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AFI FLAT Record Flatener

I have had a FLAT (that does have a nice ring to it) for several months and here are my impressions:

1.     I love the look and what appears to be very solid German design and construction.

2.     Its operation is straight-forward and it has performed without any issues.  The only thing I would note is that, as stated in the user manual, the cool-down cycle will not function properly in very warm ambient temperature.  It basically cannot fully complete the cool-down cycle.  After confirming this for myself (I am guessing the room temperature was around 27 or 28 C) I from then on ran it with my aircon on (24 C ambient temperature) for the cool-down cycle with no issues.

3.     I have found its ability to flatten records excellent, five stars. This is described as the Standard function. I thought that I would have limited use for this feature, but since getting the FLAT I have been much more observant and found that quite a few new records that I have bought are dished.  The Standard cycle has successfully flattened all my warped records.

4.     It also has another function, Relax, which is of much interest. This is a milder version of the Standard cycle.  Unfortunately, there is zero description, apart from how to operate it, that I could find in the 19 page user manual on this.  I wanted to know what Relax is meant to accomplish and whether it can be used on both played and unplayed records, and new and old.  I have been told, but have not been able to substantiate, that the designer believes it to release something trapped in the vinyl during pressing. I wanted to know whether there is any audible difference using this cycle so I managed to find two identical unplayed records in my collection of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”. They are US pressings but not the original 1971 pressing but must have been a subsequent Warner Bros/Reprise “Super Saver Series” reissue which I picked up around 1987-88.  I checked that they had identical Matrix/Runnout identifiers.  I cleaned both with my KLAudio Mk2 cleaner and used the Relax cycle on one.  A day later I played the non Relaxed record with a friend with excellent audio ears.  The recording quality was not the best.  We then put on the Relaxed record.  We were both amazed.  There was a very significant difference.  The non Relaxed record was irritating and the Relaxed record was transformed to listenable.

5.     I later listened to a 1987 German pressing on Warner Brothers of “Shaka Zulu” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  I would have had this record for over 25 years but had not played it.  I had washed it with a KLAudio Mk1 in Nov 2014.  It is an excellent recording and pressing. I put it through the FLAT’s Relax cycle and listened to it again.  It is not often that I can compare two events separated by 18 hours and categorically be sure of the outcome.  The recording had a significant increase in ambient information that turned an excellent recording into something special.  I think also that the soundstage was improved in width and solidity.

6.     The Relax cycle will only take out the mildest of warps.  Nearly all warps need the Standard cycle. 

Since, I started to Relax FLAT all my best recordings.  I highly recommend this device to take out warps, and also more importantly for me, to Relax favourite recordings for improved sonics.  I would not be without it.

All the best,
bluewolf

Showing 7 responses by nkonor

nkonor
635 posts
 
Bluewolf-whart

Very interested in disc flatners Further info on use/results, cost, where to obtain, build quality would be highly appreciated.

Have great interest in TTs that use vacuum hold down. But as far as I know only SOTA TTs and Tech Das can be had. I certainly believe Flat disks are beneficial to SQ. Most TTs have a clamp. Others have clamp & ring. I always thought the ring would be PITA.
So flattening and "Relaxing" your Vinyl is of great interest to me; especially "Relaxing" Since I am a vinyl guy. Taking care of my vinyl started 45yrs ago & being "picky" about the my record purchases from the beginning 
I have a VPI for ever, bought an AD in January, Own Fureteck D'mage & D'stat since they came on market. Stylus care too.
It all starts with the source! Taking care of it pays off as you move up your Front End. TT, Arm, Cartridge. I have 3000 records. Only 3-4 unplayable but hopefully I could flatten them one day. Others are dished or have long warps that are playable but always thought they would play and sound better if they were flat.
The "Relaxing" part is the most interesting. From an Engineering view point, this makes sense.

Again! It all starts at the Source! 
Giving the TT, Arm, Cartridge LESS Work means they they can retrieve the most from the groove,

Any more Info, thoughts, experience that you share would be greatly appreciated. Should benefit others too.

Thanks
nkonor
635 posts
 
wlutke  Thanks for the link! Appreciate it. Still very expensive and would like to hear others opinions on the "Relax Program"
Not offered in US?
Thanks Again, nkonor 
nkonor
635 posts
 
Howard,

Thanks for your continuation to this thread. I am interested in how to acquire an AFI Flat. Please Do post the details. Also your findings on further use of the Relax Cycle.

 It is a spendy piece of gear; but what isn't in this hobby?

I am a vinyl guy. Two TTs, 3000lps, an Audiodesk, a VPI 16.5 that is now used to "rinse" after AD cleaning and a Furutek D'Mag and D'STAT. Just seems like the logical thing to have in the quest.

Thanks
Norb
nkonor
635 posts
 
Still have not found any distributor in the USA or cost $. Keep hoping someone her can provide a lead on the AFI Flat in the USA.

Thanks in Advance 
nkonor
635 posts
 
Howard,

l just got an email off to Francis about the AFI Flat. Thanks You for his email address.
The demagnetizing works independent of any cleaning regime that you do. I agree combined with flattening it would indeed be interesting.
 I have been looking closely at my records and find almost all exhibit some deviation from Flat. Even the supposedly best pressings.
From an engineering background, it just makes sense that Flat records will mean less work for the Tonearm and Cartridge.
Is all this labor and $$/ euros worth it? Only each individual can decide. For me; the answer is yes!

Each step in record care has always produced positive results. From diskwasher/ Zerostat days to VPI days to enzyme fluids to demagnetizing to ultrasonic cleaning and All combined into a total regime.

IMHO - Clean, Flat, Demagnetized records are worth the effort for the results. Hope to be able to add RELAXED to the formula.


nkonor
635 posts
 
Howard,
Moving a bit slow, had back surgery 4 weeks ago. Have been using the D'Mag so automatically for last 7-8 years; that I just assume it is doing its job.

 I am getting better every week and have plenty of time. So I will dig out say, 10 records that I have not played in years. (They have only been cleaned on my VPI) I will listen and then D'Mag them and give you my rundown on what just what the D'Mag does alone.

Probably a good excercise to go over a VPI cleaning + D'Mag + enzyme + ultrasonic + rinses and listen to each evolution of the disk. I also have a half dozen 45 rpm disk that I have acquired just before surgery and not even opened yet.
Should be an interesting project during my rehabilitation period.

Thanks for your inspiration / motivation.
 
Norbert 

Have not heard from Francis yet.


nkonor
635 posts
 
howardalex,

How are you? Heard from Francis finally. Been a long recovery from back surgery but on the right path now.
Furetech DeMag-- all round = quieter, better imaging, depth and width. Subtle details standout. Would not give it up! 
You don't need to DeMag both sides of LP, but so easy and automatic in my regime that I don't even think about it. I am not sure what happens, but the DeMag effect does wear off, disapate, re- magnetize the LP. My opinion is for a vinyl guy with the bucks, It's worth it.
Glad that I have had all this time off work, but I am ready to get back to work so that I can get the AFI.

Best wishes,
Norbert
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