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Ultrasonic record cleaner question....

GD vinyl said:
Greetings all. I was curious if anyone has experience with ultrasonic cleans like this one on ebay for $350?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6L-Ultraso...Washing-Machine-with-Drying-Rack/184549002229

Seems like a reasonable price, just don't know how well they work. I have a spin clean and a VPI vacuum on loan that does OK, but wondered if this might be the way to go. Thanks!
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I have an US Cleaner but when I buy records it is easy to use the spin clean. One tank with additive and then a distilled water tank to rinse. Then I listen to the records and decide which ones get the US cleaner.
 
Just bought the new iSonic new model +MRV10 setup today, after watching tons of video's shooting down the Kirmuss BS (same machine, different topper, priced ridiculously). Shipping was free and cheaper on Amazon than buying it straight from the manufacturer (which was weird).
 
Hajidub said:
Just bought the new iSonic new model +MRV10 setup today, after watching tons of video's shooting down the Kirmuss BS (same machine, different topper, priced ridiculously). Shipping was free and cheaper on Amazon than buying it straight from the manufacturer (which was weird).
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I have that one and really appreciate being able to do ten records at a time.

Enjoy it!
 
My amazon search skills must be bad. I don't know how permissible a link is but a little more information for someone with poor Google skills. Thanks
 
Fishead said:
After having a look at the one the OP is talking about in the first post, I would not be in favor. The spacers (9 of them) do not look to be wide enough to provide for the recommended space between records (most agree ~ 7/8" to 1"). It claims to do 6 records at a time, so why 9 spacers? Also, those spacers do not appear to have rubber o-rings in between so there's really no way for them to keep fluid from reaching the labels (a prescription for things to get messy and believe me, messy is NOT WHAT YOU WANT WHEN DOING THIS).

AIso, I didn't notice what the speed of the motor is for turning the records. Again, all the research I've done to arrive at optimal turning speed reveals that only about 1/3rpm.....that's 3 minutes to make one revolution.....is going to provide best results. My cleaning cycle lasts 15 minutes, that's 5 revolutions.....speed is NOT your friend here.

Here's what I wound up getting, and I am not associated just a satisfied customer:

https://thevinylstack.com/view-cart/#!/3-Record-ULTRA-Sonic-Spin-Kit/p/51658871/category=13505423

https://thevinylstack.com/view-cart/#!/Sonic-Spin-Record-Drying-Stand/p/52362069/category=13505423

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-6L-Ult...083766&hash=item2aed1ec7c5:g:z~wAAOSwJdRfER48

It is true that the purchase of the cleaner itself is a bit of a gamble as SaSi above points to. They seem all to be made in China, regardless of the "brand" advertised (e.g. Vevor), and you may get a lemon but if you do, easy enough in most cases to get a replacement of refund. The heater on mine was a bit quirky but I finally got it to do what I need, although heating will take some time and may go warmer than you intend so I keep an eye on it while cleaning.

The vinylstack is adequate, nothing special and overpriced in my opinion, but it does the job and I haven't seen anything out there that I would rather use. If you do wind up going this route getting the drying stand would be, again in my opinion, essential to the process as after using the setup and cleaning over 2,000 LPs in the past year, I can't imagine how I would do without it or at least something that functions like it does. Also, if I did it over again, I would get the stack that holds 4 records as that will still allow you to have the minimum spacing between records. You just have to be a little more careful when putting the records in the tank and removing them as you will have less room at the sides. This will not be an issue as you become familiar with the operation. Vinylstack recommends the 10L tank for 4 records because you have more room, but in discussions with them they agree that the 6L tank will work fine, they just don't want a lot of people complaining that they bumped their records on the sides and damaged them.

So, for somewhere around $50 more, you will be better off....again, only in my opinion.

I'm anticipating your next question as for the solution to use.....man, that one has volumes written on it here and elsewhere of encyclopedic proportions! For what it's worth, here's my "brew:"

50ml Triton X-100
38ml Hepastat 256
72ml IPA added to the Triton and Hepastat

I mix the above in a container (I use an empty IPA bottle) and as you can see, the total is 160ml.

Fill the 6L tank with about 5 quarts of distilled (you will see that brings the level to the FULL mark inside the tank).
Then, measure 20ml of your solution and pour that in the tank, followed by an additional 150ml of IPA (I've used up to 200ml but don't notice any benefit). Turn the tank on and let the transducers run for at least 5 minutes to "degass" the mix and you're ready to add records.....that is, after the tank heats to the desired temperature.

There is considerable debate regarding rinsing after US cleaning and, with due respect, I'm of the opinion that it is a good thing. You already have a spin clean and that is what I would suggest you use in a clean, distilled bath to rinse the records before vacuuming them dry. The VPI would actually be the way to go for the entire enchilada as you can rinse and dry with that after taking them out of your US cleaner.

Hope that helps you a bit.
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If you are using distilled water from a plastic container there is no need for degassing because the water has not been under pressure as it is in the tap. So it has no need to be gassed. Think of it as soda water. If you leave it without a top on it will go flat which is like water in a plastic jug.
 
MRL_Audio said:
After cleaning over 4,000+ LP's with no rinse and vacuum I must agree... to each his own. I figure over those 4,000 LP's a rinse and vacuum takes about a minute each to complete. Not doing that, with outstanding results I might add, saved me 67hrs. That's a lot of extra listening and enjoyment hours. ;)
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But what are you doing while the US is running. That's when I rinse and vacuum my records so it doesn't really take extra time. I spend the same amount of time as a person who doesn't rinse and vacuum their records.
 
Thunderbox said:
If you are using distilled water from a plastic container there is no need for degassing because the water has not been under pressure
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That is a first for me......everything I've read on the subject so far says it's a good idea to do so, maybe because of the mixture of distilled with the other components, in my case IPA, hepastat and Triton X-100. In any case, what you say makes sense. There is also the matter of mixing all the ingredients together with the distilled water, which running the bath for about 5 minutes seems to do a good job of.

EDIT: But let me add, in this edit, that I am talking about the first time you set your bath up, not every cleaning session, but when you first combine your distilled water with the other ingredients of your cleaning solution after having dumped the old fluid out and cleaned the tank preparing it for the new mixture.

Thunderbox said:
But what are you doing while the US is running. That's when I rinse and vacuum my records so it doesn't really take extra time.
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There has been a lot of discussion about final rinse and vacuum and just as much debate. I suppose much of it has to do with what you are using for your solution, as MRL has alluded to in the past I believe, and how that leaves your records looking at the end of the US cycle. I've always seen some bits of stuff on the record that looked like it came out of the grooves and upon lifting out of the bath, stayed loosely attached on the record surface. Early on, when I did not rinse and vacuum, this was the stuff I found on my stylus and had me wondering whether US cleaning was all that it was cracked up to be.

I soon began rinsing and vacuuming and now have a really clean stylus even after playing several albums. I'm still pondering, however, fashioning a vacuum mechanism different from my current one. I'd like to come up with one that did not touch the record, just gets close enough to pick up whatever fluid or other detritus is still there after the record comes out of the bath......workin' on it mis amigos!
 
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Chiliarches said:
Isonic owners...is it correct to say that this:

https://smile.amazon.com/iSonic-P48...s=isonic+record+cleaner&qid=1609884799&sr=8-5

Plus this:

https://smile.amazon.com/iSonic-P48...s=isonic+record+cleaner&qid=1609884799&sr=8-4

Would equal this:

https://smile.amazon.com/iSonic-P48...s=isonic+record+cleaner&qid=1609884799&sr=8-3

For about ~$120 less? Or am I missing something?

I do like the idea of being able to clean 10 records at a time. I have a Record Doctor but never use it because it takes too long and is noisy.
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^^Anybody have any comments on this question? Want to buy one of these but would like to save the $120 if I can.
 
GD vinyl said:
Greetings all. I was curious if anyone has experience with ultrasonic cleans like this one on ebay for $350?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6L-Ultraso...Washing-Machine-with-Drying-Rack/184549002229

Seems like a reasonable price, just don't know how well they work. I have a spin clean and a VPI vacuum on loan that does OK, but wondered if this might be the way to go. Thanks!
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I have a very similar unit. I bought the tank (10liter) & the spinner part separate but it looks just like what you'[re considering.
Couple notes from my experience:
- Spinner runs around 7.5 - 8 rpm. Thats too fast - you need to get a lower voltage transformer to slow it down. Easy to do.
- I think that price is very competitive.
- When running, some say they're US is noisy. I found this one to be reasonable. I'm listening to LPs as the cleaner is doing its thing.
- I have a Spin Clean & vacuum. It does a nice job. The US is far superior tho. FAR superior.
- Make sure you budget for the proper cleaners. There is science to cleaning LPs without damage. You need the right detergents - they are available on line & a little goes a long way.

Good luck w your choice.
 
Bob in WI said:
some say they're US is noisy.
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The ultrasonic devices make a buzzing sound, but the real noise with my tank came from rattling of the seams. I opened mine up and ran some silicon caulk at all panel joints and made the tank much less noisy.
 
dcmfan said:
The ultrasonic devices make a buzzing sound, but the real noise with my tank came from rattling of the seams. I opened mine up and ran some silicon caulk at all panel joints and made the tank much less noisy.
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That makes sense. I get the buzz but its not objectionable.
I can see how the seams might open up over time.
 
Chiliarches said:
^^Anybody have any comments on this question? Want to buy one of these but would like to save the $120 if I can.
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Yes. That is correct. Thank @Hajidub :bowdown: for that info. I took advantage of him pointing it out in his thread discussing his purchase. I received mine middle of last week and have been very satisfied.

Going ultrasonic is a game changer. I will note that the spindle motor runs at 5 rpm 12v but I honestly haven’t notice any problems so far running batches of 10 lp’s. I just tested a cheap linear power supply with switchable voltage and tested the motor at 6v and 4.5v motor starts and turns fine. Next batches I run I’ll use the 6v setting so halving the rpm.
 
Muddywaters said:
Yes. That is correct. Thank @Hajidub :bowdown: for that info. I took advantage of him pointing it out in his thread discussing his purchase. I received mine middle of last week and have been very satisfied.

Going ultrasonic is a game changer. I will note that the spindle motor runs at 5 rpm 12v but I honestly haven’t notice any problems so far running batches of 10 lp’s. I just tested a cheap linear power supply with switchable voltage and tested the motor at 6v and 4.5v motor starts and turns fine. Next batches I run I’ll use the 6v setting so halving the rpm.
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Oh sweet, I see that it was addressed already, thank you!
 
Bob in WI said:
That makes sense. I get the buzz but its not objectionable.
I can see how the seams might open up over time.
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I'm sure every tank is a little different, and I opted for the cheapest I could find at the time.

If it died tomorrow, I'd replace it without a doubt. Am a big fan of ultrasonic cleaning down here!
 
To heat or no heat...I have heard some recommend both. Obviously any heat has to be in reason since it's for vinyl, but what's the consensus? If heat is good (or warmed distilled water) what temp is the right setting?
 
GD vinyl said:
To heat or no heat...I have heard some recommend both. Obviously any heat has to be in reason since it's for vinyl, but what's the consensus? If heat is good (or warmed distilled water) what temp is the right setting?
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Lucky for you the new one you bought is preset for 35C. I don't use it myself, but it's always there for the really dirty stuff.
 
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