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Kl Audio LP200 ultrasonic record cleaner insights

I did a bit of research a few months ago on the Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner and thats where I found out about the KL Audio CLN LP200unit. I was attracted to the much more powerful motor, no rollers to replace and using distilled water rather than a cleaner.

Let me start that I have a Loricraft and used the Walker 4 step program but shortened it to a clean\rinse setup. Still ten undivided minutes of your time a side to clean. After a while I didnt bother with mint or new records.

Table Galibier Gavia, Triplanar Arm, Zyx Universe cartridge

I have quckly and efficiently cleaned more records in 3 weeks than I have for the three years I have had the Loricraft. And it was hardly an inconvienance, not a major chore

I have cleaned a number of Walker\Loricraft records again with the KL Audio. The results are jaw dropping. Dead quiet, no static pops (sometimes dont even zerostat). The biggest issue is resolution, getting down and removing that last bit of material and the resolution, body, separation of instruments, timing, passion and air around the notes is enhanced. Modest pressing sound like audiophile. I have ran into a few noisy records, probably dug out by the last stylus but most everything else has been so overwhelming. Low level detail is to die for.

The machine is a tank. Everything impeccably manufacturered. You can set the ultrasonic to 1-5 minutes and the drying 2-4 minutes I spit out a record every 5 minutes while I watch tv from the next room. It drys very effectively but isnt that loud

This machine is not cheap at $4k but what it does is like a very serious component upgrade. Highly recommended for someone with a serious vinyl collection and setup
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rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
It's the best record cleaning machine out there, IMO.
rugyboogie
199 posts
 
What Rockitman said x 2.
almandog
141 posts
 
I bought a KLaudio earlier this year and I can't say I have experienced it’s superior cleaning ability as all of you have. When the first unit arrived, I followed the instructions carefully and filled it with distilled water. A few moments later I stepped into water on the floor, then I noticed that everything on the kitchen counter was soaking wet. I took the unit over the kitchen sink and notice it was leaking from the reservoir screw. I tried to remove the screw but to no avail. I took it back to the dealer. Several weeks later a new KLaudio arrived. This times no leaks. I have done before and after cleaning tests with KLaudio vs Spin Clean vs Nitty Gritty vs Manual “under the sink “cleaning; and I can't say definitively that Klaudio is superior. In each test case, after using the Klaudio, I still hear the clicks and pops just as before. Klaudio did not make a difference to me. I conducted each test with records that has no visible scratches, and was previously cleaned. I also tested records just purchased from the used record store. Still could not hear a difference using the Klaudio and the other cleaning methods. I also examined the Klaudio carefully to see if it was making bubbles in the water. I noticed that the bubbles were only on the left side of reservoir (facing the Klaudio), I don't know what that means. Please look at your Klaudio and tell me where the bubbles are concentrated.
I am not knocking Klaudio, I am just stating my experience. I will continue to use it and see if I am leaving out something.
suteetat
435 posts
 
Almandog, hmm that is very strange. The only thing I can think of is that the ultrasound may not be engaging. Did the machine make a loud buzzing noise? Once you put the LP in, you will hear the water pump working for few seconds filling in the water then ultrasonic will engage. One of my friend's unit had a strange problem in that he only had a low pitch buzzing noise instead of the usual high pitch buzzing noise and the LP was not really cleaned at all. All he had to do was unplugged the machine for half a minute or so to let the machine reset itself then everything was ok. If you have an annoying loud high pitch buzzing sound that you can hear from another room then the unit should be functioning properly.
The result for me was very obvious. Even after cleaning the LP with various fluid on conventional vaccuum machine, I consistantly get great result with KL. Unfortunately some ticks and pops are really from groove damage even if it is not visible with your eyes and there is no cleaning machine that will fix that.
sunnyboy1956's avatar
sunnyboy1956
424 posts
 
I completely endorse Suteetat's comments. I have had my KLAudio for over 6 months and yes it does not remove every pop and crackle but the results I am getting are way superior to the Loricraft PRC 4 dlx I had earlier. For stubborn records I do a manual clean with an enzyme cleaner followed by a few whirls in a Spinclean and then a 5 min cycle in the KL. I can say with confidence this is the cleanest my vinyl has sounded in a decade.
Try unplugging the unit to see if you are getting the loud whooshing sound when the ultra sonic engages.
Best
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