# VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine (VPI Industries) and Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine (Clearaudio) among record cleaning machines. VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine is the cheaper of the two at $1200.

## Side by side

| Spec | VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine | Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1200 | $3200 |
| Brand | VPI Industries | 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 | 35-second vacuum pickup pass per side | — |
| Tank capacity | — | — |
| Ultrasonic frequency (kHz) | — | — |
| Noise level (dB) | — | — |
| Records per cycle | 1 | 1 |
| Drying method | Vacuum pickup tube, adjustable for record thickness, into a stainless-steel internal fluid-collection system | Vacuum drying, acoustically damped cabinet |

## Key differences

- Cleaning method: VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning 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: VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine Vacuum pickup tube, adjustable for record thickness, into a stainless-steel internal fluid-collection system vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine Vacuum drying, acoustically damped cabinet

## Sources

- VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine: https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/record-care/record-cleaning-machine/vpi-16-5-record-cleaning-machine/ (musicdirect.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/vpi-hw-16-5-vs-clearaudio-smart-matrix-silent/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine ($1200) vs Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent Record Cleaning Machine ($3200) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/record-cleaning-machines/vpi-hw-16-5-vs-clearaudio-smart-matrix-silent/
License: CC BY 4.0.