2. analog
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Ultrasonic record cleaners

I have a modest lp collection, mixed bag of original college age purchases, used records before the current renewed interest, and some newer albums to replace some older issues from the p mount needle days.  Have a vpi 16 machine and audio intelligent form 6 fluid. I’m not finding a significant improvement on my noisier issues.  The price of ultrasonic cleaners have come down to a price I would consider.  Appreciate the experiences of those who have purchased the ultrasonic machines, are they superior to my vpi and are the less expensive models effective?

TIA

tennisdoc56

Showing 2 responses by chowkwan

chowkwan
167 posts
 

Cleaned my record collection using a VPI and the Walker Four Step Process. 90% thru discovered that no one does the Fourth Step except maybe Mr. Walker. Sigh.

Re cleaned VTL 006 The Doctor with an Audio Desk machine. Played Isn’t She Lovely.

Way more natural. Less hi fi. Cymbals are relaxed where before they were etchy.

Prolly you want to know the rig. Lyra Atlas Sierra Lima. Basis arm and turntable. Super Lumi phono stage. Nagra pre. Manley 440 w/KT 77 driving Eminent Technology Super Eight mid/tweet. Manley 500 w/KT 90 driving woofers. Hsu VTF-2 Subs. NBS wire.

So called damaged records are mostly dirty. Clean ’em up and they’ll sound great again.

Important to use Stylast 4 and 5. 4 to clean yr styus after which use 5 so’s the stylus will slip thru the groove. It’ll sound better and preserve yr stylus.

chowkwan
167 posts
 

Sanctus from Bach Mass in B Minor conducted by Karl Richter.

First clean VPI with Walker 4 step.

Second clean Audio Desk.

After cleaning with the Audio Desk there is a quantum leap in sound quality compared to the VPI only cleaned record. More detail and warmer in tone at the same time.

Guess that rig.

https://youtube.com/shorts/rhHcKSXormI?feature=share

Nagra Phono stage, Nagra Pre, Manley 440 and 500, Super ET8, Hsu subwoofer, NBS wire.

 

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