VPI versus Ultrasonic cleaners


There have been rave reviews concerning ultrasonic record cleaners of all types.  But no ones has ever put the records under a microscope.  I am posting this because I have at 130x.

I purchased 2 of the same records, 1 ultrasonic cleaned and 1 not.  I examined them and the ultrasonic cleaned record while cleaner was not fully clean.  I contacted the seller and this was one of the drip dry cleaners.

I gave the ultrasonically record the following light cleaning (which did help it)
1 Docs miracle record misto sprayed and spread with a cotton makeup remover
2 Steam with distilled water
3 Vacuum with my VPI with a Delron tube (much better than the cheap clear one)
4 VPI record cleaner misto sprayed and spread with VPI brush
5 Steam with distilled water
6 Vacuum with my VPI
7 Steam with distilled water

The other record received the above process but repeating steps 1-3 and 6-7.  So twice the cleaning

I re-examined them under 130x and showed the results to a couple others who agreed that while clean the double VPI processes looked better.

Listening wise they sounded the same.  Listening was done on a SME20/3 with a Sumiko Palos presentation cartridge.   Any difference should have been picked up.

Shame I can't quickly post the pictures.  But in short if you have a good VPI process perhaps invest in a USB microscope and look at the record before buying another cleaner.  If you do get an ultrasonic cleaner I think it needs to be the drying kind.

ajcrocker1
I have an Audiodesk and sounds like a good idea to use the VPI to give a final rinse. Also have zerostat, Mapleshade zerostat and Furutek d'stat. I will post after I try
Rushton is right again. The minimal amount of static I get from the VPI which dries in 3 rotations can be eliminated with a Furutech Destat or similar tool. This is better than dried solution left on the record after an AD blow dry. That said, I have used the AD without a final rinse to great effect. But, when you are already in the insane clean program: Why have any impurities on the record? Why not go all the way? 
What final rinse do you all use? I see that Audio Intelligent makes Ultra-Pure Water available from music direct for $16. I also see several reagent grade water types on amazon.
I have a commercial grade RO filter. I think that this is clean enough for me. $100 will get you a 2or3 stage filter.
There is a thread on DIY ultrasonic cleaners on the VPI website forum.

A must read.

A potential issue is if the water bath gets dirty, and is left on the cleaned record after it is removed. Do you then clean with a different machine that removes the water residue?

ajcrocker’s method does address this, but it is over kill, and takes too long IMO.

I use a Nitty Gritty. It does a very good job, and takes 2 minutes. I do not have OCD!