# Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine (Pro-Ject) and Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine (Clearaudio) among record cleaning machines. Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine is the cheaper of the two at $699.

## Side by side

| Spec | Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine | Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $3200 |
| Brand | Pro-Ject | Clearaudio |
| Cleaning method | Vacuum (manual fluid application + vacuum drying) | Vacuum with bi-directional motorized platter rotation and controlled fluid application |
| Motor power (W) | — | 300 |
| Cycle time | Dries within 2 platter rotations at 30 RPM | — |
| Tank capacity | 2.5 L (85 oz) waste-fluid reservoir | — |
| Ultrasonic frequency (kHz) | — | — |
| Noise level (dB) | — | — |
| Records per cycle | 1 | 1 |
| Drying method | Vacuum suction wand on a tonearm-style pickup arm | Vacuum drying, acoustically damped cabinet |

## Key differences

- Cleaning method: Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine Vacuum (manual fluid application + vacuum drying) vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine Vacuum with bi-directional motorized platter rotation and controlled fluid application
- Drying method: Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine Vacuum suction wand on a tonearm-style pickup arm vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine Vacuum drying, acoustically damped cabinet

## Sources

- Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine: https://www.audioadvisor.com/products/pro-ject-vc-s3-record-cleaning-machine (audioadvisor.com, verified 2026-08-12)
- Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine: https://upscaleaudio.com/products/clearaudio-smart-matrix-silent-record-cleaner (upscaleaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/record-cleaning-machines/pro-ject-vc-s3-vs-clearaudio-smart-matrix-silent/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Pro-Ject VC-S3 Premium Record Cleaning Vacuum Machine ($699) vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine ($3200) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/record-cleaning-machines/pro-ject-vc-s3-vs-clearaudio-smart-matrix-silent/
License: CC BY 4.0.