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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
jeffkleinberg
23 posts
 
I also had the pump failure upgrade scam.  I love my new pro machine, but very costly.  Nothing better for cleaning/convenience, but can only recommend with caveat regarding reliability, only time will tell.

Jeff

whart's avatar
whart
3,031 posts
 
I think the semi-DIY route @dgarretson described is not only more cost effective but offers more flexibility, particularly if you are willing to forego some of the convenience of the "one button" fully automatic audiophile models. The commercial audiophile machines (and I have owned both the Audio Desk and KL) have some limitations compared to what you can achieve with the semi-DIY route.
I am in the throes of planning another machine (not for resale, just for my own use).
Dgarretson-can you speak in a little more detail about the pump circuit with filter? One of the desirable features may be the ability to filter the water in the bath between cleaning cycles. I don’t know if you are using any kind of surfactant to enhance cavitation effect. I’m still trying to sort out the filtering issue as it relates to using a surfactant, since I assume the filter is designed for particulates- and I don’t know how the surfactant impacts the filter's effectiveness. (This is a work in progress for me- still learning). Thanks....
dgarretson
2,597 posts
 

@whart

I followed advice on a couple of DIY sites with respect to chemistry and filtering. A surfactant like Kodak Photo-flo 200 definitely helps, together with isopropyl alcohol, a drop or two of Dove detergent, and maybe a drop or two of Finish drying agent. The filter circuit will be a Little Giant 1-AA-OM pump(originally purposed for hot beverage dispensers), a Hydronix HF2 filter housing for 2.5" x 5" filters, and Hydronix SDC-25-0501 one micron filter cartridges. According to another DIYer, the Little Giant pump is strong enough to push through the fine mesh of a 1 micron filter.

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
The pump solution dgarretson describes above is what I'm doing. You can see some pictures and video at this link to the VPI thread discussing this, which contain links to the information in the very long-running thread on the diyAudio forum:
http://vpiindustries.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2289&p=25954#p25922

The Little Giant 1-AA-OM pump has been discontinued but I was recently able to purchase a new old stock pump from this eBay seller who apparently has several:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Giant-531001-1-AA-OM-Pump-/252508771367
jwpstayman
398 posts
 
Let me join in here with my experience of the Audio Desk.  I have had a machine for a little over 4 years and have cleaned more than 1500 lp's. It is a very complex machine which makes it simple/great for the user but it does mean there are lots of moving parts/mechanisms.  I did have a bump in the road a while back when the lp's stopped turning and sent it in to the US Distributor (Ultra Systems).  I was bit worried as the machine was out of warranty at that point, but they found and fixed the problem
 ( needed new o-rings) and had the machine back to me within 2 weeks with all new barrels and a new filter and could not have been nicer/more professional.  I am sure that eventually the machine will break - all mechanical machines do - and at that point, I will likely get another one as I can never go back to playing lip's that aren't pristinely cleaned.

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