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Why are record cleaners so expensive?

Full disclosure: I have only the Spin-Clean record cleaner and a Hunt EDA brush to clean my vinyl, but as someone who's been in the digital side of audiophilia for decades, and as someone who knows how much gear can get in any dedicated hobby, I'm still curious as to why a high end vinyl cleaner can cost more than three grand.

I'm not disputing the price; after all, Smith said that something's worth whatever someone pays for it. Moreover, a high end record cleaner might be able to do things to vinyl that nothing else can. Still, paying three grand for an Audio Desk cleaner seems a bit out of reason. $3K can buy a good set of speakers; a hand-made fly-fishing rod based on your height and weight and arm length; two weeks at a Fijian resort for two; a custom-made suit from an Italian mill. So why is a glorified vacuum cleaner $3K?

Again, not flaming, just curious. Enlighten me?

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Showing 1 response by cedar

cedar
126 posts
 
I've built and used ultrasonic record cleaners intensively during the past two years.  I began by using 60 kHz transducers and, later moved to 80 kHz transducers.  The highly finished models made in Korea and in Germany are more expensive and less adaptable than I needed.  A knowledgeable person can build an ultrasonic record cleaning system (including variable timer and cleaning accessories) for about $800 in materials plus labor.  

Although the initial cost is not prohibitive, cleaning a record to the point of playing dead quiet does require more time, care and effort.  You have to enjoy the process, both preparation and listening, for it to be worthwhile.  

The benefit of ultrasonic record cleaning to my enjoyment of my 2000+ record collection has been as great or greater than other upgrades to my sound system.


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