Audio Systems/Clean A CD !

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Expert: - 1/5/2012


Question
Greetings & Happy New Year 2012 !
Hoping I am asking this question as accurately as possible.
I recently purchased a music CD which plays well in my system...however on 3 of the 21 tracks there is a rather obtrusive swishing noise.  Is the CD dirty ?  What is the best and most economical way to clean it ?  I am not at all familiar with how to keep CDS clean as I am most reluctant to do anything that might destroy them and leave them totally unplayable.  Awhile back I had purchased some solution from the DOLLAR STORE but for some reason it is not 'doing the trick'.
Please advise !  PS :  I do keep my CD player nice and clean but in this case its the CD which needs to be cleaned...just want to do it the right way where it will be minus that annoying swish - Thanks Again !

Answer
The general consensus on cleaning a CD is to use a soft dry cloth to wipe it.
To hold the CD, insert a finger or thumb inside the center hole of the CD or handle it by the edges but never touch the shiny surface!!
Always start from the center and GENTLY wipe straight towards the outer edge of the CD in NON-radial lines.  Do NOT follow the concentric circles while cleaning.
Turn the CD a bit and repeat until you make it all the way around the disk.

If the DVD surface feels sticky or greasy, mix some baby shampoo in lukewarm water and use cotton or soft cloth to gently rub the CD surface with this solution. Make sure the CD is completely dry (no water drops) before putting it back in the jewel case.

If there are fingerprint marks on the CD surface, dip a soft cloth in Isopropyl Alcohol/Ethanol/Methanol and gently wipe the surface. Never use a petroleum based solvent like Acetone as that will permanently damage the CD surface.

Final Advice: If you notice a scratch on the surface of a CD or DVD, I would suggest that you immediately make a copy of the disc as it is possible that one fine day, your DVD drive may suddenly refuse to read the disc!

Good luck and thanks for choosing allexperts.com

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Jerry Mael

Expertise

My forte is audio.. Car/Home/Boat. You name it, I will help you. I am also not a 'Master Installation Technician' that will tell you I cannot assist you with cars not made in the USA! Talk to me about any audio upgrades including 'bang for the buck'.
Specialties include: Overall Acoustics, Gain structure/settings and Enclosure design, system design/consultation, when/where to get which upgrades as well as other pertinent info for the mobile audio enthusiast and much more.
I also am NOT interested in buying your used gear so do not waste our time asking me. Of course, there is always Ebay for that!

Experience

My specialty as it is offered here, is Mobile and Home Audio Consultation.
Eight years IASCA - Pro 251-500 watt class
With Allexperts since 1999 (on and off).
35 years of overall professional sound and acoustical/electronic experience (since 1977) including: Sound Offs, Home audio, Mobile audio, Live sound, Churches, Theater, Live DJ and Studio Recording (analog and digital software and hardware), Effects, Looping, analog/digital mutli-track and mixdown . My mother was a record producer so I picked up a lot of additional professional knowledge and experience through the years. I was a Drum Tech for the Banshee reunion tour, toured as sound man with a regional act called Champion, so I have practical knowledge for many aspects of 'audio'.

If I cannot directly answer your question I will use my vast resource network to help you get a usable answer.


Favorite Mobile components:
Any amplifier based on ZED principles. Examples are Diamond, Zapco, Hifonics, Autotek, ect. And of course, Nakamichi (yes, still in business)
McCaulley, Polk and Dynaudio Speakers.
Clarion/Nakamichi headunits and processors.


Education/Credentials
>35 years of real world, audio experience.

Awards and Honors
Three letters of Commendation as a Search and Rescue Swimmer ~US Navy
CPR-AED Certified
Certified Open Water Safety Instructor

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