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Record Cleaning Machines

Has anyone out there done an A/B comparison of the cleaning results or efficacy using the Degritter ultra sonic record cleaning machine which operates at 120 kHz/300 watts and an ultrasonic cleaner that operates at 40 kHz/300 or 380 watts (e.g. Audio Desk; CleanerVinyl; the Kirmuss machine; etc.)?  I have a system I put together using CleanerVinyl equipment, a standard 40 kHz ultrasonic tank and a Knosti Disco-Antistat for final rinse.  I clean 3 records at a time and get great results.  Surface noise on well cared for records (only kind I have) is virtually totally eliminated, sound comes from a totally black background and audio performance is noticeably improved in every way.  Even though the Degritter only cleans 1 record at a time, it seems significantly easier to use, more compact and relatively quick, compared to the system I have now.  I'm wondering if the Degritter's 120 kHz is all that much more effective, if at all, in rendering better audio performance than the standard 40 kHz frequency.  I don't mind, at all, spending a little extra time cleaning my records if the audio results using the Degritter are not going to be any different.  I'm not inclined to spend three grand for a little more ease & convenience and to save a few minutes.  However, if I could be assured the Degritter would render better audio performance results, even relatively small improvements, that would be a whole other story.
oldaudiophile
antinn
408 posts
 
@oldaudiophile,

Let me add that I adjust the chemical concentration for each method which also takes into account how easy it will be to rinse.  So as an example I specify four different concentrations of Tergitol 15-S-9 used as a final cleaner for these four different methods.

1,  Manual - 0.1%.
2. Vacuum RCM - 0.05%
3.  UT Cleaning - 0.01-0.015%
4.  Degritter (or no rinse) - 0.008%


mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
What is the CMC for the Tergitol?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@antinn as above!
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
@antinn, I would use a higher concentration in the Degritter followed by a rinse. I would use IPA in the rinse to speed up drying. 
bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,236 posts
 
I have used the   P4875(II)-4T-NH (isonicinc.com) for a year now.  Have cleaned about 750 LPs and have been generally satisfied with the results.  While the system will accomodate 10 discs at a time, I have learned that doing 2 at a time lets me space them apart and gets better results.  I think the machine gives good value for the price.  One thing I have stopped doing is ever touching the surface of a cleaned disc with a brush (carbon or otherwise) or any other surface cleaning devise.  I gently blow off the surface before playing.  After spending all the time cleaning a disc, that last thing I want to do is push any surface particles down into the grooves with a brush.  Makes sense?  
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