@lewm: I keep my HW-17 in a walk-in closet, and close the door when running the vacuum. Cheap US machines emit a very high frequency buzz, sort of like a bug zapper. Again, mine’s in the closet.
Anyone out there own a Clearaudio Double Matrix Pro Sonic?
I have resisted buying a record cleaning device for four decades. Just have not needed one. However recently I was given a collection of 78s and LPs from the 50's and they are filthy. I would have to change the water in a Spin Clean after every record. I have researched the topic to death and have decided on the Double Matrix Pro Sonic. My thinking is that it does not recycle cleaning solution and it vacuum dries the record removing all the water and filth. I watched You Tubes of it working but nothing is ever said about durability. I can get one new for $5,500.00 but for that kind of money I expect it to out last me.
Comments from users will be greatly appreciated.
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I would sink wash "really dirty" discs, and then if desired use a cleaning machine. I use the label protector noted in the following link and warm filtered water ran through an old WaterPik. Always thoroughly rinse prior to applying any brush/cloth to avoid scratching. I also use a DIY wash solution and various brushes/micro fiber towels along with a drying rack. The filtered water from our kitchen faucet has no noticeable residue (when evaporated) unlike the distilled water I have purchased from local supers.
DeKay
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I know @mijostyn is looking for opinions from clearaudio users. I have never used one. I just wanted to offer the DeGritter alternative. It is cheaper but slower (5 - 10 minutes to a clean and dried LP). It uses a sweep of different US wavelengths and actively filters the cleaning fluid with an easy to wash/change filter. It is super easy to work with and you can clean a record on demand, no setup time. I used to use Cleaner Vinyl setup and although you can clean multiple records at a time, setup time required batching records for long cleaning sessions. Anyway. Glad you got a bunch of new (used) records! |
I missed the "78" part... If they are not late vinyl 78’s and are instead shellac coated discs I suggest going to a 78 collectors site for info as to properly cleaning them, as cleaning them as vinyl discs will most likely (will) damage them. I have a small collection of 78’s (a few vinyl and most shellac) and I’ve yet to clean the older ones.
DeKay |
@dekay , It is not that complicated. Alcohol is the solvent used to melt shellac flakes (dried out insect saliva). Any cleaning solution with alcohol will potentially melt the record. In reality shellac is not easy to melt. When I make shellac varnish I melt the flakes in 100% denatured ethanol and it takes three weeks and regular shaking to fully melt the shellac. However, if you clean a French polished table with anything that has alcohol in it you will instantly ruin the shine. So although you would not melt the record you would probably make it much noisier. My experience with 78 rpm records has yet to begin. The ones I was given were not stored under ideal conditions and smell of mildew. Many of them have had the spindle hole reamed out by a changer mechanism. For all I know they may be unplayable. The plan right now is to use distilled water with a little clorox in it. I look at it as a learning process. For me it is really only a nostalgia thing. I was hoping to find a working old Victrola one day. Now I have records to play on it. |
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