long way since the 80s, but there is nothing like listening to a clean LP."
The HW-16.5 is fully enclosed, so there's no splashing and no mess. A stainless steel tank collects the used cleaning fluid and a 3 ft plastic hose permits easy fluid disposal. All parts are extra-heavy duty, professional grade for years of dependable use.
