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Record Cleaning Question

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Parallax982

Super Member
I'm getting interested in finding a better way to clean records like the ultrasonic cleaners (I think that's what people were saying) without spending a fortune, what is an efficient way to move forward? Perhaps something on one of the Chinese websites?
 
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I use "Audio Intelligent" cleaning fluid. Got it from the originator, Nice guy!

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@Buck Rogers, that is what I used for a couple years as well and yes, nice guy indeed who doesn't mind talking with you for a while to explain things, which was really good when I was first starting out and I was pretty happy with the outcomes. However, as the good @Lou G points out, the ultrasonic cleaning method, when done properly, has no real competition in my book as far as producing the best outcomes......not even close!!! And, @Parallax982, just do a search here and you will find several threads that discuss US cleaners with regard to price and where to get them.

However, everyone's ears are different and what I (and a ton of others!!) hear may not be what someone else wants to hear. However #2, studies done on examining the grooves microscopically demonstrate that as far as cleaning the grooves from anything and everything goes, nothing has been shown to do a better job than an ultrasonic cleaning system used properly......carry on, amigos!
 
WAY-- ahead of you guys, As usual.

10 years ago I built an Ultrasonic resonator added on to my VPI HW 16 record cleaning machine.

Using a swinging arm the the Ultrasonic resonator element sits on top of a Velvet type fabric and a layer of Enzyme cleaner.

The convenience of a RCM, The power of Ultrasonics all without the label damage. (I'll dig up some pictures).

Turntables R US... Tritium Air Bearing Tonearm turntable circa 2010.

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https://imgur.com/Qer6gHQ
 
geezin' said:
man some of you guys get carried away...or got too much damn money
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I wanted a nice turntable but could not afford one, So I made the big one and another 16 tables and arms just like it only smaller.

The Air Bearing Arm runs at about 6 PSI, Very quiet, Tracks any record with No inner groove distortion. Fluid damping For The Win!

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Something about if you have lemons? When you have a lathe you make turntables and other cool stuff.

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Holy smokes!!! You da man, @Buck Rogers!!! Not only do you make turntables, but you also make BEAUTIFUL turntables! If you get some time, I would love to see a short video of that turntable in action.....nice job, amigo!
 
The last Tritium turntable left for sale. Micrometer VTA Adjustment. 22 pole Synchronous hysteresis motor.

tqYDl53.jpeg


My main table in heavy rotation since it's completion in 1996, Check out the hand insulated 99.9999% Pure Silver tonearm wires.

Qxar9Bt.jpeg


Fluid damped with 50 weight Synthetic Mobil 1. Sumiko Special EVO circa 2010.

hmktHlI.png

Air Bearing tonearm, Table weighs about 157 lbs. Copper, Aluminum, Brass platter 45 lbs.
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Brass ring was a gear that came from a fork lift! 1" High Speed Tool Steel Bearing shaft, Hardened @ 70 Rockwell then Center ground to a 33 Micron finish.

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Nice work. I r a machinist as well. Sold all the machines in 2001 when I went back to work for someone else. I guess I'll just stick to a brush an careful handling.

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Parallax982 said:
I'm getting interested in finding a better way to clean records like the ultrasonic cleaners (I think that's what people were saying) without spending a fortune, what is an efficient way to move forward? Perhaps something on one of the Chinese websites?
Click to expand...
There is a huge sticky on record cleaning with science and anecdotal info both. Top of this forum and its 116 pages deep!
 
What do you know about the Vevor? Price seems very reasonable. They have two models.

One is $116


The other is $140


I'm trying to figure out the difference and also how these devices differ from ultrasonic cleaners like the Hummingbird.

Would appreciate feedback. Thanks.
 
I have the second one with the LED panel instead of manual control knobs. I don't think there will be much difference in performance between the two. I am not familiar with either of the devices that turn the records and hold them in the tank as I just got the tank and found another model called the Vinyl Stack, excellent but unfortunately discontinued. Pretty sure either of those will get the job done, but the equipment is just scratching the surface (pun intended....) because then you will need lots of knowledge to get the best possible results. As @dfunghi above has said, you would do well to familiarize yourself with the sticky on record cleaning. It is indeed long, but if you're really interested it will provide you with an education that puts you way ahead of the game, avoiding a lot of hit and miss and mistakes in general. The solution you use in the tank is important in my opinion, although some just use plain distilled water. If you are going to go to the trouble of doing this, might as well maximize your potential for the best possible outcome. Stick around a while, do some reading and then you will feel more confident in what you are doing. It's not rocket science, but there is a method and order which you will benefit from learning about. I was pretty intimidated by it all when I first started out but looking back, I'd do it all over again given what I'm hearing from my records after US cleaning......as many have said, one of the very best investments you can make in your vinyl-playing endeavors.
 
Fishead said:
I have the second one with the LED panel instead of manual control knobs. I don't think there will be much difference in performance between the two. I am not familiar with either of the devices that turn the records and hold them in the tank as I just got the tank and found another model called the Vinyl Stack, excellent but unfortunately discontinued. Pretty sure either of those will get the job done, but the equipment is just scratching the surface (pun intended....) because then you will need lots of knowledge to get the best possible results. As @dfunghi above has said, you would do well to familiarize yourself with the sticky on record cleaning. It is indeed long, but if you're really interested it will provide you with an education that puts you way ahead of the game, avoiding a lot of hit and miss and mistakes in general. The solution you use in the tank is important in my opinion, although some just use plain distilled water. If you are going to go to the trouble of doing this, might as well maximize your potential for the best possible outcome. Stick around a while, do some reading and then you will feel more confident in what you are doing. It's not rocket science, but there is a method and order which you will benefit from learning about. I was pretty intimidated by it all when I first started out but looking back, I'd do it all over again given what I'm hearing from my records after US cleaning......as many have said, one of the very best investments you can make in your vinyl-playing endeavors.
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Thanks. I've been researching it and wound up buying the cheaper one. But managed to find a discount code that works so if they let me cancel it, I'll reorder the other one. Difference in cost is quite small once the code is applied. It looks to me like the two models are identical in the most important ways. Cost is incredibly good given how much the next least expensive ultrasonic machine is. Had I not found Vevor, I'd have gone for the Vinyl Vac for $33 and called it good enough.

Will experiment with the machine, having read various things online. I'll keep it simple at first. Just distilled water and maybe just one (not more than two) record(s). First, I'll clean with solution and a brush, to get the biggest volume of dirt and dust off. Heat up the water, let in run in the tank and see what it looks like after 15 minutes.
 
Parallax982 said:
Here's what I'm thinking.

Vinyl Vac 33 Combo Record Cleaning Kit 33 Concentrate Cleaner (1 oz) ​

That $45 on Amazon.​

And a basic vinyl record brush for $10 or $15 on Amazon. ​

​

What do you think? ​

​

​

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Have to really completely agree with @Lou G. US is the only way to go. Once you hear it and if you have a scope, see the difference, there is no going back.

I know its really tempting to try to skate around the admission cost of US. I have tried several times and always come back to US. VAC machines or special record brushes really don't do much for the particles lining the groove walls and particles laying at the bottom of the groove. You may want to consider something like the humming guru or similar. JMO but do not think a person needs to spend 4k on an US cleaner. There may be some other DIY options for less, don't know.
 
mcgjohn said:
Have to really completely agree with @Lou G. US is the only way to go. Once you hear it and if you have a scope, see the difference, there is no going back.

I know its really tempting to try to skate around the admission cost of US. I have tried several times and always come back to US. VAC machines or special record brushes really don't do much for the particles lining the groove walls and particles laying at the bottom of the groove. You may want to consider something like the humming guru or similar. JMO but do not think a person needs to spend 4k on an US cleaner. There may be some other DIY options for less, don't know.
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Yes, found the Vevo ultrasonic which I was able to snag for under $100. That's crazy cheap but it has good reviews and Vevo is known for undercutting everyone. Even other Chinese companies.
 
Parallax982 said:
What do you know about the Vevor? Price seems very reasonable. They have two models.

One is $116


The other is $140


I'm trying to figure out the difference and also how these devices differ from ultrasonic cleaners like the Hummingbird.

Would appreciate feedback. Thanks.
Click to expand...
First one is just an ultrasonic, 2nd is the same with record cleaning attachments. Worth every penny.
 
Hajidub said:
First one is just an ultrasonic, 2nd is the same with record cleaning attachments. Worth every penny.
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They both have record cleaning attachments. Appears to be the very same ultrasonic machine except that the cheaper one has analog controls and the more expensive one has digitial. The rotisserie that turns the records is also different. The more expensive unit has a stronger setup that can hold 8 records max. The less expensive maxes out at five. Went with the cheaper one because I prefer analog controls (less to go wrong) and I'm not going to do more than two at a time. A whole bunch of people wrote online, including on this site, that it works best with two records max.

God only knows when it will arrive. Has to get shipped from China. Ordered yesterday and hasn't been mailed yet.
 
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