There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of threads on the Internet about different methods of cleaning records. Leaving aside some of the more extreme methods--using hair shampoo with conditioner to reduce static or scrubbing a record with melamine foam (yes, that one is out there), most methods that don’t do damage to the record or leave a residue are all probably within a range of "acceptable" to most users. For years, I used a basic VPI with a variety of fluids (there weren’t as many choices back in the ’80s) and got good results. In fact, I occasionally pull out a record I haven’t listened to in a couple decades, know that I had cleaned it at one point long ago given the inner sleeve used (those old Discwasher VRP sleeves) and they play fine.
When I first switched to an ultrasonic machine -the Audio Desk-- I was delighted by the convenience. I reduced the amount of manufacturer supplied fluid that I used, based on advice of some early adopters, and didn’t have much of an issue.
But, in some cases, with older records that had been exposed to who knows what sorts of contaminants, a pass through the Audio Desk didn’t get rid of noise- at first I attributed it to groove damage, but in the case of a couple pretty valuable albums, I re-cleaned on the old VPI, using an enzyme fluid and rinse. After some work, those problem records achieved a high state of play. (This isn’t always the case- some records are damaged by prior kludgey turntable set-ups or other problems and heavy cleaning won’t resuscitate them).
This led me to play with a variety of techniques and methods. I typically combine conventional vacuum cleaning (using a point nozzle, like the Monks- no static) with ultrasonic. If I am really after the best results, I will vac dry, rather than blow dry the record after an ultrasonic wash.
But, so much is about method and good practices. I can still use the VPI machine with some Disc Doctor type applicators, an enzyme like AIVS No. 15 and pure water rinse and generally get great results.
On water purity, the folks at the Library of Congress told me during an interview that while they can’t vouch for purity of grocery store distilled, all they consider necessary is D/I water. I use grade 1 reagent water which is probably overkill and buy it in quantity from a lab supply house. The higher grades of water typically go through multiple processes to eliminate all sorts of potential contaminants, organic and inorganic.
My general reaction to the OP’s observations is that multiple cleanings, using different methods, is going to produce better results than a single cleaning by one method.
As far as leaving surfactant residue on the record, I’m definitely of the "pure water" rinse school--and I do this not just for sonics-- I didn’t really hear any negative artifacts from the AD fluid (using a reduced amount), but because I also want to leave the record in as pristine a state as possible. I have no idea what chemical interaction might occur with a given cleaning fluid and a poly-lined sleeve over time. (I’m not focused on Audio Desk here, but any cleaning fluid). These records will outlive me. I’m just a care-taker.
When I first switched to an ultrasonic machine -the Audio Desk-- I was delighted by the convenience. I reduced the amount of manufacturer supplied fluid that I used, based on advice of some early adopters, and didn’t have much of an issue.
But, in some cases, with older records that had been exposed to who knows what sorts of contaminants, a pass through the Audio Desk didn’t get rid of noise- at first I attributed it to groove damage, but in the case of a couple pretty valuable albums, I re-cleaned on the old VPI, using an enzyme fluid and rinse. After some work, those problem records achieved a high state of play. (This isn’t always the case- some records are damaged by prior kludgey turntable set-ups or other problems and heavy cleaning won’t resuscitate them).
This led me to play with a variety of techniques and methods. I typically combine conventional vacuum cleaning (using a point nozzle, like the Monks- no static) with ultrasonic. If I am really after the best results, I will vac dry, rather than blow dry the record after an ultrasonic wash.
But, so much is about method and good practices. I can still use the VPI machine with some Disc Doctor type applicators, an enzyme like AIVS No. 15 and pure water rinse and generally get great results.
On water purity, the folks at the Library of Congress told me during an interview that while they can’t vouch for purity of grocery store distilled, all they consider necessary is D/I water. I use grade 1 reagent water which is probably overkill and buy it in quantity from a lab supply house. The higher grades of water typically go through multiple processes to eliminate all sorts of potential contaminants, organic and inorganic.
My general reaction to the OP’s observations is that multiple cleanings, using different methods, is going to produce better results than a single cleaning by one method.
As far as leaving surfactant residue on the record, I’m definitely of the "pure water" rinse school--and I do this not just for sonics-- I didn’t really hear any negative artifacts from the AD fluid (using a reduced amount), but because I also want to leave the record in as pristine a state as possible. I have no idea what chemical interaction might occur with a given cleaning fluid and a poly-lined sleeve over time. (I’m not focused on Audio Desk here, but any cleaning fluid). These records will outlive me. I’m just a care-taker.