Why are record cleaners so expensive?

Interesting discussion..

We each have different priorities in how we spend our disposable income, and none of the previously mentioned things are essential items, and of course any first-world consumer can vote with their wallet..

While I have to agree that Audio Desk and Klaudio ultrasonic record cleaning machines are overpriced at $3,000+ and would love to see more affordable equipment become available for half that, in the $1500 range, there are many other "expensive niche products" that are not likely to be found in every home in the developed world.

Music lovers who want the benefits of cleaning their records on Audio Desk and Klaudio machines can use an affordable record cleaning service like mine, Record Genie. Some of my customers just use my service to clean a few records before deciding which machine to buy, but I know others could never afford the expense of their own machine(s).

Both Audio Desk and Klaudio machines offer excellent results, and I’ve cleaned thousands of records for hundreds of happy customers all over the USA since 2013. It’s less than $3 per record for cleaning on one machine, and $5 for cleaning on both. Media Mail postage gets the records back and forth affordably, and I have special packaging to borrow for those who need it.

Those with large collections (if cleaning them all) will probably still want their own machine(s) for obvious cost and practical reasons, and others will object to sending records through the mail (even with special packaging), but if you live in the USA and want to experience the difference of playing records cleaned on the best ultrasonic machines available without breaking the bank, there really is no obstacle to doing so..

dgarretson:

I’d be interested to know how many records you’ve been running in your Chinese made (40khz?) tank with the Vinyl Stack while still being able to get consistently good results on every side of every record?

Are you using the "wider" spacers that Vinyl Stack offers as an option?

Obviously you just got the Elma Sonic cleaner, but I am curious how "even" you find the cleaning with the Elma cleaner with varying number(s) of records loaded on the Vinyl Stack? If I was going to buy a tank cleaner to use then I’d probably also want to get the Elma P60H.

I’ve been cleaning with Audio Desk and Klaudio machines for almost 3 years now, and have 2 of each machine, but tank cleaners are interesting since they would allow increased productivity, but I’d need to be sure that quality would be as good or better than the "single slot" machines. How are you drying your records?

Much of what I’ve read online in the last 3 years indicates that 80khz would be useful, and apparently smaller cavitation bubbles are gentler on the records, all other things being equal. Another option would be a 60khz tank, I know Sonix makes one, and it may even be US made, so more than Chinese units, but less $ than the German made Elma.

Thanks,
Dave

samzx12

Just for fun..

Please send me 5 of your favourite records. They don't need to be valuable, or audiophile pressings, just some that you know well and enjoy. I will double-clean them on my Audio Desk and Klaudio machines for FREE, you just pay postage..

That's $25 of free cleaning - If samzx12 doesn't want to take me up on the offer, then another thread contributor should please let me know if they would like to do it and report back to the thread!

You could then decide from first-hand personal experience:

1 - Do expensive ultrasonic record cleaning machines make a real world difference that's worthwhile?

2 - Is the difference one that's easily heard on your system?

3 - Does that difference matter to you as much as spending money on upgrading equipment?

Let me know!
Dave 

samzx12

That's great!

Just sent you a message through the "Marketplace Feedback" page. I'm not sure if that's best way, but I'm a relatively new member here, so not sure if I can PM yet, maybe just email me..

Thanks,
Dave at RecordGenie.com