I use an inexpensive "Record Doctor" cleaning mchine - but it doesn't do the actual cleaning.I use a mix of dishwashing liquid and 70% alcohol, and vigorously brush both sides of a record with a fine pure bristle paintbrush, then douse it with a good long spray of tap water.The Record Doctor isn't what cleans the record but does a great job of getting it perfectly dry. Results appear to be excelent. Shiny, spotless records, especially with some terrific used bargains I sometimes find, and considerably quieter surfaces.
Record Cleaning Machines
Has anyone out there done an A/B comparison of the cleaning results or efficacy using the Degritter ultra sonic record cleaning machine which operates at 120 kHz/300 watts and an ultrasonic cleaner that operates at 40 kHz/300 or 380 watts (e.g. Audio Desk; CleanerVinyl; the Kirmuss machine; etc.)? I have a system I put together using CleanerVinyl equipment, a standard 40 kHz ultrasonic tank and a Knosti Disco-Antistat for final rinse. I clean 3 records at a time and get great results. Surface noise on well cared for records (only kind I have) is virtually totally eliminated, sound comes from a totally black background and audio performance is noticeably improved in every way. Even though the Degritter only cleans 1 record at a time, it seems significantly easier to use, more compact and relatively quick, compared to the system I have now. I'm wondering if the Degritter's 120 kHz is all that much more effective, if at all, in rendering better audio performance than the standard 40 kHz frequency. I don't mind, at all, spending a little extra time cleaning my records if the audio results using the Degritter are not going to be any different. I'm not inclined to spend three grand for a little more ease & convenience and to save a few minutes. However, if I could be assured the Degritter would render better audio performance results, even relatively small improvements, that would be a whole other story.
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While what you say is true, the alcohol, mixed with water and detergent, only stay on the surface of a record for maybe 20 seconds, tops, and is thoroughly rinsed away and then dried off. This process may only happen three or four times during the life of an LP - so any long term effects from the drying properties of alcohol are not likely to be a problem. |
I am waiting for my shipment of a Humminguru Ultrasonic Vinyl Cleaning Machine that was launched by a Kickstarter campaign at the end of 2020: https://humminguru.com/ The tech/specs look good (40 KHz) and the machine also appears solidly built. I didn't get in on the ground floor but the price point seems very reasonable if it works as advertised. I'll keep you posted. |
- 111 posts total