2. analog
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End-Game RCM thoughts/advice

I've been reading lots of posts about various methods of cleaning LPs, and there seems to be important pros and cons for pretty much every method and/or machine I've looked at.  That said:

I have an old VPI 16.5 that works well, and a recently acquired Vinyl Stack and a Chinese 6L US tank (done about 10 LPs in it so far, one at a time.  I think that an US cleaning, followed by rinse/vacuum on the 16.5 sounds better than just using the VPI.... I have not compared fluids/chemistries yet.  I use the Mo-Fi and AIVS fluids for the VPI, and Distilled water, IPA and a tiny bit of Liquinox in the US.....

I am not interested in doing 4 step processes, spending 20-30 minutes per side, etc.  I want great sound, but also want to spend my time listening to LPs, not cleaning them. Not judging, just know myself,.  In any case, I will probably keep the machines I have now (16.5 can be used for multi-step cleaning, if necessary, and Vinyl Stack for cleaning 3 LPs at a time, if I so chose).  (I also have a Spin-Clean and one of the Merrill, spray LP in the sink devices).

I am shopping for a daily driver, that cleans both sides at the same time, and does a great job (if not the absolute best job possible). If vacuum-based, I want someting more 'automated' than the 16.5,without giving up performance, for an US, something quieter than the Chinese US, that also dries, even if only 1 LP at a time)..I have narrowed it down to the Clearaudio Double Matrix (non sonic version), The Degritter, and the 2019 version of the Audiodesk Pro. (please ignore the price in your comments- it is the performance, convenience and logistics I am concerned with.

I am not interested in a Loricraft/Monks style machine, nor a single-side latewral move from the 16.5-it works well.,  A single-side automatic like the Nessie Vinykmaster might be in the running since I am told it is much quieter than the 16.5

Please comment and save my sanity (what's left of it anyway... working from home and have too much time on my hands....  Everyone stay well, happy and healthy/safe!




fzman1956
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cleeds
5,658 posts
 
fzman1956
I am not interested in doing 4 step processes, spending 20-30 minutes per side, etc. I want great sound, but also want to spend my time listening to LPs, not cleaning them ... I am shopping for a daily driver, that cleans both sides at the same time, and does a great job ... I have narrowed it down to the Clearaudio Double Matrix (non sonic version), The Degritter, and the 2019 version of the Audiodesk Pro.
Your position is the same as mine was, after I realized the Nitty Gritty cleaner I’d had for decades saw only rare use because of its inconvenience.

I bought the Klaudio machine and think it can’t be beat. Press one button; walk away; return to pristine LP. Now I can’t imagine life without it.

The Klaudio is no longer in regular production, though you might still find some NOS. The Audiodesk looks comparable, but I don’t have any first-hand experience with it.
Granted, these are expensive options. But I think their ease-of-use makes it all worthwhile.
gasnsteering
58 posts
 
So the Kirmuss won’t do what you want?   I have the spin clean and the VPI and thought this would be a better option?
trytone
113 posts
 
DEfinitely DEgritter
ericsch
751 posts
 
The Kirmuss looks like way to much work and time.
fzman1956 OP
5 posts
 
Anyone have a DeGritter that replaced a prior machine and have hands-on comparisons to offer?  I've done lots of 'research' on this, and many sane voices assert that fluids and technique matter as much or than which vacuum machine is used. That said, I really do want a toaster- i.e., insert record, push button....  time....  remove clean record... enjoy. 

I am confident that clean records sound better.  I am equally confident that the eaiser and quicker the machine is to use, the more likely it is that I'll actually clean my LPs.   Also, I am more inclinde to want to clean an LP just prior to playing IT, rather than batch-cleaning as a stand-alone activity.

PS Is there anything even resembling proof that any Ultrasonic Cleaning can/has actually damaged an LP?
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