What record cleaner is the most bang for the buck??

Not sure how everyone’s records are getting so dirty. I live in the desert and (as I said before) as long as I use a Big Brush, the dustcover and put records back in their sleeves when not in use that’s all that’s really needed. My records continue to look and sound like the day I acquired them. (And yes, my system is resolving enough to notice; )

As mentioned before, I use the Groovemaster Clamp when I first get the records (sometimes soaking them for extended periods if warranted). FWIW: Before I got one, the idea of submerging a record in the sink would have seemed insane to me. However, now all other ways seem like a huge compromise.

The OP asked what record cleaner best bang for buck and I think the Groovemaster is just that. Just use the Big Brush (no fluids needed) before each play and the Gmaster as needed. Bonus: I usually make a listening session out of sink cleanings as I don’t have to contend with cleaning machine noise.

@sejodiren … it’s surprising how resistant the labels are to water, isn’t it! However, as mentioned above, I sometimes soak them for long periods if conditions warrant ..so the Groovemaster is a must for me.

Having owned many types of cleaners including the Audio Desk System for many years (it broke, unrepairable) I can tell you the Degritter Mk II is top dog by a quite a few lengths, expensive yes, but you will not regret it.

I’ve had it for 5 months now and have cleaned 800 records. The user interface is fantastic and its great at removing pops and crackles especially those from new pressings and will not mark your records with roller marks. If you have a large collection its invaluable.

I purchased my first quality cleaner, the VPI 16 (now upgraded) in 1982. I played with various solutions over the years. I chose a Kirmuss ultrasonic using just distilled water. No filters, easy drainage, reliable. It works but for the need to dry the LP on my VPI 16, so a great combo for about $1800 new. Unfortunately, the ultrasonic is so good that it reveals noisy records by removing any gunk in the groove that previously hid damage (mostly old used records). Despite the additional LP noise, every LP has improved sonics. That’s what it is all about. With 28,500 LPs and 7,000 78s, this machine works (in conjunction with the VPI to dry).

Since most of my collection is relatively clean, without prior attempts to clean (such as the popular silicone used in the 60’s, etc), just distilled water is adequate and lasts at least 10 to 15 LPs prior to dumping and refilling. It’s simple and it works. No more solutions (last was Disc Doctor with the cleaning, then double rinsing on the VPI-what a hassle).

P.S. I just don’t believe there is a significant or any mold release compound. Maybe I need a $50K+ + turntable with a $15K+ cartridge to hear the difference. Using a VPI TNT VI/VPI controller/Townshend Seismic Sink/highly modified SME IV/Dynavector 20X2L/Zesto Allesso SUT.

@markcasazza 30 minutes?   That appears excessive.  I limit my deep cleaning to 5 minutes.  As to stylus wear, I had a Benz Ruby3 last over 2000 hours.  No problem with tracking/highs, etc. but it definitely lost dynamics at the end.  So, clean records will greatly extend the life of a stylus but irrelevant to the cartridge mechanics.  With the lesser cost Dynavector 20X2L, replacement every 1000-1200 hours is inexpensive and permits the greatest number of LPs to sound great.  So many high end cartridges sound best with a more limited number of LPs.  Mono LPs also sound better with Mono cartridges rather than the high end cartridges-lesser cartridges such as mine in a higher end analog system play mono LPs excellently.  

Best record cleaning method: Ultrasonic

Best bang for buck ultrasonic: Kurmis

Best automatic price/performance ultrasonic: Degritter