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Ultrasonic: should I do it?

Group,I'm seriously considering an Audio Desk Systeme or Degritter, but before I pull the trigger and spend some serious money, I wanted to get some feedback from you folks.
I don't doubt ultrasonic is a big step forward, but I guess I'm wondering how big a step; I currently use a Record Doctor V/Spin Clean to take care of my vinyl, and yes, either of the above options will be a leap ahead. But I'm also considering a Pro-Ject VC-E, and my question is would the Pro-Ject be enough of an improvement to save me some money.
I've also heard about reliability issues with the Audio Desk, and the Degritter is new. Does anyone have any feedback on the reliability of either unit?
As for DYI ultrasonic, I don't have the space in my home for one of those. I'd seriously look at Kirmuss, but I don't have the stamina, with hundreds of records, for his multi-step system.
Thanks in advance for your input.
arcamguy
arcamguy OP
84 posts
 
Folks,Thank you all for your advice; I decided to go with the Audio Desk Pro - got a demo unit at a great price.
yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 
Another Degritter here, I tried an Audiodesk but was expecting too much at the time as it didn’t clean one of my test records down to 17D3 depth, my cartridge at the time and having a particularly fine microridge stylus and then read I about the  difficulty of repairing it when the pump or fan went. I’ve no actual knowledge if the Degritter is better in this respect but it won’t be worse. I still keep a VPI16.5 for use with an enzyme cleaner for those discs that are too much for US alone (mould spots for example).
chayro
3,092 posts
 
I remember when the big thing was steam.  Nobody does this anymore?
I never did because it seemed like too much effort and mess, but I would bet a good steam followed by an ultrasonic would really get to the bottom of those grooves.  Maybe.  
rsf507
2,577 posts
 
Friend had an Audiodesk and he didn't think it was worth the $$$. Brought some of my LPs over and it did a good job but I bought the Kirmuss then cleaned the same albums. Wow so much blacker background and better dynamics. I do not do all the steps per Kirmuss and it works fine.
regafan's avatar
regafan
79 posts
 
I own an Audio Desk cleaner. I also own a Spin Clean and a Loricraft. I use the  Spin Clean first. At least 60 revolutions to knock the bark off’em. Then I clean them on the Loricraft with a cleaner that can remove oils, soaps, and grease, such as Keith Monks or the Disc Doctor fluids. Then it goes to the Audio Desk then back to the Loricraft for an enzyme wash and a thorough distilled water rinse. Then to the Mobile Fidelity sleeve.

The Audio Desk does not remove oils very well. And while it loosens dirt in the grooves of the record, it does not remove this debris with the efficiency of the Loricraft or any other quality vacuum operated record cleaning machine.
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