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Audio Desk cleaner.....still available?

I've been looking into this as my VPI 16.5 (from 35 years ago) has failed and I got taken on a "new open box" SOTA cleaner that was a trash heap no longer made (the site I used still says they are available on order....I called SOTA and they are not and you would not want one anyway).  The Audio Desk and the Degritter are the likeliest candidates.  The Audio Desk is or is not any longer in production/? Upscale Audio seems to have them, at least online. I was looking at a used one, likely the old model, but there are failure reports. I don't know about the new one, or whether it is even buyable. I'd prefer used if functional, but welcome opinions. The Degritter is the other option and it seems Galen Carol has them here in Texas. Info on that would be good too.  I'm starting to think record cleaning companies are the audio equivalent of roofing companies. Advice welcome!!

128x128howardlee
theo's avatar
theo
2,686 posts
 

Yes they are, I am sure other dealers carry them but The Cable Company is the importer and retailer. Contact John at 800.328.9733 for assistance. I replaced my 16.5 with one a few years back and have been extremely satisfied with the results. Re-clean the records that you have cleaned with your VPI and you’ll be surprised at the results.

gpgr4blu
1,083 posts
 

I had the Audio Desk twice. The first time, the pump failed and the company would not take it back but merely give me a light discount on a new one. I fell for it and bought the new one (an upgraded model with a better pump). When that pump failed this year, I did not even bother calling. I threw it in the garbage and purchased a KlAudio which works much better anyway. I assume the Degritter will too.

Look around Audiogon and you will see that others have had the same issue. Someone here has a method to open the system and replace the pump. Not for me. I blindly trusted the German engineering aspect. A lesson learned.

theo's avatar
theo
2,686 posts
 

gpgr4blu, I am curious as to how many years did you have the 1st unit when the pump failed? If you don’t mind me asking, of course. I’ve had one for a few years but I don’t have a large collection and recently have spent way more time streaming than spinning. I just wonder if I have a similar adventure to look forward too.  Thank you.

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