Audio Desk Systeme RCM - what's been your experience?


Hi All,

I have owned an ADS RCM for a little under 3 years. During that time, I've been able to work through my 3500 LP collection at a cleaning rate that just wasn't possible with my former RCM, the reputable VPI 16.5...so, in general, because of the ease and effectiveness of cleaning LPs, I've savored my time with the ADS RCM.

That is until now...

"Both the pump and ultrasonic transducer are failing" was the diagnosis delivered by the US distributor after the RCM abruptly stopped working. Essentially DOA...and out of warranty.

Before I formulate my next move, I'd love to hear from current or former owners of ADS RCMs - what have been your experiences with the reliability of the Audio Desk Systeme RCM?

Thanks for your time - appreciated!
soulbrass
Whart, about filtration.

The Elmasonic is well made from top to bottom, and that includes the drain valve. If I let the solution sit for a few hours, sediment settles to the bottom, I open the drain valve to a very thin stream, and leave it to drain overnight. Result: 90% of the crud at the bottom of the tank, ready to be washed away, and a virtually clean cleaning solution.

I would not be too worried about microscopic particles, because  ultrasonic cavitation should prevent their attachment to the record. That is, if you use a recommended detergent, so that grease goes into solution. Which is the best reason to use a detergent.

I like VersaClean from Fisher Scientific, which is said to be specially formulated for plastics; and since that is from a scientific supply company, where things have to work as advertised, I would tend to trust it. Further, my experience tends to confirm it.

Hot chemistry - should have mentioned that it can warp your records right smartly if something jams and the record stops turning. Conversely, a slightly warped record can straighten out after 10 minutes or so.

My suggestion:
Audio Desk Systeme clean.
Rinse with reagent grade water on VPI. 
Despite my problems with the earlier ADS machine, I think they have solved it and rinsing cannot hurt.
@terry9 : extremely helpful on several fronts.
I don't want to hijack @soulbrass 's topic about reliability of the ADS, so perhaps we can start another thread on the DIY approach. 

Soulbrass, at least from my experience with both the ADS and KL, the commercially branded "audiophile" solutions like the ADS and KL are both pretty well thought-out machines that are effective record cleaners; that Robert Stein who brings ADS into the States has been very good about supporting the ADS here;  that some of the customer problems of the ADS may have been due to the fact that the machine was a pretty innovative, early effort to address a " complete one step solution" for record cleaning, but with the rollers and computer functions to activate it, is more complex than a plain vanilla ultrasonic bath. (I gather that the "Pro" version embodies improvements, but haven't used it). But, to me,  part of the answer to your question about "what next"  is a digression into DIY, which isn't just about a cheaper alternative (though it can be) but a more effective one, for some of the reasons stated. You might consider exploring that path as well. 
whart - by no means am I discounting the DIY approach (and thanks to those who have shared their ideas)...

...but my original question was specific to the ADS RCM because I haven't yet decided if I should take advantage of the distributor's exchange/upgrade offer...a decision that would require essentially a "re-investment" in ADS.  The convenience of the ADS RCM is addicting but I am loath to begin a cycle of replacing a [not inexpensive!] RCM every 3 years.  Just trying to inform my decision.