this system really gets dirty lp's clean. gets rid of most hiss and pops. I buy mostly from flea markets and get some very dirty, moldy vinyl. after a cleaning (or 2 on those nasty ones) they sound like new. it's really quite impressive. With that being said, this won't magically fix damaged records. If it has big, deep scratches, or bubbles, dont expect a miracle.
the negatives:
first Record Dr. died on me after a couple months. To be honest though, I cleaned at least 200 in that time...ran it pretty hard. customer service was excellent and thet shipped me a replacement. this new one has been flawless after several months. I've been gentler on this one, understanding you have to allow the motor to cool down at times.
next potential negative, although I have a routine which is enjoyable to me, is that you have to spin the record yourself...takes a few minutes to really clean a record.

So far, this machine does a really good job cleaning my records. I've gone through about 50 so far and I find that the more patient you are with the vacuuming phase the better the results. If you don't get every part of the record dry there is a residual "line" of debris. Unlike others have reported I still have some pops and crackles afterward but its far better than the previous method I had in place. Basically I am replacing all of the paper sleeves in my collection so I am cleaning all of the records with this machine and then placing them in MoFi Master Series sleeves.

A few things to note: 1. this machine is pretty loud in the suction phase. Some might opt for ear plugs. 2. I clean one side and then once the suctioning phase is complete just go right on and apply cleaning solution to the other "up-side" and repeat the process. 3. Older and somewhat warped records can be a bit difficult to "spin" manually so patience is essential. 4. I have notices that the best cleaning occurs when I stop the vacuum after 3 spins and then re-adjust the record and restart the vacuum to get that last line of film left as residual. 5. Finally, don't be afraid to suction longer than you think initially necessary as I've found the longer I go with it the better it removes all of the debris/lint.

This is obviously not a replacement option for higher end cleaning systems, but it is far better than hand wiping records with a microfiber cloth in solution after cleaning with a brush. I find that this thing replaces any need for manual cleaning and can easily be performed before each listen if necessary. It's far more affordable than higher end systems if you don't mind manually spinning the vinyl during the process (which is really no big deal). While I am not an OCD audiophile, this machine does offer an efficient and effective alternative to more expensive options for vinyl maintenance.

I've been using my Record Doctor for just over six months. It's received some pretty heavy use with cleaning perhaps up to a dozen records a weekday. I've notice the performance decreasing and in particular the top plate lifting up just to be sucked down when the unit is turned on. I decided to investigate and this is what I found.

1. MOLD. Moisture is trapped in the unit - especially after the water in the reservoir reaches the bottom of the suction tube. Every time the unit runs mold spores are going to be sucked out and exhausted into the room.

2. As was expected, water damage. This damage is due to trap moisture as I've never turned the unit upside down (which would cause the reservoir to dump into the vacuum compartment).

3. The case is made of MDF vice particle board or wood. I was expecting particle board with is generally water resistant for short periods of time. I was not expecting MDF which does not mix with water for even a short amount of time. A few seconds of water on MDF will cause the MDF to being to swell.

4. The biggest issue is moisture damage to the MDF at the top of the suction tube. It's either water splashing up from the reservoir or water as it is sucked down from the record brush opening. I don't know how top plate is connected to the suction tube. It may just be an open channel that exposes moisture to the top of the cabinet during operation. Whatever the case, the glue between the top plate and the top of the cabinet is failing. The only reason it is still operable is the paper covering between the top of the cabinet and bottom of the top plate is still glued.

Does the product do what it is advertised to do? Yes, it does clean records.

Would I recommend this product? Only if you're looking to use it once or twice a day. It will not hold up to heavy use.

See the attached photos for more comments.

If you like scoring used vinyl from second hand, antique or thrift stores but don't want to spend a fortune for a high-end cleaner you need one of these.

Obviously a scratched record can't be fixed but if it is just dusty, has fingerprints or even mold spots this will clean it. You do most of the cleaning work wet cleaning the record by hand to loosen the debris but this machine will pull the cleaning solution (and the debris) off the record and the liquid cleaner also neutralizes static build-up. You'll also see less gunk and fuzz building up on your stylus which I would think lengthens it's life as well.

Some folks say they clean their records on this before each play but I think that may be overkill. I've found that if I handle my records by the edges and keep them in a clean, anti-static inner sleeve when not on the turntable they tend to stay quite clean.

You may want to invest in a new cleaning brush as the one that ships with this is not the best and as far as I can find out from the manufacture they do not sale replacement brushed individually. I also recommend buying the Record Doctor RXLP concentrate to make your own cleaning solution as that will save a lot of money.

I am very pleased with this purchase. It has literally brought my 30 year old record collection back from the dead. If you're joining or rejoining the vinyl trend, I couldn't recommend a better way to clean your records. I use this along with the SpinClean product. First, I put a record through the clean and rinse cycle via the SpinClean, and then immediately put it on the Record Doctor for the dry cycle. :-) There are other, much more expensive products, but I doubt they do a better job than this excellent, no-frills version. The "vacuum from the bottom" design makes a lot of sense once you see it in action. Vacuuming from above, as most other record cleaning machines do, just doesn't seem as effective as the device is just fighting gravity to get the water and dust off the record. Note also that this is a "private label" version of the Nitty Gritty machine, so it is made by a quality manufacturer. By the way, although the Record Doctor's construction materials are modest, the build quality is excellent. And judging from the sound (loud and smooth) of the motor, I think the vacuum itself will last a long time.