Ultrasonic LP Cleaning vs. “Thread Type” Cleaning (Keith Monks/Loricraft/etc.)


Many dealers now tout ultrasonic record cleaners as the ultimate, yet companies like Loricraft and Keith Monks continue to introduce new “thread type” (or “string”) record cleaners.

There was a recent discussion in one of Michael Fremer’s on-line columns (https://www.analogplanet.com/content/sme-loricraft-introduces-upgraded-thread-type-vacuum-record-cle...) announcing a new thread type record cleaner from Loricraft. In the comments section, several owners of thread type cleaners praised them and one person stated a “thread type”was better than their own ultrasonic cleaner.

I’m interested in hearing from those of you who have experience with BOTH types of record cleaners, and what you perceive to be the pluses and minuses of each.

As for myself, I’ve been plodding along for years with a VPI 16, and I would like something that is faster to use and that will run for more than an hour without overheating. 😎
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Showing 2 responses by vinylshadow

I bought a Loricraft 4 because it uses a new, clean string every time.
I had no interest in an Ultrasonic cleaner that reuses water that was used to clean the previous record.

It comes with L'Art du Son but I've read that Keith Monks cleaning formulation liquid is better.

Plus I believe that with Loricrafts hospital grade vacuum, it cleans as good or better than an ultrasonic cleaner.

I’ve been told that SME is/has changing/changed Loricrafts design as of the new batches last December. For the worse. Plastic instead of brass and a weaker vacuum.
@lewm

Terry(the builder before SME) used super high end hospital grade Austin pumps that are so expensive. Prc4 has 24 liters per minute suction power!! And quiet....


I don't know what vacuum pumps are currently being installed in new Loricraft 4's.