Pro-Ject - VC-E2 Compact Record-Cleaning Vacuum Machine

A proper vacuum record cleaner scaled down to fit on a shelf: platter spins at 30rpm, brush works the fluid into the groove, vacuum arm lifts it back out, and the record is dry in two rotations.

Wet-vacuum cleaning is the only record-cleaning method that actually removes what it loosens. A dry brush pushes debris around. A fluid-and-cloth method dissolves the grime and then leaves it in the groove to dry back into place. A vacuum machine floods the groove, agitates it and then sucks the fluid and everything suspended in it off the surface. On a record that has never been cleaned properly, the difference is not subtle.

The VC-E2 is Pro-Ject’s compact take on that. It is 310mm wide and 6.5kg, which is small enough to keep out permanently rather than dragging out of a cupboard. The platter turns at 30rpm. You apply the supplied Wash it 2 fluid — Pro-Ject specifies 3ml per side — work it in with the brush, then swing the vacuum arm across and run it. Pro-Ject says the surface is completely dry within two rotations. One side at a time: unclamp, flip, repeat.

The waste tank holds half a litre and empties from the side. The vacuum arm uses self-adhesive velvet strips that contact the record, and they are a replaceable consumable — Pro-Ject sells the strips separately and you should expect to change them periodically, since a worn or dirty strip is doing the opposite of what you bought the machine for.

Two practical warnings from Pro-Ject’s own manual, which we would rather you read here than discover later. The machine is loud — Pro-Ject recommends hearing protection and does not publish a decibel figure. And the motor should not be left running when you are not actually cleaning; extended running outside the normal cleaning cycle can overheat it. There is automatic overheat protection, but Pro-Ject publishes no numeric duty cycle or cool-down time, so use judgement: clean a stack, then let it rest.

The machine is set up for 12-inch records. A separate 7-inch cleaning kit is available; ask us if you want one.

Features

• Wet vacuum cleaning — fluid is removed from the groove, not left to dry in it
• 30rpm platter with a magnetic record clamp
• Vacuum arm with replaceable self-adhesive velvet strips
• Records dry within two rotations, per Pro-Ject
• 0.5 litre waste tank
• 100ml bottle of Wash it 2 cleaning fluid included
• Automatic overheat protection
• Compact enough to leave out — 310mm wide, 6.5kg

Specifications

• Type: Wet vacuum record cleaning machine
• Cleaning speed: 30rpm
• Sides: One side at a time. Unclamp, flip and repeat for the second side
• Drying: Pro-Ject states records are completely dry within two rotations of the vacuum arm
• Record sizes: 12″ as supplied. A 7″ cleaning kit is available separately. 10″ support is not addressed in Pro-Ject’s documentation
• Fluid supplied: Wash it 2 vinyl cleaning fluid, 100ml. Pro-Ject specifies 3ml per side
• Waste tank capacity: 0.5 litres per Pro-Ject’s product page. The manual describes it only as substantial and gives no figure
• Records per tank: Not published
• Vacuum arm contact surface: Self-adhesive velvet strips, replaceable. Pro-Ject sells the replacement strip separately as a consumable
• Motor type: Not published
• Vacuum motor power: Not published separately from overall consumption
• Duty cycle and cool-down: Not published as a numeric figure. Pro-Ject’s manual warns only that the motor should not be left running when not cleaning, and that extended running can cause overheating. The machine has automatic overheat protection
• Noise level: Not published. Pro-Ject’s manual states the unit generates loud noise and recommends hearing protection
• Power input: 110/120V or 230/240V, 50 or 60Hz. Pro-Ject publishes conflicting consumption figures: their product page gives 230V/800W and 120V/650W, while their own manual gives 230V/800W, 120V/360W and 100V/250W. Both are manufacturer sources
• Dimensions: 310 x 266 x 210 mm per Pro-Ject’s product page; the manual gives the same three figures as 310 x 210 x 266 mm, with the axes labelled differently
• Weight: 6.5kg net
• Included: Brush, vacuum arm, self-adhesive arm strip, magnetic clamp, 100ml Wash it 2 fluid
• Country of manufacture: Made in Europe. Pro-Ject does not name a specific country
• Warranty: Two years from date of purchase, extendable to three years by registering the product with Pro-Ject and subscribing to their newsletter. Pro-Ject states that warranty is administered by the local distributor and that terms can vary by region; no separate United States term is published. Coverage requires purchase from an authorised dealer — The ’In Groove is one.