Ultrasonic record cleaners


I have a modest lp collection, mixed bag of original college age purchases, used records before the current renewed interest, and some newer albums to replace some older issues from the p mount needle days.  Have a vpi 16 machine and audio intelligent form 6 fluid. I’m not finding a significant improvement on my noisier issues.  The price of ultrasonic cleaners have come down to a price I would consider.  Appreciate the experiences of those who have purchased the ultrasonic machines, are they superior to my vpi and are the less expensive models effective?

TIA

tennisdoc56

I bought a VPI cleaner from a friend who was done cleaning his modest collection and used it for a couple of years, but found while this type of machine gets rid of the worst of the offending grit, falls short of getting at the stubborn stuff.

I decided to go the ultrasonic route, but they were out of my price range.  Then I happened upon the CleanerVinyl Easy3 Audiophile Kit.  I got the 6 liter cavitation tank they offer from Allendale Group of England.  I have been totally pleased with the results after having cleaned about 70+ records.  I use a couple of drops of Photoflo as a wetting agent. 

 

Replaced a Ultrasonic cleaner I used in combination with a Project VCM with a Degritter.  I clean all records, new included. Then place in MoFi anti static sleeves. The Degritter is definitely a better system. Totally satisfied with the Degritter. 

Recently purchased a Furutech Destat III. The Destat has helped eliminate any remaining noise caused by static and dust. Using the Destat allows the brush to remove any remaining particles from the surface of the record that static would tend to hold on to. I rarely here any type noise when playing records since adding the mentioned devices.

 

I use the Audio Desk Systeme.  It has its issues.  But I think the rotating brushes, added with the Ultra Sonics work great for older dirtier LPs.  I have noticed many of my high school buys sound great after a cleaning.  And I do like the ease of use and the thorough drying.  I drop the next LP in for a cleaning when listening to side 2 of the LP that is playing. It is much quieter than any Vacuum system, which is a plus.  I will seriously check into the Degritter when I have to replace this system, but the external tank is a problem for my space.  But, I am sold on US cleaning.  A must in my book if you have a discerning audio system.  No way I would go through the hassles and steps involved with Kirmus approach.  Plus, don’t want to purchase a lab coat!

My first record cleaner was the Project VC-E and it did a great job but if you had several records to clean if became your full time job. It could take 45 minutes to clean 6 records. I decided to get a US machine and researched them all. I decided on the KLlaudio which has an external tank with pump. Yes it was expensive but is sure is convenient to just turn on the unit and drop in a record and it is cleaned in no time while I do not need to stand there. I use RO water with a few drops of photoflo solution.