@longplayer I did look at the Kirmuss system. I recommend you read Mikey Fremer's review. Mikey, who I respect, says the Kirmuss system is the very most effective of any. He only uses his if nothing else works and he really values the record. Long story short, it is a very tedious, time consuming way to clean records. If sound quality is priority #1, it merits first consideration apparently. After going through the full demonstration, my eyes glazed over. Not quite a year ago I came into possession of a large (~8,000) estate collection. If the Kirmuss system were to be employed I would need to rent space, set up several dozen machines and hire people to do the job. Practical it is not.
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.
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I have just been to the rather underwhelming Sydney HiFi Show where I came across Record Restore. They explicitly compare it with the Kirmuss system in a brochure. Record Restore is a fluid application which dries over a few hours, at which point it is peeled off as a film. It claims to permanently eliminate static as well as removing crud including pressing detritus. I bought a demo pack for cleaning one record, but have not tried it yet. Record Cleaning and Care | Secret Chord Analogue AU, USA, CA Has anyone used it or something similar? |
my friend just bought a used Kirmuss Ultrasonic. It’s pretty big
We listened to two very noisy LP’s, then did the simple 5 minute clean (not the restoration), let them dry (I brought my drying rack, it does not come with one) Both Significantly improved!!!! It needs to be elsewhere if you want to listen while cleaning, too noisy if nearby. //////////////////////////// Bill mentioned the Spin Clean, my friend has one, it does not have a drying rack,
my version has a very clever 10 lp drying rack that stores within it, i.e. remains compact while not in use. I paid less that this HummingGuru manual version Bill also mentioned with the same drying rack, but mine is no longer available.
Here’s mine in use. I manually scrub vigorously with a baby scalp brush, then use the gizmo only for a distilled water rinse, then dry in the rack. That's a soup container lid protecting the paper label while I scrub
Inexpensive (cheap crap?) US machine, look at this, Amazon, return if it sucks, comments? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0933DF8TF/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A6Y0MPTDX8T1G Ugly, but if it works ...’Make an Ugly Woman Your Wife’
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So question to whoever has encountered this snafu on a new vinyl record…see that yellowish whiteish speck? I was able to reduce its footprint by running the record thru manual cleaning with Knosti anti stat followed by long cycle US bath in the Humminguru Nova but it’s not coming off in its entirety. Any thoughts on how to remove it?
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