From what I've read, the high frequency units dislodge smaller particles, are gentler than the 40hz units, and require more time to get the job done. I'm in process of shifting from a $170 40hz Chinese machine to a $1350 Elma Sonic German unit that sweeps 37hz-80hz with more power. The Chinese unit does slightly better than my VPI 16.5. I'm hoping for more performance from the Elma.
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?
s
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?
s
Showing 4 responses by dgarretson
Minkwelder, Paisan, was it a fly yellow '98 monoposte? Terry9, Thanks for the encouragement to stretch for the Elma Sonic. I haven't heard that much praise of "german engineering" since the Volkswagen saga...we'll see how it goes. Samzx12, I envy your moto location. I did the Blue Ridge & Diamondback loop last fall on the Ninja with full bags and the wife. On a side trip I followed three local long-beards with ladies on Harleys from the ridge down into a valley for gas. I was fairly impressed how well they ran their hogs through the twisties. It's a great place to learn. |
I took delivery today of an Elma P60H. So far cleaned just one record for 5 minutes at 37khz and 15 min at 80khz. The Elma removed loads of noise that the Chinese unit couldn't touch, and it's quiet enough to use in the room while listening to music. Its advanced features and quality build appear instrument grade. The other piece of this DIY ultrasonic cleaner is at: https://thevinylstack.com/ultrasonic-cleaning/ultra-sonic-spin-record-cleaning-kit/
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