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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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rsf507
2,314 posts
 
I've been using the KM Prodigy threadless machine for several months, came from a VPI16.5 and find it quick, quiet (relatively speaking) and cleans better than the VPI. Yes US may clean deeper but are not as simple as this machine is. YMMV
cdamiller5
98 posts
 
Clearaudio Double Matrix - worth every penny 
ricmci
219 posts
 
I also recently purchased the KM Prodigy. It takes a little experimentation but after 5-6 Lps one should have it down. Just need to fine time the amount of liquid and vacuum for your room temperature and humidity but once you figure that out it holds true for just about every LP.  I can't speak highly enough about how quiet it is. I can put on a record, easily clean 4 LPs, and still enjoy what I am listening to. Not ultrasonic but does a great job to my ears. Never owned any other record cleaner. Can't say I won't upgrade in the future but right now I am smitten with it.
tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
I finally settled on an AudioDesk I was fortunate to get onsale and haven't looked back. 
vinylshadow
490 posts
 
I bought a Loricraft 4 because it uses a new, clean string every time.
I had no interest in an Ultrasonic cleaner that reuses water that was used to clean the previous record.

It comes with L'Art du Son but I've read that Keith Monks cleaning formulation liquid is better.

Plus I believe that with Loricrafts hospital grade vacuum, it cleans as good or better than an ultrasonic cleaner.

I’ve been told that SME is/has changing/changed Loricrafts design as of the new batches last December. For the worse. Plastic instead of brass and a weaker vacuum.
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