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. 😎
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Watch the Origin Live video where Mark Baker examines different cleaning methods. Study Better-Records.com and see what Tom Port uses. Hard to think of two more serious vinyl spinners, and they both come to the same conclusion.
The fact that we now have choices that's equivalent to putting a slice of bread in the toaster, wait a few minutes and it's done is appealing.

If you're dedicated to LP playback, spend the money on the best you can afford.
I have a VPI 16.5 and an Audio Desk Systeme US cleaner. The Audio Desk is great and from listening tests, cleans deeper than the VPI.

If you have real dirty on a record it needs to be cleaned with the VPI first.

@millercarbon, I would appreciate knowing the conclusion without having to root through a couple of websites. Thanks.