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. 😎
128x128vinyl_rules
@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.

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
@lewm: As @vinylshadow mentioned, these pumps are off the shelf. Monks claims theirs is specially adapted to spec from a pump commonly used in dialysis machines with a low failure rate and the ability to run continuously for a long while. If you saw how a Monks is built inside, it is really very Rube Goldberg, but quite ingenious in some ways. Part of the pride of ownership, apart from cleaning effectiveness, is the sort of quaint vintage charm of something that looks like it was put together by the Wright Brothers using canning jars inside. It is also relatively quiet. I don’t listen while I clean- the "cleaning "station" is in an adjacent room, but it is almost enjoyable to use the thing.