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to buy or not to buy (ultrasonic record cleaner)

Hi Audiogoners,

So I have been considering investing in an ultrasonic record cleaning maching. Prob like some of you I question the ROI. So. I have a friend that purchased one and luckily he allowed me to take it for a spin (no pun intended).

I wanted to compare the results to my record cleaning system which is a Spin clean ($150) and a Record doctor record Vacuum ($300). I wont say what brand of ultrasonic cleaner I tested as not to disparage, or promote that brand publicly to be fair. if you want to know which one you can send me a private msg.

so to keep it simple I will let you judge for yourself. I have posted two pics taken with a USB microscope to my virtual systems page. Test1 and test 2. One of these pics was taken after cleaning with my system and the other with the ultrasonic cleaner

Can you tell which one is the ultrasonic??

should be intersting
barnettk

Showing 5 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
4,012 posts
 
Good luck with your future acquisition, barnettk.

I'm a little jealous. Many quiet records are in your future. Let us know where you purchased and experience.
tablejockey
4,012 posts
 
"Can you tell which one is the ultrasonic??"

My guess is the pic on right. The grooves do appear cleaner.

I've been waffling for years in purchasing a machine. MIC Amazon specials are becoming more attractive.

Because I'm picky with my used LP purchases, my Spin Clean has been sufficient.
This is confirmed by hearing them on Uber decks.

tablejockey
4,012 posts
 
oranfoster-

I know that feeling of being transported to a better place once the needle drops on something heard 40 years ago. I think it's part of the allure of table insanity-a decent setup, that is. My rig is low on the food chain...
under $8K new MSRP- table/cart/phono stage. Just enough to get an idea what the fuss is all about.

The AD is the model I want. Like anything else there's conflicting owner experience with it, but I always got a kick out of using it, when I have.

All those MIC Amazon specials are great for the price, but still not turnkey enough like the AD. I'm patiently waiting for the killer used deal.
tablejockey
4,012 posts
 
"do you use Tergikleen in your spin clean?"

barnettk-

I see tergikleen mentioned on many threads. 
After using up the supplied  cleaner with the Spin Clean years ago, I never bothered to look into a replacement.

My formula is very crude/low tech. A couple drops of clear dishwashing liquid and 99%alcohol. I'm sure the LP cleaning purist are cringing after reading this. Make matters worse, I RINSE it off from the tap-BLASPHEMY! No doubt there' still stuff in those grooves under a microscope but I don't sweat it. Maybe if I had a $50K arm/table I would be more into it.

The results with US is obvious to my ears. I want one. The itch just hasn't been strong enough yet for me to hit the "buy now" button.

I have a collection of 50-60 divas that MUST be quiet. I've done US on  my treasured Billie Holliday,Ella, Sarah... and have been blown away with results.

It does start with the LP. I try and find the best condition albums when I bin dive. No funky mold covered saves from floods or whatever.
tablejockey
4,012 posts
 
This and other threads point to Degritter being "flavor of the month."
I guess since the AD isn't available now, a used one wouldn't be a smart buy(service)?

Looks like another year of waffling for me. That, and low tech Spin Clean.

Should I hold my breath for a used Degritter for...$1K? Yeah, I didn't think so.
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