So is the HG so easy a caveman could use it?
Humminguru record cleaner
Almost all of my records are in NM condition, so I didn’t think I needed a record cleaner to replace my VPI 16.5. Also, my record surfaces are virtually silent.. But I was intrigued by the ultrasonic cleaners out there. So I bought one with the probability of a return. The results are amazing. This device cleans the records so well it’s like adding a new component to my system. And it’s only $500. With my already clean records I didn’t need the Degritter which is several times more expensive.
I recommend it highly.
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- 78 posts total
There is an incredibly erroneous, uninformed theory out there that 40K ultrasonics, a la the HumminGuru, can damage records. First and foremost if you do 25 cleanings in a row, you're a bit nuts. I guess you might accomplish that over a period of years but I suspect that back to back cleanings are more likely to cause an issue. More to the point, the HumminGuru is an entry level ultrasonic machine. There are many factors in US cleaning other than the frequency - the transducers, their location, the power, etc. I own a Kirmuss, a HumminGuru Nova, a Degritter, and a Klaudio. The Klaudio, with it's 40K (ish) is by far the best. Also by far the most expensive. I also use a vacuum machine before very dirty records. I find the HunninGuru to be more than a little clunky and inflexible. The Kirmuss is, of course, a royal pain in the ass but can be effective. Regardless, the last step is always the Klaudio which leaves my LP's quieter than anything I've ever used. Distilled water only in it. I think one of the overlooked advantages of an US machine is its great rinsing action. The filter on it is about 2/3 the size of a beer can. The Degritter's cheap foam filter is like an elongated #2 pencil eraser. Oh, I'm a long term high end audio dealer so part of the rationale here was to test and advise customers. Buy a Klaudio if budget allows. Get a Degritter if not and a HumminGuru if that's appropriate. It is a bit primitive and has very low power. |
@hifiguys Thanks for the well thought out post. I am not a huge vinyl guy, but I am slowly digitizing my collection using my Sugarcube device. For me, the Humminguru is a splurge, budget wise. But I think it would still be an improvement from my cheap and cheerful KAB vacuum cleaner, no? |
It seems paradoxical to buy an ultrasonic cleaner to play your LPs one last time, but given that you are digitising them it does make sense, and it can be sold on once you are done. I take it the Sugarcube does not remove all surface noise and thus cleaning is required? I've never used one (and am not tempted), but I assume it is like a de-noise filter in Lightroom, where you can remove all the noise if you are brutal enough, but what you are left with leaves a lot to be desired? |
- 78 posts total