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Audio Desk Systeme RCM - what's been your experience?

Hi All,

I have owned an ADS RCM for a little under 3 years. During that time, I've been able to work through my 3500 LP collection at a cleaning rate that just wasn't possible with my former RCM, the reputable VPI 16.5...so, in general, because of the ease and effectiveness of cleaning LPs, I've savored my time with the ADS RCM.

That is until now...

"Both the pump and ultrasonic transducer are failing" was the diagnosis delivered by the US distributor after the RCM abruptly stopped working. Essentially DOA...and out of warranty.

Before I formulate my next move, I'd love to hear from current or former owners of ADS RCMs - what have been your experiences with the reliability of the Audio Desk Systeme RCM?

Thanks for your time - appreciated!
soulbrass

Showing 3 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
The pump solution dgarretson describes above is what I'm doing. You can see some pictures and video at this link to the VPI thread discussing this, which contain links to the information in the very long-running thread on the diyAudio forum:
http://vpiindustries.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2289&p=25954#p25922

The Little Giant 1-AA-OM pump has been discontinued but I was recently able to purchase a new old stock pump from this eBay seller who apparently has several:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Giant-531001-1-AA-OM-Pump-/252508771367
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
@whart
Bill, I’ve waded through the entire diyAudio thread (it is a monster!) and also another large thread on Audio Kharma about the chemistry of the various solutions we use for cleaning. Until some of the trolls at Audio Kharma ran him off in utter frustration, a chemist (guest110) who is also an audiophile and vinyl lover, was posting answers to all sorts of questions about differing solutions for cleaning vinyl.
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/record-cleaning-youre-doing-it-wrong.689430/

The bottom line I came away with is: Tertigol (a detergent and surfacant) or Triton X-100 is a good way to go. BUT in very diluted amounts - less is generally better. And rinsing with Reagent grade water, then vacuuming dry, is also an excellent practice.

I’ve concluded to pursue the following set up for my ultrasonic cleaning:

Trusonik 10L - a 40khz 10-liter ultrasonic tank that seems well built and has been used for several years in the Ultrasonic V-8 setup
VinylStack Sonic Spin, with four-LP 1" spacers (because I have the larger tank)
In-line water filter for in-between-batch filtering, using bbftx’s design
Tertigol S-15-3 and S-15-9 (50-50 combination) from TALAS

I’ll use my VPI HW-17 for the rinse and vac.

I’m certainly no expert in any of this. I’m heading down an experimental path myself. But, for what it may be worth, this is what I’ve decided to try after a lot of reading and discussions elsewhere.

Best wishes in your journey! Tell us what you decide to do.

Rushton
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
@rshak 
Absolutely agree with you! The Loricraft is superb. But I have over 6,000 LPs I need to clean and my 4-step cleaning process on my trusty VPI is just not allowing me to get as many cleaned as I need to accomplish. I've been listening without cleaning because otherwise I'd not be listening - not cleaning is not a good choice. LOL.
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