Some thoughts on record cleaning machines and alternatives

As many of you know I have some experience using record cleaning machines.  This is not, repeat NOT, a discussion about what might be the best record cleaning machine.  Frankly I neither know nor care.  What this is about is the approach that you might take depending on your needs.  Let me start by first addressing the types of record collectors that might need to consider a record cleaning machine (RCM). 

The audiophile with priority on sound quality

The record collector with priority on the music itself with SQ of secondary importance

Obviously there could be some who are both, but to keep this organized, we'll deal with the two types separately.  The audiophile who is after best SQ possible should buy the best editions of recordings of interest and unquestionably will be best served with an ultra sonic RCM.  Which one?  I dunno.  From what I can learn all US machines achieve similar results sonically, but there have been issues with longevity of some brands.  I bought a HumminGuru, and one year in of moderate use my machine now needs a new water pump and solenoid valve.  Customer support is excellent, but longevity is a question mark.  By contrast I have been using VPI machines since 1986 and have never needed anything other than new brushes for scrubbing the records.  VPI machines are just about bullet proof.

The record collector, with a collection spanning decades and many old records of variable condition is more likely to be happier with a vacuum machine.  These are more suited to removing the grunge, finger prints and what not that old records seem to accumulate.  Also, old records usually have small scratches, wear from repeated play, or from being subjected ot an old or worn stylus etc and no RCM can fix those problems anyway.  So, the vacuum RCM is just as effective as the US for all practical purposes on old records.  Also, if you collect and clean old records in batches, the vacuum RCM is considerably faster in use.  For those who value their time the vacuum RCM has added appeal.

Next, I want to mention the fact that not everybody needs a RCM.  There are manual washing machines like the Spin Clean or the new EZ Washer from HumminGuru that do a terrific job and are more than adequate for the occasional record cleaning chore.  These should also be considered for the US RCM owner who runs into the occasional batch of old, dirty records because the US machines do not do as good a job of scrubbing off things like finger prints.  So, a first clean with one of these manual washers, followed by a run through the US RCM makes a lot of sense.

Saving the best for last, for those who want to take a deep dive, I want to recommend Neil Antinn's book, which is available for free on line and is the definitive resource on the subject.  Here is the link; thevinylpress.com/precision-aqueous-cleaning-of-vinyl-records-3rd-edition/

I hope this is useful and let me know how you do.