Seems the consensus is multiple steps or machines. The thought of using the ultrasonic first followed by the vacuum is interesting. How much gunk do you suppose is suspended in the water to merit the vacuum as a second step?
Vacuum Record Cleaner Rreplacement
I get most of my records from from garage sales and such, and they are typically pretty dirty. My record cleaning protocol is to run them through the vacuum record cleaner then the ultrasonic cleaner. If they have fingerprints or mold I’ll put them through the Neil Antin’s method. I’ve done it this way for years with good results.
Unfortunately, my venerable Music Hall WCS-2 needs a new cleaning wand and I’ve been told from numerous sources that the parts are no longer available. I started the hunt for a new vacuum cleaner and found a suitable replacement. Before I pull the trigger, I wanted to determine if I really need a vacuum cleaner if I’m using the ultrasonic. I’ve used both cleaners in succession more from habit than any practical reason, though I’ve convinced myself that the vacuum cleaner gets the big chunks off first and the ultrasonic does the fine, deep cleaning. I don’t know if this is true or not.
I’d like to know the thoughts of the group. I’m more than happy to buy another vacuum cleaner, but could always put that money toward something else if it is not needed.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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I have two VPI vacuum machines, an HW-17 and an MW-1, and a HumminGuru. All have their place, but if I could only have one it would be a VPI because it is faster and more versatile. Meaning it is always effective, on both new or used records in any condition. For new or near new records, the US machine cleaning, followed by using vacuum dry results in the cleanest sound. The difference is like the lifting of a grey haze or veil. This difference is subtle and may only be audible to the very keen eared listening with very good playback equipment. But the difference is real. What I would not prefer is to rely solely on one US machine because even for cleaning only new records it still uses air dry and vacuum dry is faster and leaves less residual deposits. Also, I buy a lot of used records and a good vacuum machine outperforms US for those. |
Get a Spin Clean. It's cheap. It does a great job. I have cleaned about a thousand LPs all with great results. Only downside is that one must rotate the LP three times CW and then three times CCW. It gets a bit old after 25 LPs or so. I have never used anything else (except a brush while on the platten prior to play). This would be a great stand-in while you search for your ultimate LP cleaner. |
I agree with @oberoniaomnia I use a Degritter MKII followed by a Record Doctor X when an album is first brought into my collection. For clean-up right before a play, I use a Keith Monks Discovery One. Buying a lot of used records I also have an Orb DF-01iA Record Flattener. |
- 85 posts total