RCM thoughts
 

I have owned a few Nitty Gritty RCMs and have been pleased with their abilities. My current model, MiniPro2, has been plagued with issues. It is currently 3 yrs old and has been back to NG for repairs 4X. The most current and repeated problem is when I switch on the vacuum the GFI in the outlet engages. The previous time this happened the seal around vacuum failed due to use of enzyme cleaner in the tank and allowed fluid to leak onto the vacuum motor and cause a short. The vacuum issue now appears to be the same except when not plugged into GFI circuit the vacuum continues to run, but I feel this is not a safe situation. This RCM has cleaned less than 100 LPs. Now when cleaning with enzyme cleaners I will clean by hand first, wipe with a MF towel and then clean with PURE2 fluid on the RCM and vacuum. I feel it is time to move on, although I love the dual side cleaning simultaneously. I am not prepared to pay >$2500 so an ultrasonic is not possible. I am asking for personal experience on other brands that members have used. I require reliability. Thanks in advance.

If you like to tinker then a ultrasonic tank from internet, can be used with various assembly options. I see a kit on eBay. Utube also has how too videos.
I think the ready made units are wonderful,but I have other equipment to buy with the cost savings.
Just a option and definitely not for everyone.

I had a basic Nitty Gritty many years ago, but have since converted to VPI. I had a 16.5 for several years which worked very well, and now use an HW-27 which I'm quite happy with. I have found the VPIs to be very reliable, and probably as good as anything else short of the ultrasonic machines. The 27 has been discontinued, but VPI now makes the MW-1, which looks to be a nice machine for around $1200.

My Nitty Gritty leaked from day one.

But I'd moved to a different country so I didn't manage to get it fixed under warranty.

A couple of years back, I was in a DIY phase so I opened it up to have a look. And it was easy to see where the leak was. From the water reservoir leading to the rubber hose that connected to the washer brushes.

Got some sealant. And some cable ties and it was back in business.

But eventually decided to spring for an ultrasonic cleaner. The AudioDesk which hopefully arrives next week.

I was initially more keen on the KL version because there was no need for brushes and liquid concentrates. But AudioDesk claimed they used a lower frequency and brushes vs a higher frequency US motor because they were concerned about potential damage to the records.

How many records would you clean in say an average week & average month?

Best sir,

Bob

My total LP collection is +450 not counting the individuals in my 25 box sets. I have slowed down on purchases so I would say 5 LPs per month. I wait until I get 10 ready to clean before I set all up to do the process.

I cleaned my 1000 record collection with a Klaudio. Sold the KL last year. Now, as I am collecting vinyl again, I keep thinking about getting another cleaner. I have a 16.5 in the garage but I don't see myself ever using that again. Painful process once you become spoiled by a drop-in-and-forget ultrasonic cleaner. If I spring for a new RCM, it will be the Clearaudio Double Matrix.

I am a fan of the double matrix but not the $5500 price. A member had all of the top RCMs and the double matrix was his preferred choice for his cleaning regime.

I am sure if/when I get an us I will re lean all LPs

The AudioDesk is now on sale for $3699 and is whispering to me.