Record Cleaning Machines

@sokogear, I was suggesting using a mini-fan, instead of blowing on a record.

Like you, I also use a carbon fiber record brush (Audioquest Anti-Static). I could be wrong but I don't see how this would damage the grooves of a record treated with LAST or even those that aren't. Haven't heard any problems, anyway. As I indicated earlier, I also regularly use an Onzow, as well.

I respect your opinion on the need (or not) for a RCM. However, based upon personal experience, I have to respectfully disagree. I've got records I purchased new in the 60's & 70's and have fastidiously cared for ever since. I manually cleaned some of them back in the 80's. I can't honestly recall what the before & after audio performance difference(s) was back then because that was just too long ago. However, I can assure you there was a very readily noticeable audio improvement after I cleaned those same records recently, ultrasonically. "Dramatic" is a relative term, of course.  So is "subtle". The best way I can describe or characterize the difference(s) is that it's something you don't have to be in critical listening mode to hear. It's straightforward and straightaway! Even my toughest critics heard/hear the difference(s) (e.g. wife; close friends who visit often and give me the straight poop when asked, not polite placation). I've never done a before & after with a new record. So, I can't honestly attest to comparative audio performance differences in this respect. I can only assume the potential difference(s), if there is any, would probably be more subtle than the difference(s) I achieved with the old records. Maybe new pressing methods and new vinyl/PVC composition might have something to do with this.

@millercarbon  Have to admit that sometimes you really crack me up.  Cheers.  

If no one ever enters the vinyl inner sanctum, how do the records get there? 

Trick question- they never do! First they would have to be organized. And, you know how that goes.....

https://youtu.be/2msCS8dvSok?t=43

Nice clip MC, as usual you are always spot on with the hilarious exaggerations from movies or TV shows.

@oldaudiiophile - I didn’t imply that the fan would hurt anything. I was just saying that if you don’t ever wet the record, you wouldn’t need a fan to dry it. You answered my question about frequency of cleaning, thanks. So I would buy a RCM, clean my records once and then forget about it unless I got a dirty used record (which wouldn’t happen)? No thanks.

 Like I said, I tried it on a wet RCM a couple years ago on 40 year old records played hundreds if not a thousand times and could not hear any difference before or after, nor did the salesman trying to sell me one. I think it was like $700, maybe a VPI? Maybe an ultrasonic would be better, but if I don’t hear any surface noise, are you saying the SQ improves with better dynamics, bass, clarity, etc. after being cleaned? I find that hard to believe if the record has been well cared for and has been brushed for dust, but I accept that you heard it.

That’s why this forum is so great, we can respectfully disagree knowing in this hobby it is very rarely cut and dry. A little comedy never hurts either to counteract the network news hysteria of the day.

@sokogear, it's all good!

Some folks with 35 kHz to 80 kHz ultrasonic RCM are comfortable cleaning records more than once. For now, I'm in the one & done camp with my 40 kHz machine until or unless I find the sonic performance of a record I've cleaned has deteriorated. So far, that hasn't happened. If it ever does, I don't think I'd risk a repeat cleaning on those records in my collection that are irreplaceable. I'd likely experiment with a record I know I could get a good re-pressing of. However, 120 kHz machines, like the Degritter, are purported to be more gentle. As such, some audiophiles are very comfortable running records through machines like that multiple times. This is another reason why the Degritter intrigues me. However, like you, I gotta hear it to believe it. I'm not inclined to shell out 3 grand for the Degritter or a machine like it if I can't be reasonably assured I'll get better sonic results than I'm getting with the machine & system I'm using now. The system hardware I'm using now cost me less than 400 bucks 4 years ago. Even if I added the cost of all the extra doodads I use in my system (e.g. fluids; microfiber cloths; etc.), I'd still be under 450 bucks. I could order a Degritter from Music Direct, do an A/B, see/hear for myself and send it back if it failed to impress. They have a great 60 day return policy. Don't know if they have a restocking or return fee, though. I'd have to check that out. Still might be worth it. It's looking like this may be the only way for me to satisfy my curiosity, unless I can find a local audio shop with a Degritter who cleans customers' records as a demo.

Next time you've got about 45 minutes to blow, have a look at this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN9X1Op8eVo