Results from Beta Testers of New Formulas


Hi everyone,

Please use this thread to post the results of your testing of the 2-step formulas. Thank you.

Best regards,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
The information that Mr Kidknow posted is consistent with the information that a NASA employed chemist once told me. That is, i was told that every increase in temperature by 20* effectively doubled the cleaning power of a solution. Given the variables involved in each solution, i would call that "close enough" to the 18* mentioned above.

Given my past experience with active enzyme formulations, they typically work best if left on for a longer period of time, they are agitated during that time and airflow is kept to a minimum. Not only does reduced airflow lower evaporation of the liquid agents suspending the enzyme allowing it to travel more freely and cover more area, it also helps to retain the original operating temperature of the solution, which increases efficiency as mentioned above. In extreme situations, a thorough enzymatic cleaning and rinsing along with a repeat enzymatic treatment and rinsing at a later date may provide the best results possible. The more thorough that one can maintain a higher operating temperature of the enzyme once applied ( by covering the LP with a large pan or bowl that was possibly even pre-heated, etc.. ) and agitate the enzyme on the first application, the less effective the secondary treatment will be though. This would be a good trick though as you have to have LP exposed to ambient air temperatures in order to get at the surface to agitate the grooves.

Given the information presented within this thread and the "cleaning power" of Paul's solution, it's quite possible that one could devise a somewhat complex cleaning ritual for specific discs that they value. It's possible that one could restore heavily soiled / barely playable LP's to easily played / highly enjoyable records. While i have not tried Paul's solution as of yet, i don't doubt the results that others have had using it. I think that it would be of great value to those "record hunters" that frequent used record stores and / or garage sales & flea markets.

With all of that in mind, i guess Paul has now officially made the transition from a "civilian" to an "industry professional". Congratulations to him and i hope that his time & effort that he's put into this product will reward him handsomely : ) Sean
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PS... While i'm all for ethical participation of manufacturers / distributors / dealers within these and other forums, they need to disclose their business affiliations. Having said that, I think that Paul has been up-front about the whole situation, so he deserves a little help marketing his product since he's new at being an "industry professional". As such, here's his one time "get out of jail free" card and a more convenient link to the Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions products : )
I offer my congratulations also Paul. I'm glad to say that I'm now a paying customer having ordered enough to keep me cleaning records for quite some time. Best wishes...Patrick
Just supporting what Sean contributed. Enzymes are used during the digestiion process. And, there are many types of enzymes from protease to lactase (one which I lack).

One major factor that leads to greater effectiveness of enzymes, as Sean has already described, is temperature. One of the main reasons mammals are warm blooded is because we can supply our own "furnace" when digesting; a distinct advantage over cold blooded organisms. The other two factor would be how concentrated the enzyme is and how much velocity/viscosity, agitation, is involved between the enzyme and what is being digested.

So, warming up the enzyme a bit might prove to increase its effectiveness on your records. Dunno if that will harm your records though but doubt it as the type of enzyme being used here seems to be protease which doesn't have chemical reaction with anything other than protien.

dislaimer: i am not a biologist just a charlatan as i am with audio.
Well i finished using the sample bottles. I recieved them about a month ago and cleaned about 15 albums. I did some side a/b comparisons and some a/b tests with doubles of a couple of albums. I feel that the two step process left my albums clean and clear. I cleaned a copy of chet baker sings that i bought used, covered in dust and gunk and crud, filthy, and after it was very close to silent. I would say the two step is a little better at fishing out the deeper junk.
So I guess I'm saying i like it and would use it again, so Paul, How much?
Thanks, Sean and Lugnut! Viggen, regarding heating the Enzymatic Formula .... First, I think only the amount that will be used immediately should be warmed, because repeated heatings will degrade the Formula. Therefore, a good approach might be to put the amount you plan to use in a small container for warming. Second, warm the small container with warm/hot water until the Formula is warm to the touch -- about 100 degrees. This will double the rate of chemical activity (over an 80 degree base), yet will be safe for the vinyl.

Mc5baby, glad you also obtained good results with the Formulas. Sean's post, above, contains a link to the classified ad here on Audiogon -- it's currently posted in the Turntables section. Perhaps next time it will be under tweaks or accessories. (Maybe 'Gon needs a new category? Cleaning equipment & supplies?) I had previously said I wanted to make the Formulas affordable. The concentrates work out to a price which is about half the cost of other products.

Best regards,
Paul Frumkin