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We’re delighted to share that the Pristine Vinyl ViVac RCS2 Record Cleaning System has been featured in Hi-Fi+ Magazine (Issue 126), one of the most respected publications in the audio world.
A Closer Look at the ViVac RCS2
View the full Hi-Fi+ review (PDF)
Bringing Record Cleaning Back Into the Listening Room
One of the standout observations from the review is something many vinyl enthusiasts will recognise:
“Record cleaning is essential… but traditional machines often end up unused.”
Large, noisy, and often confined to garages or utility rooms, many record cleaning machines become inconvenient to use regularly. The result? Records simply don’t get cleaned as often as they should.
The ViVac RCS2 was designed to change that.
According to Hi-Fi+, its compact size, refined design, and reduced noise mean it can comfortably live in your listening space—making regular cleaning part of your routine rather than a chore
Designed for Real-World Use
The review highlights a key advantage: usability.
- Quick cleaning time – around a minute per side once set up
- Compact footprint – smaller than many record decks
- Quiet operation – suitable for home environments
- Attractive design – available in a range of finishes
This combination encourages something simple but powerful: you actually use it.
And that’s where the real value lies.
Proven Engineering, Thoughtfully Refined
The ViVac RCS2 builds on a well-established vacuum cleaning principle, similar to designs used in archival and professional environments.
However, it introduces thoughtful improvements:
- Electric pump fluid delivery for consistent application
- Precision cleaning arm and platter mechanics
- Manual brush control for targeted cleaning
- Efficient vacuum system using thread spacing for optimal airflow
The result is a system that is both familiar in concept and refined in execution.
What Difference Does It Make?
This is where the review becomes particularly compelling.
Using real-world test records—including older and well-used vinyl—the reviewer noted:
- Significant reduction in pops and crackle
- Noticeably cleaner background noise
- Improved clarity around instruments
- Deep groove cleaning, not just surface-level results
Even heavily used records saw a meaningful improvement:
“Many of the more minor pops and crackles simply disappeared while others diminished significantly.”
While no cleaner can remove physical scratches, the ViVac RCS2 restores as much of the original listening experience as possible.
A Practical Alternative to Ultrasonic Systems
Ultrasonic cleaners may offer marginally deeper cleaning, but as the review points out, they come with:
- Higher cost
- Increased noise
- Greater complexity
The ViVac strikes a balance—delivering excellent deep cleaning without the downsides.
For most collections, it’s more than sufficient.
More Than a Machine – A Habit Change
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the review isn’t technical—it’s behavioural.
Because the ViVac is:
- Easy to use
- Conveniently located
- Quick to operate
…it changes how often records get cleaned.
And cleaner records mean better sound—every time you listen.
Final Verdict
Hi-Fi+ concluded:
“The Pristine Vinyl makes the record cleaning process so easy and direct… It will make you clean records more often, and that will make you enjoy them all the more. Highly recommended!”
Explore the ViVac RCS2
If you’re serious about getting the best from your vinyl collection, the ViVac RCS2 is designed to fit seamlessly into your listening setup—and your routine.