HumminGuru Ultra-Sonic RCM

[FreddieFerric]

Just ran across this one yesterday. It can also be ordered via The Turntable Lab (I believe out of New York). I've requested an email notification when it's back in stock. Price is quite attractive, but as we all know, you often get what you pay for.

https://humminguru.com/

[rnrmf1971]

The stylus cleaner is interesting. I'll be looking for reviews of that device

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

The stylus cleaner is interesting. I'll be looking for reviews of that device

That device uses water which is a no-go for me. Most hi-end cartridge manufacturers recommend against using any kind of liquid to clean the stylus as it can losen the cement that attaches the styli to the cantelever. I'm assuming it would also void any warranty remaining on the cartridge.

The Onzow Zerodust is the cleaner for me. As usual, JMHO.

[mulveling]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

That device uses water which is a no-go for me. Most hi-end cartridge manufacturers recommend against using any kind of liquid to clean the stylus as it can losen the cement that attaches the styli to the cantelever. I'm assuming it would also void any warranty remaining on the cartridge.

The Onzow Zerodust is the cleaner for me. As usual, JMHO.

On audiogon recently, a chemist addressed the issue of stylus cleaning solvents weakening the glue. From reading that plus my own perspective - it's not an issue for properly glued styli with proper liquid cleaners. The manufacturers warn against this in an attempt to keep audiophiles in a very tight sandbox, which is understandable because we sometimes do some really stupid things.

Water is absolutely beyond safe for styli. I prefer to keep my styli as clean as possible. Once a session I wet a magic eraser w/ couple drops of water and do a dip + rotational scrub. Yes, on my Koetsu Blue Lace (and other high end MC's)! 3 years now, and it still shines like new. I've also used LAST stylus cleaner - it's good, but not as good as the Magic Eraser.

The gel dips or dry brushing alone (dry brushing should always be used in a cleaning regimen, but should not be the ONLY tool) will not keep a stylus clean enough, over time. You will see carbon blackening accumulate over time if you do only these, and then detritus will stick much more easily to the stylus. That will accelerate wear.

Here's the audiogon thread (on the safety of Onzow) and the relevant snippet:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussio...ner-onzow-zero

I have a 47 year history in the chemical business, much of which has been involved in polymer chemistry. I have years of formulating and specifying both epoxy and polyurethane coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers, aka CASE chemistry. I am now retired.

In regards to using wet cleaning of styli using alcohol or other solvent based solutions this should not negatively affect the epoxy adhesive used to bond the Diamond to the cantilever. Especially if using the recommended drop of solution. Even direct full immersion would take days, weeks and possibly months to have any deleterious effect and even then removing from immersion it could recover. A correctly formulated epoxy adhesive is resistant to solvents except for the most aggressive types like methyl chloride. No manufacture would use this aggressive of a solvent in a stylus cleaner.