Thanks, Jen. I grade conservatively, use new mailers & package parcels to withstand an explosion. My 100% satisfaction rating on Discogs speaks to this. More stuff coming!

Thanks a million, Jen. I will be adding more stuff today!

Long past time to pound a stake into its cold, selfish heart & kill it before it kills everything good.

Thanks. I look forward to some deep listening sessions in the coming days. So far, I have noticed an expanded soundstage, greater detail & far less IGD with the 2M Blue. I'll take that!

Also, consider searching the audio hardware thread at the Steve Hoffman Music forums for user commentaries, discussions & the occasional flame war about pretty much anything & everything audio.
forums.stevehoffman.tv

I cannot comment authoritatively about the VPI 16.5 cleaning machine, but considering VPI has been manufacturing machines for decades without a major scandal, speaks pretty well for the efficacy of their products.

I no longer use any fluid when stylus cleaning & rely upon a MoFi Stylus Brush. They are affordable & effective.

www.musicdirect.com/equipment/ac...

I've read a bunch of positive testimonials - across the wasteland - about these Q-Up units specifically designed for full manual tables.

www.thequp.com

The 2M Red is a fine stylus. That being said, my aligned Red tended to exhibit IDG especially on "hot cut" lp sides. For example, the Red struggled tracking "Love - Four Sail" without producing lots of sibilance on both of the copies I have. I am very eager to check out "Four Sail" using the Blue.

Odd timing as my 1st post here was intended to cover this topic! I just upgraded my stylus as well - from Ortofon 2M Red to Blue. Phone cameras have infinitely improved the stylus alignment process!