Audiophiles and Vinyl Geeks | Fab forum

When I first started collecting records, I bought based on authenticity rather than sound quality.  If a record was a first issue, I'd choose that one over a newer, much later pressing.  Well the audiophile has started in me and I can see myself becoming more "picky" towards the sound of my vinyl.  This gradually happened by comparing this mix with that and listening for abnormalities and such.  Since most of you that I have conversed with on this site still spin records, I'd like to "pick some brains" on a few such items.

1.  Don't try the "Do it Yourself" record warp fix.  I did as the directions stated and got two plates of glass, made a sanwich with the record in the middle and baked for 10 minutes at 200 degrees f.  I don't know if I didn't let it cool off enough before I cleaned to play….anyway the warp flattened out some but it is still there and I have added a bunch more surface noise/static to the record.  So pretty much I ruined a first edition "Rubber Soul" Parlophone pressing.  It's best to find someone who professionally does it. 

2.  Vinyl cleaner.  Outside of the "Discwasher" brand you can still buy in stores, I've researched a few recipes for making a cleaner.  Right now I am using a mixture of 2 parts denatured alcohol, 1 part distilled water, and a drop of Dawn dishwashing liquid/soap in a spray bottle.  I can say so far that it does "clean" the records and they look better.  I've also started vacuuming my records while still wet with cleaner.  Used to I would just brush them with the record brush until dry.  Does anyone have any different recipes or processes?  I also found these people http://www.discdoc.com  They state in their directions to use the brush back and forth rather than "with the direction of the grooves".  I am not sure which way is the best.

3.  What's the difference between a ceramic stylus and a magnetic one?  Ive got both and there are people who prefer one or the other.  Which has the best sound?  I am currently running an old Realistic turntable (Lab-59) only for the fact that it's a stackomatic.  I don't really like the inconvenience of having to switch records so much with the single play units. 

I did that, but it didn't work too well.  I guess it wasn't hot enough outside.  (Either that or my impatience with instant gratification got the better of me.)   

 :-P