Pro-Ject Audio SystemsPro-Ject VC-S3, Premium record cleaning machine with new magnetic clamp, Silver

I was hesitant in buying one of these, since Pro-ject seem to bring out a new model every year and I've heard mixed reviews about the various models. Pro-ject seem to be doing ongoing research and development on their record cleaners, which is a good thing if the models they have released actually work and last.My first concern was the electrical motor smell that the unit emitted on first and subsequent uses. Will the vacuum motor last? is not a question I want to be asking having spent £500! So far it's worked and is still going, and I'll update this review if anything changes. It leaves records looking spotless and sparklingly clean. Sound also improves after cleaning and I've managed to reduce record noise, crackles etc significantly by using the Big Fudge wet cleaner and this Pro-ject cleaner. I first wash the record with the Big Fudge and then put it onto the Pro-ject cleaner wet, whereupon the Pro-ject sucks the wet record dry. So you can have a record cleaned and ready to play in minutes.Assuming the Pro-ject cleaner lasts a few years and continues to clean as it does now, I'll be okay with the price I've paid. It seems well built and reasonably well finished in aluminium laminate, and also looks good sitting in the corner. Pro-ject's accessories and replaceable parts are, however, obscenely over-priced, with the velvet adhesive strip on the suction arm costing £6 plus for one little strip of tape. That's daylight robbery, and really, there's no excuse for that, other than greed. There are some DIY solutions I've read about, however, like velvet ribbon and double-sided tape, that I'll be trying when I need to replace it. They do give you one extra 'free' velvet strip in the box, so once again, hopefully they'll last...watch this space for any changes to its performance.