Loricraft History

The Loricraft PRC3 is our optimized redesign which offers all the same features as the original PRC2 but it has a simpler one piece construction, and a lower price. A recent machine was constructed for the cleaning of 20 inch records and is the model PRC5.

The Loricraft PRC4 is the most recent addition to the range. It builds on the excellent feedback we have had from customers and reviewers. It is the single box version of the original PRC2 Mk4 cleaner. It has a new, more powerful, double action pump for more suction, the record now rotates at the higher rate of our North American model, the direction of rotation can be reversed at the flick of a switch in the PRC4 Deluxe model, and the plinth is now made in real wood cherry veneer.

The original machine of this type was designed by Percy Wilson, the Technical Editor of Gramaphone magazine. His presentation to the Audio Engineering Society on 13th October 1964, "Record Contamination: Causes and Cure", outlines the design of a machine. A year and a day later in 1965 the machine "The Record Doctor" was shown to the AES in New York. "The Disk Cleaner" was very similar in style to a professional cutting lathe. It is anybody's guess how much it would have cost to produce but it's reasonable to assume $40,000 would be a minimum if made today. Percy also set down the rules of pickup arm design and alignment in the 1920's, the same ones we use today!

Our original interpretation of this principle, called the Loricraft PRC, (professional record cleaning) machine, was produced in about 1990. It was based it on recycled Lenco 75 motor units which were plentiful at the time and of superb build quality. The supply of Lencos eventually dried up forcing us to design our own motor unit (1998.)

The original PRC2, as it became known, was famous for having a separate small box containing the pump which we jokingly called the dog kennel, as it looked just like one. It is considered by a large number of users to be the "state of the art machine". The pump box can be situated in a closet, making it very quiet. The PRC2 can clean 16 inch diameter 33 1/3 rpm discs and one was used to prepare Bing Crosby recordings for their award winning transfer to CD using one of our 401 turntables.

The PRC3 was the combination of the new drive system plus a custom designed pump allowing a single box construction. The machine looks essentially as it always has, however 90% of all the parts including the box are now CNC produced. Assembly is still done by hand and all machines are fully tested just like the original machine. Some reviews of the Record Cleaners are listed at the bottom of of the main Loricraft page.

Although the PCR3 machine looks essentially the same as ever, a process of continuous quality improvement has resulted in many small technical improvements which have been introduced since its introduction in 1990:

These improvements have been carried over into the PRC3 and PRC4 models, where applicable.

The PCR4 Deluxe design is prefered where the cleaning and quietness demands are highest. The PRC3 is our biggest seller and delivers proven, excellent cleaning to our discerning customers. The PRC4 was originally designed to meet the needs of customers who were aware of the original PRC2, and valued the effect of a more powerful pump and additional cleaning options. It is increasingly in demand on its own merits.

The cleaning procedure could not be easier. The disc to be cleaned is placed on the turntable, which is then set in motion. The proprietory fluid is spread on the disc in a thin layer using our special brush, and the vacuum arm tracks across the record to remove both fluid, dissolved and suspended solids and dirt from deep within the groove.

The PRC3s and PRC4s are almost always in stock at SMART Devices. The PRC4 Deluxe model is now available on special order from the factory. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery after you place your order.