2. analog
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Best value record cleaner/cleaning system

Thought I would ask the group -- when I was last in the analog game some 12-15 years ago it was a VPI or Nitty Gritty for record cleaning (that and the wood-handled Discwasher pad with red-bottle liquid, Zerostat and Decca CF brush for just before playing an LP)... are these still the go-to standard units, or has the state of the art / ’value’ options advanced to some other kits in the present? I see cleaner units now from Pro-ject, Music Hall, Spin Clean, etc etc.

In my case I am not trying to ’deep clean’ mistreated, flea market or recycled recors store records... just good hygiene maintenance-cleaning of a treasured collection - 80% regular records, 20% ’audiophile’ pressings.

Thanks in advance.
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slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
You need to ask yourself this question... How important is my vinyl record collection to my overall enjoyment in life? Then one more if the answer is very important...How much time am I willing to put into the caring for such a valuable addition to my life?

If the answer is I'm willing to put in a decent amount of effort into such an important aspect of my life...here is my response..

Get a good steamer and some Down With Dirty Concentrate/Aquafina water and a couple of cleaning tools. Overall investment is around $200.00. Labor not included.
slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
nkoner,

I'd love to a customer/'s like you who appreciate properly cleaned vinyl.

If I thought there was a good enough market, I'd offer my services.

Cheers!
iopscrl
82 posts
 
I've done a lot of research.  The most effective cleaning method is ultrasonic.  Results are demonstrably better than vacuum machines and results are repeatable.  Improvement is noted with new unplayed records, and records that were carefully stored.  Cost varies from a few hundred dollars (DIY Kit) to several thousand (Audiodesk and others).   I will purchase a DIY ultrasonic setup in the near future.  It will replace a process of Spin Clean followed by Nitty Gritty Vacuum.    The basic Ultrasonic process is adequate for most cleaning purposes.  Some have reported better results by incorporating an enzyme pre clean and scrub, rinse with purified water (distilled, lab grade etc) then a US clean.  Some feel that a post bath rinse and air dry improves results.   My takeaway is these are tweaks around a basic process that is sound and effective.  And as I stated previously, I will purchase a DIY system in the near future.  
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jayh
22 posts
 
I'd be interested in any info from everyone out there who's had experience w diy ultrasonic cleaners.
Thanks

nkonor
605 posts
 
 slaw,

Last I heard from Dave Burton @ "Record Genie" .com Is that he really has NOT made money but does stay busy with his record cleaning services and three (3) young kids.
If I stay focused; I can clean (5) records in an hr. Will I complete all of my 3000 LPs with my process. Absolutely Not. I will get all of my special recordings done and listen to them.
Using just my Audiodesk; I clean LPs as I want to listen. Only special recordings get the full enzyme, rinse, Audiodesk, rinse treatment. The full treatment does really make a difference over just the AD clean only.
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