Audio Desk Vinyl Cleaning System

I purchased one at the RMAF show.

I have been a VPI user for years and have been happy with the results. What I was NOT happy about was the time it took to properly clean each record. With enzyme cleaning, there are three steps which includes a "soak" mode during the enzyme step. So, it is 5-10 minutes for each record. I purchase about 25 LP's per month, so the time starts adding up.

When I saw the Glass Audio Desk Systeme at the RMAF show, I was struck by the simplicity. I questioned it's ability to clean a record as well as my VPI as there is no vacuum to suck out the "gunk". But, the Cable Co. guaranteed the results so I took a leap of faith and ordered one.

I have had it for about a month (and cleaned about 200 records) and I consider it one of the best investments I have made in my stereo system.

It cleans records at least as well as the VPI, and perhaps better. It allows me to easily set the cleaning cycles to match the condition of each record. A new or very clean record gets a single cycle whereas a thrift store find with obvious dirt and dust gets between 2-5 cycles applied. A simple push of the button sets the cycle count.

I put the cleaner (it is pretty small) on a table near my turntable and just drop a record into it on an "as-needed" basis. I am in the process of re-cleaning all of my collection (one record at a time as I listen to them) and have found in some cases "crackles" on VPI cleaned records removed when re-cleaned by the Audio Desk vinyl cleaner. It is not a panacea, but it sure offers me clean records in a short period of time with little work required.

I know its expensive. But the ease of use and the quality of cleaning it performs makes this device a great investment in my situation. It comes with a 2 year warranty and so far it has performed very well. I look forward to having one of these for a long time.

I should probably state that I am not a dealer or anything like that. Just a guy who likes to listen to records.

Chosenhandle, in the 70s I bought a Keith Monks cleaning machine. It worked quite well but took a long time to do so, which is the cost of a pivoting arm system. I have since been through all varieties of rcms. Then I got one of Lloyd Walker's delrin tubes to replace the normal tube on the VPI. It rides on the record surface greatly enhancing the vacuum level and dries the record in one revolution. Since I use the Walker Prelude system, this greatly shortens the time need per record.

I found that records cleaned previously on a Loricraft rcm, sounded cleaner and pop free with the Walker/VPI.

I am soon to try the Audio Desk vinyl cleaner. I must say that I am concerned about it not vacuuming the cleaner, but we will see. Given your experiences I am completely opened minded.

Chosenhandle, in the 70s I bought a Keith Monks cleaning machine. It worked quite well but took a long time to do so, which is the cost of a pivoting arm system. I have since been through all varieties of rcms. Then I got one of Lloyd Walker's delrin tubes to replace the normal tube on the VPI. It rides on the record surface greatly enhancing the vacuum level and dries the record in one revolution. Since I use the Walker Prelude system, this greatly shortens the time need per record. Here the Audio Desk's 5 minute cleaning time is of concern, but one does not have to attend to it.

I found that records cleaned previously on a Loricraft rcm, sounded cleaner and pop free with the Walker/VPI.

I am soon to try the Audio Desk vinyl cleaner. I must say that I am concerned about it not vacuuming the cleaner, but we will see. Given your experiences I am completely opened minded.

I also bought one at RMAF and I am very happy with it. The actual cleaning regime seems to be superior to any other method. Using immersion, ultrasonic and counter rotating brushes surely does a superior job of cleaning. But this is counterbalanced with the weakness of air drying. Overall I suspect that the deep cleaning more than makes up for the air dry weakness. So far this seems to be the case.

When it comes to convenience this cleaner is without peer. Set the record in, push the button and come back in about 5 minutes. With this kind of convenience I suspect that I will clean my records more often.

Tbg;

I also have a Walker Vortex and use Walker (and the other enzyme) solutions and totally agree that it brings the VPI to a new level.

While an outstanding overall solution, the reality is that there are many manual steps and the chance of incomplete cleaning (improper cleaning technique)or introduction of outside dirt (improper handling of tools) was always in the back of my mind. The Audio Desk Systeme eliminates virtually all of those drawbacks with its uniform cleaning process and most importantly, ease of use.

Teres hit it right on the head with his description. The ADS cleaner takes a very different approach regarding how to deep clean a record. But in the end, the beauty is that it does clean well and is so easy that you will incorporate it into your everyday listening rituals and ensure you always have clean records!

Hope to hear back from you with your opinion if you decide to invest in one. Till then, happy listening!