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to buy or not to buy (ultrasonic record cleaner)

Hi Audiogoners,

So I have been considering investing in an ultrasonic record cleaning maching. Prob like some of you I question the ROI. So. I have a friend that purchased one and luckily he allowed me to take it for a spin (no pun intended).

I wanted to compare the results to my record cleaning system which is a Spin clean ($150) and a Record doctor record Vacuum ($300). I wont say what brand of ultrasonic cleaner I tested as not to disparage, or promote that brand publicly to be fair. if you want to know which one you can send me a private msg.

so to keep it simple I will let you judge for yourself. I have posted two pics taken with a USB microscope to my virtual systems page. Test1 and test 2. One of these pics was taken after cleaning with my system and the other with the ultrasonic cleaner

Can you tell which one is the ultrasonic??

should be intersting
barnettk
barnettk OP
410 posts
 
Oh and I forgot to mention that both pics were taken of the exact same spot on the record. 
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
If it's the same record, did you clean it with your system first and then the ultrasonic, or vice versa?  They do seem different, though I couldn't tell you if one was cleaner than the other.
barnettk OP
410 posts
 
I cleaned it first with my system then cleaned it with the ultrasonic. Unfortunately with my system I can’t clean only one side nor with the ultrasonic but my thinking was if the ultrasonic was so much better I wanted to see a major difference after using it. Truthfully I cannot. 
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"Can you tell which one is the ultrasonic??"

My guess is the pic on right. The grooves do appear cleaner.

I've been waffling for years in purchasing a machine. MIC Amazon specials are becoming more attractive.

Because I'm picky with my used LP purchases, my Spin Clean has been sufficient.
This is confirmed by hearing them on Uber decks.

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