Pro-Ject VC-S3 Record Cleaning Machine

A Vacuum Cleaner Built for High-Volume Collections

The Pro-Ject VC-S3 is a vacuum-powered record cleaning machine, built as the larger, higher-capacity sibling to Pro-Ject's compact VC-E2. Both machines clean records to the same standard.

A 30 RPM motor rotates the record while a manual vacuum arm draws cleaning fluid off the surface. Pro-Ject rates it to leave a record completely dry within two rotations.

A 2.5-liter tank collects the vacuumed fluid, five times the VC-E2's capacity. A side-mounted water level indicator lets you check the tank without opening the machine.

The VC-S3 comes in Silver and Black finishes, and includes a cleaning brush, vacuum arm, magnetic clamp, and a 100ml sample of Pro-Ject's Wash It 2 cleaning fluid.

What Sets the VC-S3 Apart From the VC-E2

The VC-S3's larger tank means fewer trips to empty it, which matters most to record stores, studios, or anyone cleaning large batches at once. Its magnetic clamp and vacuum arm work the same way as the VC-E2's.

It runs on 110/120V or 230/240V power, drawing 650W or 800W depending on the region. At 16.33 inches wide, 10.70 inches deep, and 12.79 inches tall, it's noticeably larger than the VC-E2.

At about 17.6 pounds, it's built with a sturdier aluminum cabinet. It's designed for standard 12-inch records, with a separate kit available for 7-inch singles.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Chris Frankland reviewed the VC-S3 for StereoNET on July 18, 2023. After cleaning a well-worn record, he found "the clicks, crackles and pops were dramatically reduced or even eradicated," with the sound "cleaner and better focused."

He called it a genuine bargain, writing that "its combination of high performance and relatively low price is rare."

Marc Henshall reviewed it for Sound Matters on May 15, 2023, and compared it directly to the VC-E2. He found the VC-S3 "did an outstanding job of cleaning a dust-caked record straight from the old sleeve."

On cleaning results, though, he noted the two machines are essentially tied: "both machines perform the same job and produce the same results."

Who Is This Machine Best For?

• Record stores and studios cleaning large batches at once. The 2.5-liter tank means far fewer trips to empty it than smaller machines.
• Serious collectors who clean records in bulk sessions. Its larger build is designed to keep pace without constant maintenance breaks.
• Anyone who wants to check fluid levels at a glance. The side-mounted water level indicator saves you from opening the machine to check.
• Shoppers who want a proven, independently reviewed machine. Multiple named reviewers confirmed strong, consistent cleaning results.
• Not the right fit for typical home users on a budget. Reviewers note the smaller VC-E2 cleans just as well for most people, at a lower price.

How Do You Use It?

Secure the record on the platter with the magnetic clamp, then apply cleaning fluid and scrub it by hand with the included brush. Let the fluid sit briefly to loosen dirt.

Turn on the motor and lower the vacuum arm's self-adhesive strip onto the spinning record. Two rotations are usually enough to leave the surface completely dry.

Flip the record and repeat on the other side. Empty the 2.5-liter fluid tank once it fills, which should take longer than with smaller machines.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Pro-Ject VC-S3:

• Turntables that deserve records this clean feeding their stylus
• Phono cartridges that last longer tracking clean, grit-free grooves
• Phono preamplifiers to complete a full analog front end
• Audio racks to give your cleaning machine a permanent home

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the Pro-Ject VC-E2?

The VC-S3 has a much larger 2.5-liter fluid tank and a water level indicator, plus a bigger cabinet. Cleaning performance itself is the same on both machines.

Is the vacuum arm automatic, or do I move it myself?

You lower it onto the record by hand. Once in place, the record's own rotation does the work of drawing fluid off the surface.

Do I need to buy cleaning fluid separately?

A 100ml sample of Pro-Ject's Wash It 2 fluid is included, so you can start right away. You'll need to buy more once that runs out.

Can it clean 7-inch records?

Not out of the box. A separate 7-inch record cleaning kit is available for that size.

What's the warranty?

Pro-Ject covers the VC-S3 for two years against manufacturing defects, extendable to three years with product registration.

See It in Action

Sound Matters compares the VC-S3 directly against the smaller VC-E2:

Everything Analogue demonstrates a full cleaning cycle on the VC-S3:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about caring for your vinyl collection, setting up your turntable, or getting the quietest sound from your records? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.