Record Cleaning Machines


Has anyone out there done an A/B comparison of the cleaning results or efficacy using the Degritter ultra sonic record cleaning machine which operates at 120 kHz/300 watts and an ultrasonic cleaner that operates at 40 kHz/300 or 380 watts (e.g. Audio Desk; CleanerVinyl; the Kirmuss machine; etc.)?  I have a system I put together using CleanerVinyl equipment, a standard 40 kHz ultrasonic tank and a Knosti Disco-Antistat for final rinse.  I clean 3 records at a time and get great results.  Surface noise on well cared for records (only kind I have) is virtually totally eliminated, sound comes from a totally black background and audio performance is noticeably improved in every way.  Even though the Degritter only cleans 1 record at a time, it seems significantly easier to use, more compact and relatively quick, compared to the system I have now.  I'm wondering if the Degritter's 120 kHz is all that much more effective, if at all, in rendering better audio performance than the standard 40 kHz frequency.  I don't mind, at all, spending a little extra time cleaning my records if the audio results using the Degritter are not going to be any different.  I'm not inclined to spend three grand for a little more ease & convenience and to save a few minutes.  However, if I could be assured the Degritter would render better audio performance results, even relatively small improvements, that would be a whole other story.
oldaudiophile

Showing 1 response by bslon

I used a VPI HW16.5 for years, using VPI’s cleaning solution when I did. The records were spotless afterwards but I don’t think it actually improved the sound. It did add a static charge frequently, so I kept a Zerostat close by.

Now I use an AudioDesk Pro X machine with distilled water and a bottle of AD’s surfactant. It eliminates more surface noise than the VPI ever did with no static buildup. In addition to the ultrasonic cleaning, it has 4 microfiber brushes that brush the record with the cleaning agent. The brushes may also help circulate the fluid because I’ve had some lengthy cleaning sessions with no overheating. It’s easy and convenient to use, takes about 5 minutes to clean and dry a record and is much quieter than the VPI. The cleaning time is adjustable. All of my records have gone through cleaning and occasionally I’ll clean a record a second time. That’s over 1000 cleanings so far without an issue.

The records are stored in poly liner sleeves like I’ve used for the past 50 years, no issues with these liners. I mark the inside edge of the jacket opening with a set of faint lines to indicate how many US cleanings the record has had and the duration.

Now when I pull a record from its jacket it just needs a couple rotations on the platter with a Hunt EDA brush before play.

Occasional stylus cleaning is done with an Onzow and Lyra SPT Stylus Treatment.

The AudioDesk is expensive but if you have a lot of records I think it’s worth it.