Pangea Audio, a developer and manufacturer of high performance, high value audio accessories, announced today a new edition of its acclaimed Record Doctor vacuum record cleaning machines that simultaneously cleans both sides of a record, saving time and effort over current versions.
Scheduled to ship in mid-December, the new Record Doctor X (SRP: $599.95) features the same vacuum motor and cleaning strip as current models, with the added benefit of a vacuum swing arm that vacuums the top surface while the bottom is vacuumed via a slot under the strip. In addition, the new model includes a bi-directional rotation motor, alleviating the need to turn the record by hand, and a screw-on 5” clamp that safely secures and protects the record.
“For over 20 years, Record Doctor vacuum cleaning machines have represented the perfect blend of convenience, efficiency, and value,” says Steve Niemi, Director of Global Sales, Pangea Audio, LLC. “Record Doctor X continues the tradition while offering a giant leap forward in terms of convenience and overall ease-of-use.”
Arriving at the top of Pangea Audio Distributing’s Record Doctor record cleaning machine line-up, the new Record Doctor X remains faithful to the original design, with an easy-to-place compact cabinet and a handy storage tank for the simple removal of spent record cleaning fluids.
The new model goes several steps further by adding a powerful bi-directional turning motor, a screw-down clamp system that protects the LP’s label, and a new vacuum swing arm.
Like the majority of Pangea Audio products, the new Record Doctor X is shipped in sturdy eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, bypassing the messy and harmful Styrofoam used by much of the competition.
“The so-called vinyl resurgence blossomed into a full-blown, thriving category with more music lovers returning to the format every day,” adds Mr. Niemi. “Record Doctor X gives this growing audience a super-efficient, cost-effective tool for cleaning and preserving records for years of listening pleasure.”
The new Record Doctor X (Buy at Crutchfield for $599) record cleaning machine is available in both carbon-fiber vinyl and high-gloss black finishes.
Why Audiophiles Who Love Vinyl Use a Record Cleaner
For audiophiles, vinyl records represent more than just a way to listen to music—they represent a physical, tactile connection to the sound. But unlike streaming or CDs, vinyl is a format that requires maintenance. A clean record sounds better, tracks more accurately, and lasts longer. That’s why nearly every serious vinyl collector eventually ends up with a record cleaning system of some kind. It’s not just a nice accessory—it’s a necessary tool for anyone who wants to get the best performance out of their LPs.
Vinyl records are extremely sensitive to contamination. A groove on a record is only a few microns wide, and it doesn’t take much—dust, dirt, skin oils, even bits of old stylus residue—to interfere with playback. When a stylus hits these imperfections, it doesn’t glide cleanly through the groove. Instead, you hear noise: pops, clicks, background crackle, or even distortion in the high frequencies. If that stylus keeps tracking through dirty grooves, it can wear down both the cartridge and the record itself over time.
A common misconception is that only older, secondhand records need cleaning. In reality, many brand-new LPs are dirty straight out of the shrink wrap. Pressing plants use release agents to prevent records from sticking to stampers, and those chemicals often remain on the surface of the vinyl. Even when visually clean, new records can contain microscopic debris or static buildup. For those reasons, many audiophiles clean every new record before the first play, just as a matter of routine.
There are a number of different ways to clean a record, and they range in complexity and price. At the most basic level, you have manual wet cleaning methods that use a brush, a cleaning fluid, and a microfiber cloth. These can work reasonably well but often rely on the user manually scrubbing and drying, which leaves room for error and potential contamination if the record isn’t dried properly.
More advanced cleaning methods include vacuum-based machines, like the Record Doctor or more elaborate models from VPI and Okki Nokki. These devices allow for fluid application and mechanical suction, which removes the cleaning solution and suspended debris from the record surface. The vacuum function is key—without it, dirt can stay trapped in the groove or simply be moved around rather than removed.
Ultrasonic cleaning is another step up. These machines use sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a water bath, which collapse and release energy. That action loosens deeply embedded particles from the grooves without physical contact. For collectors of rare or valuable records, ultrasonic systems are often considered the gold standard, though they come with higher cost and a bit more setup time.
Aside from cleaning the records themselves, a proper cleaning routine also reduces static. Static electricity is a known enemy of vinyl playback. It attracts dust to the surface of the record, can cause snapping noises during playback, and even result in a small electrical discharge that affects signal integrity. Wet cleaning reduces surface tension and helps dissipate static, resulting in a quieter playback experience.
There’s also a preservation angle. Playing a dirty record doesn’t just sound worse—it causes wear. Contaminants in the groove create additional friction and resistance, which can deform the groove over time. This kind of damage is permanent and cumulative. For those who see their record collections as long-term investments, cleaning is basic stewardship. It’s about protecting the medium, not just optimizing the moment.
A record cleaner might not be as exciting as a new cartridge or tube amp, but it’s arguably just as important. Clean records sound better. They reveal more inner detail, offer better stereo imaging, and extend the life of your playback gear. For audiophiles, it’s about doing the format justice.
There’s also something to be said for the ritual. Cleaning a record before you drop the needle slows you down. It makes the act of listening feel more intentional. In a world full of digital convenience and passive consumption, vinyl is hands-on. Taking care of the records is part of the process—an act of respect for the music, the medium, and the experience.
For vinyl lovers, record cleaning isn’t optional—it’s part of the hobby. Whether it’s a basic brush, a vacuum machine, or an ultrasonic cleaner, it’s one of the most important tools in any analog setup. And once you hear the difference a clean record makes, it’s hard to go back.
If they really didn’t upgrade the motor beware the new, significantly higher price point for what amounts to convenience features. I’m on my second Record Doctor in a year – the motor on the first one blew after very light use. After significant difficulty obtaining warranty support (I had to go through sales because they don’t seem to staff their warranty support phone line) Pangea/Audio Advice sent me a new one which has been performing fine. Even new and performing well they are loud. When I announce I’m going to clean some records my kids groan and exit the basement TV area where I do the work, or throw pillows over their heads.