The Walker Audio Prelude Quartet includes the 3-step Record Cleaning System, 3 Brushes plus the Step 4 High Resolution Rinse and Step 4 Brush!
"Jonathan Valin and other folks have repeatedly witnessed the "before and after results of applying the Walker Prelude to discs - even discs that have just been cleaned by top-rank automated record cleaning machines - can attest that the difference in resolution with the Walker fluids is substantial - and disconcerting. The sound of a Walker-cleaned disc is to the sound of a machine-cleaned disc as the sound of papercone drivers is to the sound of electrostats." - The Absolute Sound, January 2014
The Walker Audio Prelude Record Cleaning System can be used with any vacuum record cleaning machine. This Active Enzyme Record Cleaning System will result in a cleaner, more transparent soundstage, with better harmonics and improved dynamics, top to bottom! Stunning!
We have been cleaning our records for years. We believe it is a vital step in getting the best sound reproduction quality possible from a vinyl LP. For years we were satisfied with the available products and even recommended them. Our thinking changed when we began to talk to chemists and others about the use of enzymes. We learned that for enzymes to be effective they must be alive...but they are quite fragile. We began to experiment with enzymes and various cleaning solutions to find out for ourselves if it really made a difference. And, it does! That is why we are pleased to introduce Prelude to audiophiles who know and appreciate that analog is still the pinnacle of recorded playback and who want to maximize their listening experience.
We use medical grade cleaning agents that thoroughly clean your record, yet leave no residue and contain no abrasives to harm your records. Prelude is designed to work with your vacuum record-cleaning machine.
With Prelude, you will hear a cleaner, more transparent soundstage, with better harmonics and improved dynamics, top to bottom. You will hear things you never heard before; even on LPs youÂ’ve listened to many times. There are more nuances, more life, and more music in the recording than you know and Prelude will reveal them to you while establishing a more natural space for the performers to exist within.
Brush Kit:
Walker Audio created a special three-brush record cleaning kit specifically for the Prelude Record Cleaning System. The kit features a separate brush for each step to prevent cross-contamination. The brushes contain a small triangle below the words "Record Cleaning Brush" that point to one side of the brush. The brushes are directional and should be positioned so that the record spins into the arrow.
Prelude Step 4 High Resolution Rinse and Step 4 Brush:
The Prelude Step 4 is a special high resolution rinse that is the final step in the Prelude record cleaning process. It gets down deeper into the grooves and removes any remaining contaminants. The improvement in the sound is startling. We never expected this much improvement was possible. It is amazing how much information an LP contains.
You could spend much, much (10x) more money and time on other aspects of your system and never get this level of improvement. We guarantee your satisfaction and believe you will be thrilled with the results. If you want everything an LP can give you, you must try Prelude Step 4 as part of your record-cleaning process.
Quartet Kit Includes:
• 64 oz. Ultra Pure Laboratory Grade Water
• 16 oz Ultra Pure Laboratory Grade Water
• 16 oz. Step 2 Pre-Mixed Cleaning Solution
• 16 oz Step 4 High Resolution Rinse
• 2 oz. Concertrated, Active Enzymes
• 4 oz. Empty Mixing Bottle
• 2 Measuring Scoops
Brush Kit:
• Brush 1 for Enzyme Cleaning Solution
• Brush 2 for Premixed Cleaning Solution
• Brush 3 for Ultra Pure Water Rinse
• Brush 4 for Step 4 HR Rinse
• Tray & Ruler
STEP ONE:
Initial Cleaning:
The first time you use Prelude you will need to prepare and use the Active Enzyme Cleaner. After that, it will not be necessary to use the Active Enzyme Cleaner unless the record becomes contaminated in some way, such a spill of soda or other liquid or improper handling results in excessive fingerprints, smudges, etc.
Prepare the Active Enzyme Cleaner
It is important to understand that the enzymes remain active for only about eight to ten hours before they die. You will need to use all of the solution you prepare within an eight-hour period. Therefore, you will need to decide how many records you want to clean so you know how much solution to prepare. Find the 4-ounce Mixing Bottle. Find the two scoops. One is marked .25. The other is .50.
For cleaning a few records, five to ten:
Use the small scoop. Add a rounded scoop full of enzyme powder into the empty Mixing Bottle. Using the 16 oz. Ultra Pure Water Bottle, fill the 4 oz bottle to the level A. Replace the top on the bottle and shake vigorously. This will cause some foaming, which is normal.
For cleaning more than ten records:
Use the larger scoop. Add a rounded scoop full of enzyme powder into the empty Mixing Bottle. Using the 16 oz. Ultra Pure Water Bottle, fill the 4 oz bottle to the level B. Replace the top on the bottle and shake vigorously. This will cause some foaming, which is normal.
Use the Active Enzyme Cleaner
Apply the enzyme solution to the record surface with a fine non-abrasive brush. Thoroughly wet the record. For best results, let the record sit 15 to 60 seconds. Do not let the solution dry on the record. Lightly scrub with brush, then vacuum off.
STEP TWO
Use the Pre-Mixed Cleaning Solution:
Apply the Pre-mixed cleaning solution to the record surface with a fine non-abrasive brush. Thoroughly wet the record. For best results, let the record sit 10 to no more than 60 seconds. Do not let the solution dry on the record. Lightly scrub and then vacuum off.
STEP THREE
Rinse
Rinse the record using the Ultra Pure Water in the 16-ounce bottle. Apply water to the record with a clean brush and vacuum off. Apply the Ultra Pure Water a second time and vacuum again. You are now ready to play your record. When the 16-ounce Ultra Pure Water bottle is empty, refill it from the 64-ounce bottle.
STEP FOUR
Rinse the record using Prelude Step 4. One rinse with Step 4 is all that is needed. You are now ready to play your record.
SUBSEQUENT CLEANING:
After the initial cleaning with the Active Enzymes (Step 1), you will usually only use the Pre-mixed Cleaning Solution and Ultra Pure Water to clean and rinse your record (Steps 2 and 3). If after the initial cleaning, the record is only dusty and not dirty, simply rinse with Ultra Pure Water. After using Prelude, do not treat the record with any other solution. We recommend the Prelude Recording Cleaning Brushes (available soon) for use with your vacuum record-cleaning machine.
BEFORE PLAYING
We do not recommend using a de-static/lint brush on the record before playing. We do recommend you use a de-static product like the Talisman or Z-stat. Of course, we prefer the Talisman. It is easy to use, requires no electricity, is hand-held and lasts forever. If you choose to use a de-static/lint brush, use the Talisman after the brush. The Talisman also works on CDs, SACDs and DVDs.
CAUTION
Prelude solutions contain small percentages of surfactants and alcohol. Use at your own risk. They are nontoxic, biodegradable and nonflammable. If you get it in your eyes, flush with water. If ingested, do not induce vomiting. Drink several glasses of water.
FOR CLEANING CDs
We highly recommend that you treat CDs, SACDs, and DVDs with our Ultra Vivid. Ultra Vivid cleans and optically enhances the discs. You will not believe how good digital can sound until you actually hear the music as it was recorded instead of the error correction systemÂ’s interpolation of it. The improvement is amazing. For best performance, do not use green or black markers on the disc or put a green mat on top of your disc. Used in combination with the Talisman, the effect is doubled. Please call us if you have any questions about the Prelude Record Cleaning System, Ultra Vivid CD/DVD Enhancer, Talisman or any other products. We will be happy to assist you.
GUARANTEE
We offer a 30 day Guarantee of Satisfaction on the Walker Audio Prelude Record Cleaning System.
Product Reviews:
"Absolutely spectacular" - Keith Jarrett, world-renown musician!
"...absolutely the best thing I've ever heard for cleaning LPs, bar none! ...runs rings around all previous products I've heard... this miraculous product can transform your vinyl listening experience. Run, do not walk... and jump on this!" - Positive Feedback Online Issue 28
"The Prelude Record Cleaning System is a revolutionary product, the most advanced LP wash I've come across. Designed to disclose the hidden layers buried deep within the grooves, it dredges up vast quantities of detail. Prelude-enhanced LPs sound dramatically open, allowing you to step into the performance space...The one-two punch of Prelude wash followed by the Talisman delivers a knockout." - Marchall Nack, Positive Feedback Online, Issue 30, March 2007
"The final proof of its effectiveness was on my cartridge stylus. I normally clean the needle after every side with a Zerodust Stylus Cleaner, but decided to play several sides to see if there would be a build-up of gunk on the needle. Interestingly, even under a jeweler's eyepiece, there was absolutely no junk even after 10 sides. So the solution is removing most if not all of the contaminants from the record grooves... That was enough for me. While my previous cleaning fluids did an excellent job of getting rid of grease and grime and surface noise, this three-step process certainly has improved on their efficacy. Using an operating microscope I have in my office, one can actually see the difference in the cleanliness of the grooves compared to records treated with my other solutions. Wish I could take a picture of the microscopy to actually show you the difference... Prelude is now my cleaning fluid of choice. Lloyd's done it again." - Bill Gaw, EnjoytheMusic AA May 2007
