The original HW-16 and then later the 16.5 have been in continuous production for 25 years
The HW-16.5 is the standard in affordable record cleaning machines but neither its build quality nor its cleaning power has been compromised. 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. Now with self aligning vacuum suction tubes for even more accurate cleaning.The HW-16.5's high-powered vacuum ensures quick, deep cleaning, while its 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, and the fully enclosed design prevents splashing or mess. In the VPI tradition, all components are extra heavy-duty, professional grade for a long, trouble-free life.
"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! -- Bert Whyte, Audio Magazine
****Stereo product of the year award winner ****
Clean your records with the HW-16.5 and hear what you've been missing.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15 1/2" x 9" x 14 1/4" (W x H x D)
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Vacuum motor: 6.5 amps
- Maximum current draw: 7.5 amps
- Available in 60 Hz/115 Volts and 50 Hz/220 Volts models
- Comes complete with VPI cleaning brush and fluid. Replacement brushes, fluid and suction tubes may be purchased as needed.
Anyone serious about vinyl playback needs a record
cleaning solution, and undoubtedly the most effective
means of cleaning records is to use a vacuum record
cleaning machine, and one of the most popular machines
for enthusiasts around the World is VPI's HW 16.5. The
reason for it's popularity is simple, it is a carefully
conceived combination of solid build quality, precision
engineering and highly competitive pricing. The 16.5
has now been in production for over 25 years, and has
become a regular part of the record care regime for
thousands of enthusiasts around the World.
The principle of a vacuum machine is simple. The record
is placed on the platter, the cleaning solution is applied
to the surface of the record which is then worked into
the grooves, this solution is crucial as it has to be
an effective degreasing agent to remove grease which
binds detritus to the surface of the vinyl without harming
the long term stability of the vinyl itself, this solution
must then hold the dirt in the solution, this solution
must then be completely removed from the vinyl by vacuum.
In any vacuum machine, the quality of the electric
motor driving the vacuum is critical, and in the HW16.5
this is a proven unit, which has worked in many machines
flawlessly for over a decade, yet is still powerful
enough to completely remove the cleaning solution in
which is suspended the dirt from the surface of the
record, likewise the high torque motor which rotates
the vinyl must be powerful and reliable, which the unit
in the 16.5 has proved to be. Another part of the equation
is the vacuum pick up itself, which must operate at
a precise height from the vinyl surface, close enough
to effectively remove the fluid from the records surface,
but with contacting and potentially damaging the vinyl,
whilst the actual slot must be of the correct size to
match the power of the vacuum motor. The new pick up
tube has a self adjusting height function to ensure
optimal height over the records surface during operation,
likewise a redesigned vacuum slot has been implemented
to ensure a powerful suction is achieved with no risk
of vinyl damage.
The cabinet is a high quality fibre board sealed with
a black veneer, whilst the internal fluid tanks are
now Stainless Steel to prevent corrosion or impurities
from entering the fluid, whilst the new slot vacuum
arm is now auto adjusting to ensure an accurate distance
is maintained between the vacuum slot and any vinyl
record.
Each machine is supplied with a cleaning brush and
VPI record cleaning fluid, and is covered by a 12 month
warranty. |
