What I really like about the Pro-ject VC-S2 ALU is that you do only one or two rotations when you turn the vacuum on, and that the machine has a button for both clockwise rotation and anti clockwise rotation!
I've had my VC-S2 ALU for a few weeks now. I'll tell you right now that 1-2 rotations is only happening if you somehow master putting on the exact minimum amount of fluid on the record. And if you're doing that, you're probably not doing the best cleaning job. I also don't think that's exclusive to the Pro-ject, like HiFi said. But it's not like it takes a long time. A few rotations in both directions gets it done. We're talking about seconds here, not minutes. Sure, it might build up if you're cleaning like 20 records in a row, but most people only do a few at a time. It's not a big deal honestly.
Personally, I do like the the ability to run it in both directions. Logically, it's not needed, the vacuum will get all the fluid up going one direction. But I think about how I vacuum the carpet in both directions, and that logic makes sense. Certainly more of a "nice to have" than a need. Feels like it helps get things done a little faster, but it's probably more of a mental thing because I have something to do in halfway through, lol.
Is there a bad consequence for over vacuuming?
Generally static. The longer you keep running a dry record on a vacuum, the more you are generally building up static.
Other notes I'll give:
- I really like the metal arm tube and general construction. Wipes up spills easily, feels robust, looks nice.
- I also like that the machine isn't black, it's a little easier to keep it looking fresh without dust or dog hair. Not a functional thing, just a nice benefit.
- The platterless design was the single biggest sell point for me. Based on what I've read, the VPI likely has a slightly stronger vacuum, and in the US VPI certainly has a better service record if that ever comes up. But I just thought the platter design was so smart and that's what really sold me.
- If you have a lot of 45s or 10s, the ALU can be a little cumbersome. I'm using the plastic guards that came with my Squeaky Clean for 45s, and it's working nicely. The ALU also doesn't have a 45 large hole adapter. Not a big deal, I just eye ball it to get it centered and it's been getting the job done. But if you want to do 45s and 10s, you either need to spend semi big money on more arm tubes, or come up with some sort or solution to close off the tube for it create solid suction.
- On the fluid, I don't think it's quite as good as TTVJ fluid, but it's certainly not bad. Factor in that I don't have to worry about light exposure or really any storage concerns, and the extremely minimal trade off in deep clean is well worth the convenience in my mind. When it comes time to buy more, I think I'll be re-upping the Pro-ject fluid rather than going back to the TTVJ fluids.
For now, I'm extremely happy with the ALU. The only real test that's left vs the Pro-ject is the test of time. Those 16.5 units have years of proof of their ability to be a workhorse, even in a professional/commercial setting. Hopefully the Pro-ject will last for years to come, but we won't know that for quite awhile.
