Ultrasonic LP Cleaning vs. “Thread Type” Cleaning (Keith Monks/Loricraft/etc.)

As a retired goldsmith; I can assure you that the only process that cleans items more thoroughly than ultrasound is live steam; which, obviously would not be much of an idea for vinyl LP records!

Bob nailed it
Kidding aside I'm on the same path and don't know what to get yet is it US or a thread machine. My home situation might change soon (for the best), right now I'm financially stranded and on small town home but following this thread, thanks OP

@whart 

Thanks. I saw an earlier draft, but this is quite encyclopedic.

Congratulations to all involved!

I have to second whart's thoughts on Neil Antin's ebook on vinyl cleaning.  It is incredibly detailed and covers all aspects of obtaining cleaner vinyl. Highly recommended.   The takeaway for me is that no one singular system is complete in terms of ultimate cleanliness. For those who want a one step one and done, ultrasonics are likely the best bet.  I have a VPI 16.5, V-8 40 khz  US tank, Clearaudio double matrix, and a Degritter (just purchased). I have used them singly and in combination. Each addition hasn't necessarily removed pops and ticks, but has improved the "texture" of the sound.  I have not used a Monks type cleaner because when I started cleaning records, it was an older (not necessarily outdated) technology.  For completists and those who have very revealing systems, a 2 or 3 step process will give the best results.  So to me it's not so much an either/or situation.  Mechanical cleaning with detergents/enzymes followed by ultrasonics is superior to either alone. If you are using any form of detergent, a final rinse will improve sonic quality and can remove any "veil" that remains.  There is an excellent discussion on the Hoffman forum on this as well under "degritter".  It is not limited to that device.

@orthomead- I just want Neil to see your kind words by including him in this thread @antinn. I published the piece so I'm hardly neutral (in the interest of full disclosure) in viewing Neil's work as the most comprehensive single source of information for cleaning records. And, also for what it's worth, there is no single method or piece of equipment that I (or Neil as far as I know) advocates as a magic bullet. 
I'm glad you like the "cross-cleaning" of using both mechanical and ultrasonic. I came to that conclusion several years ago with some high value records that needed more than a pass through the ultrasonic. Ditto on final rinse step.  I treat this as a learning process, rather than claiming expertise. Neil has real expertise, and we are lucky he's also an audiophile!
best,
Bill Hart