Q: Thanks for recommending the $19.99 ZVOX AV30 earbuds on closeout. I ordered them after reading your column and greatly enjoyed them while on vacation. Upon returning home I tried to order another pair for my wife, but they no longer were available. What is your new recommendation for earbuds under $40?
A: The AV30 earbuds sold out extremely quickly. I am researching a few promising replacement models, and I hope to have news soon.
With the AV30s selling out much more quickly than anticipated, ZVOX provided a $20 coupon code SAVE$20 to those who missed out. They later opened up the code to anyone who wants to use it, and it is valid on all ZVOX products $49.99 or higher. If you are looking for another bargain, the compact AV70 AccuVoice speaker is a great companion to a tablet or phone. It is reduced from $99.99 to $49.99, so with the $20 off, it’s $29.99 with free shipping, a $70 savings. (zvox.com)
Coming clean
Q: My component stereo collects a lot of dust. Do you have any advice for gear cleaning?
A: If you can use them, cloth dust covers are a good start.
It is easy to damage the turntable stylus and cartridge if not cleaned correctly. The stylus (needle) will collect a lot of dust playing records, and this dust tends to cling to the needle and accumulate under the cartridge. Some vinyl lovers use a small brush, but it is much safer and more thorough to use canned air. Lock down the tonearm then hit it with a quick blast of air from about 2 feet away.
If dust has found its way into the volume and tone controls and they make a crackling sound, remove the knobs, spray in some contact cleaner and work the controls to clean them out.
A stick vac with a narrow brush is useful for cleaning behind and under the stand. I use a Buture VC80. It is rechargeable, stands on the brush head when not in use and comes with accessories to turn it into a handheld vac. There is a coupon code Buture30 that reduces the prices of the $193.99 VC80 and $189.99 VC50 models by 30%. (ibuture.com)
