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Thumbs up for ultrasonic record cleaning

My Cleaner Vinyl ultrasonic record cleaner arrived today and it’s impressive.

Everything I’d read indicated that ultrasonic was the way to go, and now I count myself among the believers. Everything is better - records are quieter, less ticks and pops, more detail etc.

All my records had been previously cleaned with a vacuum record cleaner and were well cared for. Nonetheless, the difference is obvious and overwhelmingly positive.

Phil
phil0618
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,938 posts
 
@terry9,

I've ordered Versa-Clean and Photoflo. My plan is to use this with distilled water for the time being as my next phase of my progression of US cleaning.

I have two existing RO filtering systems. One I cut off years ago when a leak developed and an identical new unit never installed. I think I'll try to install/fix both and use one with a mineral cartridge for my drinking water and the other just for my US cleaning needs. Thoughts/suggestions?
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,938 posts
 
@terry9 ,

I’ve been experimenting again... I can certainly understand now, why you describe your rinsing effort as heroic! Let me explain......

I’m still using my AD/distilled water. It’s at close to a complete water change. I received my Versa-Clean. I decided to just put in a small amount to my existing water. I did not measure it but I guess 2oz? When I pulled the lp out to rinse/vacuum on my VPI....major suds coming through the vacuum tube. So, I’m not even at the 20:1 ratio and still having a major amount of rinsing to do.

Mine is a 10 L tank but of coarse it isn't filled to capacity. It takes slightly under 2 gal to fill it to operating capacity.

terry9
2,354 posts
 
@slaw 

Good idea about the RO systems. Think that's absolutely right. I like to finish with distilled water.

Chemistry - I like to use 40:1, measured with lab glassware. But a measuring cup would work fine, if you are careful.

Glad to see that it's working for you. All the best.


slaw's avatar
slaw
22,938 posts
 
@terry9 ,

Why finish with distilled if it’s not as pure as RO or the like?

I was just posting my initial findings, I think it may work???...not sure yet.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,938 posts
 
@terry9 ,

After re-reading my last post, I realize it was unnecessary.

I had asked you earlier if you could ascribe the positive benefit of your cleaning methods (filtering/rinsing/fluids) over what I was doing. You said around 50%. I was skeptical. I am no longer. Just using the Versa-Clean in my current water and better rinsing was a revelation. I've cleaned several lps from new to very rough record show finds. The improvement is easy to hear across the board.

About one year ago, I went through my Janis Joplin lps to compare different pressings. I have the MFSL 45rpm "Cheap Thrills". At that time I was very disappointed in it. So much so, I put it in my to sell pile. I re-cleaned it this morning and WOW!, it is a completely different sounding record. Actually, it is of reference quality. I'm not kidding.

Thank you for your posts!


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