Ken, in my estimation, you need both a conventional record cleaning regime as well as ultrasonic, at least for used records.
I know there are those who think any vacuum machine adds static and potential cross-contamination but you can minimize those; in addition, ultrasonic cleaning brings something more, but it doesn't in my experience deal well with grunge embedded into old records as effectively as when combined with conventional cleaning.
DIY ultrasonic offers a feature set that is unavailable on commercial made for LP ultrasonic cleaners, including multiple frequencies, degassing, and high grade filtration.
I'm also a big believer in a pure water rinse to remove any remaining surfactant and contaminants on the record. Much is in the method as well as the machines.
I had an Audio Desk, currently have the KL and when it goes, will go DIY. On the vacuum front, had an ancient VPI since the early '80s and now use a big Monks. But, with 'best practices' I could get very good results on the old VPI, using two vacuum wands (one for fluid, the other for rinse and two applicators, for the same reason).
It takes more work, is not 'one button' convenience, but for old records purchased used, the ultrasonic alone was not a complete solution for me. I learned this from trying to clean some pretty valuable old pressings that weren't easily replaceable. I have, over the years, developed various routines, so my practices will vary, depending on the condition of the record--
You can bring this in on a budget.
I know there are those who think any vacuum machine adds static and potential cross-contamination but you can minimize those; in addition, ultrasonic cleaning brings something more, but it doesn't in my experience deal well with grunge embedded into old records as effectively as when combined with conventional cleaning.
DIY ultrasonic offers a feature set that is unavailable on commercial made for LP ultrasonic cleaners, including multiple frequencies, degassing, and high grade filtration.
I'm also a big believer in a pure water rinse to remove any remaining surfactant and contaminants on the record. Much is in the method as well as the machines.
I had an Audio Desk, currently have the KL and when it goes, will go DIY. On the vacuum front, had an ancient VPI since the early '80s and now use a big Monks. But, with 'best practices' I could get very good results on the old VPI, using two vacuum wands (one for fluid, the other for rinse and two applicators, for the same reason).
It takes more work, is not 'one button' convenience, but for old records purchased used, the ultrasonic alone was not a complete solution for me. I learned this from trying to clean some pretty valuable old pressings that weren't easily replaceable. I have, over the years, developed various routines, so my practices will vary, depending on the condition of the record--
You can bring this in on a budget.