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Ultrasonic LP Cleaning vs. “Thread Type” Cleaning (Keith Monks/Loricraft/etc.)

Many dealers now tout ultrasonic record cleaners as the ultimate, yet companies like Loricraft and Keith Monks continue to introduce new “thread type” (or “string”) record cleaners.

There was a recent discussion in one of Michael Fremer’s on-line columns (https://www.analogplanet.com/content/sme-loricraft-introduces-upgraded-thread-type-vacuum-record-cle...) announcing a new thread type record cleaner from Loricraft. In the comments section, several owners of thread type cleaners praised them and one person stated a “thread type”was better than their own ultrasonic cleaner.

I’m interested in hearing from those of you who have experience with BOTH types of record cleaners, and what you perceive to be the pluses and minuses of each.

As for myself, I’ve been plodding along for years with a VPI 16, and I would like something that is faster to use and that will run for more than an hour without overheating. 😎
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tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
I finally settled on an AudioDesk I was fortunate to get onsale and haven't looked back. 
vinylshadow
497 posts
 
I bought a Loricraft 4 because it uses a new, clean string every time.
I had no interest in an Ultrasonic cleaner that reuses water that was used to clean the previous record.

It comes with L'Art du Son but I've read that Keith Monks cleaning formulation liquid is better.

Plus I believe that with Loricrafts hospital grade vacuum, it cleans as good or better than an ultrasonic cleaner.

I’ve been told that SME is/has changing/changed Loricrafts design as of the new batches last December. For the worse. Plastic instead of brass and a weaker vacuum.
lewm
13,111 posts
 
What is “hospital grade vacuum”?
vinylshadow
497 posts
 
@lewm

Terry(the builder before SME) used super high end hospital grade Austin pumps that are so expensive. Prc4 has 24 liters per minute suction power!! And quiet....


I don't know what vacuum pumps are currently being installed in new Loricraft 4's.

willy-t
158 posts
 
I followed an online record cleaning service advise and got the Elmasonic machine  and a Record Stack rotary  
The Elmasonic used 2 frequencies and bounces from one to the other during the process.  Once done I use a distilled water rinse and then let the records air dry. Comes out clean like a piece of jewelry comes out of the jewelry store ultrasonic cleaner. Nothing could be easier or more simple. $1,800 initial  investment.  Will last a long time
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