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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
21,967 posts
 
Another example of why DIY is better than Audio Desk, IMO:

I just listened to my copy of Eels "Daisies of the Galaxy" that was previously cleaned by my steam/AD method as of early 2018. It was ticky all throughout. I re-steamed it with the AI "down with dirty concentrate" then put it through my DIY US cleaner at 45min/45C/9V setting on the Vinyl Stack. The ticking is 98% gone, along with greater dynamic impact.
terry9
2,354 posts
 
@slaw 

Didn't see your July posting until now.

The Elma has the drain on the right hand side. Since it is very finely controlled (down to drop by drop), I clean my solution by (1) arrange a clear plastic drain line with a dip in the middle (2) let the chemistry rest for a few hours (3) begin the drip into a clean jug (4) wait overnight (5) remove the jug of clean chemistry (6) rinse everything.

The chemistry is pretty clean, no noticeable fibre. I love letting Mr. Newton do the work!
jtimothya
612 posts
 
The Elma has the drain on the right hand side. Since it is very finely controlled (down to drop by drop), I clean my solution by (1) arrange a clear plastic drain line with a dip in the middle (2) let the chemistry rest for a few hours (3) begin the drip into a clean jug (4) wait overnight (5) remove the jug of clean chemistry (6) rinse everything.
I don't understand how dripping solution into a clean jug overnight does anything to clean the solution.  (By 'solution' I assume this means water + chemicals.) 

Can you say more?



jtimothya
612 posts
 
With my DIY setup, I do no rinses and I air dry the records. Rinsing is an unnecesary step that adds time, especially if it is done one record at a time on a horizontal vacuum which also adds considerable mess.

When records are pulled from the tank after a wash cycle if the water on the record is clean then the records will be clean when they dry. The key is keeping the tank water clean during the cleaning cycle.
More here:https://thevinylpress.com/timas-diy-rcm-follow-up-2-compelling-changes-improved-results/
dmk_calgary
125 posts
 
totally agree. I got a CV about a month ago. Incredible. Like having a new collection.
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