Record Cleaning Machine ~ Ultrasonic vs. Rest

Dogberry, so far as I have been able to learn by reading the many threads on US RCMs, you are correct not to use a surfactant or detergent with your US machine.  As far as I can determine, most manufacturers of US RCMs don't recommend adding anything but water to the bath, except maybe Kirmuss with all its pre-cleaning rituals. But I think that using detergents/surfactants, as I do in my lowly VPI 16.5 or 17 (not sure what I have; the platter rotates in both directions, and it has a stainless steel waste tank) is a decided advantage in favor of the vacuum type cleaner.  My neighbor had a Loricraft for a while, but he kept having problems with the string thing.

I bought a first generation Nitty Gritty back in the late '70s. It's a very effective machine, but rather noisy and messy in operation. It still works, although I only use it on the rare occasion that I need to play a dirty used record.

I bought a Klaudio US machine about 7 years ago, and it does pretty much everything I need of a record cleaner. It washes, it dries, and it does it with one-button convenience. It is amazingly effective and so easy to use that there's just no excuse for ever playing an unclean record.

Most new records are not truly clean, btw, and there's no way to get the best from an LP if you're relying solely on dry brushes to remove dust.

Whatever you choose, I think the best record cleaning protocol is the one you'll actually follow.

@lewm: The HW-16.5 does NOT have a bidirectional motor, the HW-17 does. The 16.5 is roughly square in shape (width and depth being about equal), the 17 rectangular (the width considerably greater than the depth). Assuming you have the 17, you can find the model number on the back of the machine.

Thank you all for thoughtful responses. It appears no one machine is capable of attaining desired results as some records will require extra steps to get the stubborn crud out. For that, I will continue to use my VC-S2. 

@dogberry 

It sounds like you have a highly effective cleaning process in place with both the Degritter and Loricraft working together. I do like your practical approach, understanding the limitations of cleaning and being prepared to rely on either machine if needed.

Loricraft RCM are indeed top notch but they are out of my budget. I am gravitating towards Degritter Mark II as it does supports rinsing records with clean water during washing cycles with the help of a separate water tank (2nd optional water tank needed). 

@cleeds I echo your point, best record cleaning protocol is the one you'll actually follow. I thoroughly wash and clean all my new purchases before putting them on the TT. 

BTW, @lalitk , do you know of the connection between Loricraft and Garrard (apart from current ownership)?

Terry O'Sullivan founded Loricraft Audio to manufacture plinths for Garrards, but later bought Percy Wilson's designs for a point-source vacuum cleaner and started making them as well. Later still he bought the rights to Garrard turntables after they went out of business in Swindon. He was based in Baydon, just a few miles from where I was born and grew up in Chiseldon, Wiltshire. A very helpful man and a delight to chat to. I hope SME keep up the standards.