Pro-Ject’s New VC-E2 and VC-S3 Vinyl Cleaning Machines

Model: VC-S3

All Image Credit: Pro-Ject

Pro-Ject’s original entry-level record cleaning machine debuted in 2016 which was then updated three years later together with the addition of a smaller model. Now the Austrian audio company is releasing two new updated vacuum vinyl cleaning machines, the VC-E2 and VC-S3.

These two new models both continue to use a wet cleaning solution but have been upgraded with the addition of:

• An all-new magnetic clamp – no longer screw-on
• Improved cabinet design – 5mm aluminum composite panel
• Improved vacuum stem outlet – directs exhaust fumes away from the lower record surface
• A new self-adhesive arm strip that reportedly improves cleaning
• A bottle of improved pre-mixed Wash it 2 cleaning fluid (alcohol free)

According to Pro-Ject “The new magnetic clamp not only seals the record label from cleaning fluid to avoid damage on the label, it also speeds up the whole cleaning process. Place your record on the machine, put on the clamp, and you are ready to go – no more tedious screwing of the clamp anymore. The robust, easy to use metal arm is mechanically stable and focuses all suction power directly onto the record surface. Paired with new self-adhesive arm strip, your records get cleaned perfectly.”

A powerful vacuum motor and a two-way rotational motor are housed within the cabinet, which are said to dry a record in as little as two revolutions using forward and reverse rotation.

Model: VC-E2

The VC-E2 is the more cost effective model designed for those with smaller spaces and smaller vinyl collections.

Both the VC-E2 and VC-S3 are supplied with Pro-Ject’s Wash it 2 cleaning solution kit, with a 7-inch vacuum arm kit becoming avilable later in 2023.

Features At A Glance:

• NEW improved cabinet design
• NEW magnetic clamp for quicker cleaning
• NEW improved vacuum steam outlet
• NEW self-adhesive arm strip for better cleaning
• NEW Wash it 2 cleaning fluid
• 5 mm aluminium composite panels
• Super fast & super strong cleaning
• Removes cleaning fluid residue free
• Tank capacity for vacuumed cleaning fluid:
  • VC-E2: 0.5l
  • VC-S3: 2.5l
• Completely dry record in 2 rotations
• Eco-friendly non-alcoholic cleaning fluid
• Removes static load of vinyl records
• Clamp seals record label from cleaning fluid
• Made in Europe

Specifications:

• Cleaning Speed: 30RPM (selectable clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation)
• Included accessories:
  • Brush
  • Vacuum Arm
  • Self-Adhesive Arm Strip
  • Magnetic clamp
  • Wash it 2 (100ml)
  • Power cable
• Dimensions (W x H x D):
  • VC-E2: 12.21″ x 10.47″ x 8.27″; 310 x 266 x 210 mm
  • VC-S3: 16.34″ x 12.84″ x 10.71″; 415 x326 x 272 mm
• Weight
  • VC-E2: 14.3lbs, 6.5Kg
  • VC-S3: 17.64lbs, 8.0Kg
• Power: 110/120 or 230/240 Volt @ 50/60 Hz. 230V/800W, 120V/650W

Availability (US):

• VC-E2: May 2023
• VC-S3: June 2023

MSRP US/UK/EU:

• VC-E2: $499.00/£349.00/€450.00
• VC-S3: $799.00/£499.00/€699.00

Editors Note:

Depending upon your location, availability and local cost you might want to compare the VC-S3 to the German Rekkord Audio RCM vacuum vinyl cleaning machine at an MSRP of €699.00 incl. VAT or approx. $760.00 US.

For more information on the VC series of RCM visit the US Pro-Ject web site.

Here are several Pro-Ject equipment back-links:

• Pro-Ject Stereo Box S3 BT and MaiA DS3 Announced
• Pro-Ject Power Box RS2 Phono – Quick Look
• Pro-Ject – Vinyl NRS Box S3 & Debut PRO S Turntable
• Pro-Ject X Series Balanced Output Turntables – Quick Look
• Pro-Ject Announces E1 Series Of Lower Cost Turntables
• Pro-Ject – Phono Box RS2 – First Look

Check out my review of the Nitty Gritty Model 1 vinyl vacuum cleaner.