Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner Recommendations

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

Plus, the clear audio, which is a heckuva unit (at least I think it is, but I have to say I don’t own it).

By the look of it, a fine RCM. Clear Audio doesn't make junk.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

So much misinformation.
The Kirmuss does not take 30-40 minutes to "clean" a record. That is their 'restoration' process, which Fremer speaks highly of.
The normal 'clean cycle' is 2 minutes. Which Fremer also speaks highly of, as recent as his January '21 column in Stereophile.

I appreciate your comments Glenn, but with respect I stand by my statements. And that is based on the videos I've seen from Kirmuss himself.

[doggiehowser]

I’ve always wondered if I could pair the Kirmuss with a Project VCS2 and use VCS2 to do the manual cleaning bit (without the vacuum).

Definitely saves a lot of labour.

[Maks]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

I’ve always wondered if I could pair the Kirmuss with a Project VCS2 and use VCS2 to do the manual cleaning bit (without the vacuum).

Definitely saves a lot of labour.

I see this combination method come up quite a bit, I'll chime in w/my experience. I would say 97% of the used LPs and 45s I buy are great condition, the only real beaters I have are some Sam Cooke 45s I bought really more just for collecting, the rest are all VG at least. I can think of a handful of times where the KLAudio wasn't able to remove fingerprints from 40+ year old records, my Okki Nokki is in storage otherwise I would've tried that seeing if the fluid and manual cleaning with a brush would've helped. I can also think of 3 late 50s/early 60s era LPs that I've cleaned with both machines and still have popcorn effect, I assume these are just damaged from past play. Actually all 3 of those were also cleaned with my Spin Clean when I first started getting into the cleaning process.

On the other hand I also buy 78s, many of which have sat around in who knows where collecting dust and dirt and some which still smell of cigarette smoke decades later. I've done digging where my hands are visibly dirty from sorting through records. Every now and again one will be filthy enough where I'll clean it with a rag and distilled water before placing it into the KLAudio. Even with 78s that don't look visibly dirty I've seen the water tank turn into pond water after a handful of cleaning cycles.

The point of all this rambling being--unless you are buying seriously dirty LPs and 45s, which even after a cleaning are likely not going to sound great, I'm not sure I see the need for both an ultrasonic cleaning and one with a brush/fluid. That's just my 2c after having dealt with some really nasty shellac over the years.

[Formerly YB-2]

My understanding with the Kirmuss unit, is that the vacuum RCM is used primarily to dry the LP after running thru the ultra-sonic cleaner. If I end up going the Kirmuss route, I'll likely use straight distilled water with the CA RCM when drying.

As for the long run-time cleaning with the Kirmuss, the latest statements by Fremer & Kirmuss should clear up the questions. They both seem to be on the same page.

[kimurastanley]

In other forum, one user mentioned that degritter cleans much more effective than audiodesk(AD). But not too sure which version of AD he was using. Anyone has experience with both devices?

I am using Nessie Vinylmaster now and looking to explore ultrasonic RCM. Local AD dealer here gives better deal compared to Degritter dealer. The latest Pro X version is 1k cheaper than Degritter.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Maks

... I can think of a handful of times where the KLAudio wasn't able to remove fingerprints from 40+ year old records ... Even with 78s that don't look visibly dirty I've seen the water tank turn into pond water after a handful of cleaning cycles ... unless you are buying seriously dirty LPs and 45s, which even after a cleaning are likely not going to sound great, I'm not sure I see the need for both an ultrasonic cleaning and one with a brush/fluid ...

I also use the Klaudio machine and I've had the identical experience. I haven't touched my Nitty Gritty machine since going the ultrasonic route.

[carlthess50]

I’ll post some pics and info of my new ultrasonic cleaner. It’s some work to clean records. But well worth the time
How do I add pics on here ? I’m using the tap a talk app . Thanks

[rclop]

I have the Clear Audio Ultra Sonic record cleaner. I have had this for about a year and half. It is a great product and I haven't had any issues with it. It is expensive, but I believe that you get what you pay for.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by carlthess50

I’ll post some pics and info of my new ultrasonic cleaner. It’s some work to clean records. But well worth the time
How do I add pics on here ? I’m using the tap a talk app . Thanks

Not sure you can do so without being a subscriber.
Which US RCM did you get?