The Best Way To CLEAN and STORE Your Records + KLaudio 200s & 200t Ultrasonic Cleaner Review
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- čas přidán 1. 05. 2022
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If there was any doubt which record store is most committed to its customers, the conversation officially ends here. We all know (and love) Mike for his obsession to vinyl, but hearing that it caused him to lose sleep thinking his ultrasonic record cleaners may no longer be available is just next level. Most people probably didn't catch this, but during a new arrivals video a few weeks ago, Mike also pulled one record that had a corner ding and set it aside. He frequently talks about the mailers he uses, and after placing somewhere around 20 orders with him over the last 3 years, nobody else even comes close in terms of protecting records.
One other quick thought... on his last Record Store Day video, Mike mentioned there was some grumbling about the hundreds of copies he had available of Art Pepper. I know from the experience of living in a city with at least two RSD participants that standing in line only to find out the store was allocated a single copy of Quiet Kenny (and watching the person two steps in front of me in line grab that only copy) can be a big frustration, so thankfully Mike buys enough copies that we're able to go online and purchase records we may not otherwise have had access to. It's a big investment on his part, but he's built a customer base for a reason, and again, this video is just one more peek into the method of that madness.
Every record I’ve ever bought from Mike has been clean and perfect quality. I really appreciate the process and what you do for your customers.
He's missing some steps. Have you tried demagnetization and using GruvGlide and LAST record preservative. If not, they will make your records sound even better.
@@audiophileman7047 I don’t recommend anything else except a demag.
@@TheInGroove Both LAST and GruvGlide are proven products and have been around for a very long time. GruvGlide does improve records that are less than NM and LAST keeps your records sounding great longer by preventing wear. A record treated with LAST may be played 200 times without discernable wear. I have used it for many years and consider it to be essential for high value records that I wish to play without wearing them out.
The fact that you wash every used piece (sans under bins) with these units is top tier, and no wonder so many out-of-towners make the trek to visit the store. Really enjoyed this share!
Awesome, Mike, keep doing more of these reviews. Thanks!!
I bought an industrial 6.5L ultrasonic cleaner off Amazon for $125, got an attachment that sits on the edge, rotates and holds 4 records for $65, 3 plastic record drying racks with rubber tips, couple lab rinse squirt bottles, several gallons of distilled water, bottle of Tergitol-based cleaning solution as a surfactant (water alone won't clean your records good without a surfactant). I run 10-20 minute cycles depending on the soiling, but I can clean 12-24 records an hour. If a record is real bad I'll do it solo, I might run 2 and just space them out more. New records I'll do 4 at a time. I got a point where I just see a decent amount of sediment on the bottom of the cleaner, I swap out the water. For a small time collector like me, it's paid dividends for me and I've got something like 900 records cleaned with it and still going.
While I get one of these $6000+ systems is nice. It really only makes sense for someone with a business, or is plopping tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars on their gear and collection. Even at that point, if you're not bulk buying records, a setup like mine would work perfectly fine for an audiophile who's buying a few records a week, or 20 records a week. Takes only a couple hours when you include setup/cleaning/tear down and bagging/sleeving records. It will be a while since you need to have the records air dry, but you can just put a fan next to it to help dry them faster.
Yeah, I did the same thing! The only thing I might add is a vac system like the record doctor or similar i like the idea of that compared to drying on rack.
@@samsquanch67 I had thought of that, I'm just not a fan of touching the record surface if I don't have to. But I've seen some good budget ones that you can hook up to a shop vac to save some cash, so I might give those a shot. Would speed up the process. The time it takes me to take the record off, rinse each one with distilled to remove any surfactant residuals, out on the drying rack and prep the next, I've got a few minutes to go through and vac clean each one and bag it. I set my temp around 34C, so the records are still mildly warm ro help aid in evaporation. Sure, they're getting dust on them while drying but I brush a record before every play anyway, I consider it no more than if I was playing the record on my turntable and dust falling on it. I did think of just putting a fan next to them to speed up the dry time.
that's what he makes clear in the video.. he processes way more than most. I have never seen a shop clean their records nor present them in the manner he does. I only do all this when I actually sell a record or want to play it.. I sell only online.. I don't have a brick and mortar store.
I did this for a few years as well, but I dried and rinsed them on a VPI vacuum.
I no longer do this, it was taking multiple rinses to get all the tergitol solution off the record. I get comparable results doing a 3 step cleaning on the VPI with less work.
@@nephrodoc4120 Tergitol isn't great for Vinyl. There are much better and cost effective solutions as sufacant.
Good to know there’s people who still care about customer service.
I've got 2 of the older models with the built-in tanks. Amazing machines and great service from Klaudio in the one instance where the pump broke down in my original unit. They aren't cheap, but they're worth it.
Darko Audio just reviewed The Degritter. Half the price, automatic cleaning, & cleans excellent.
I'm a huge fan of Degrittter (my own review: czcams.com/video/8RNyVs20klo/video.html) and am approaching a couple thousand on it, and highly recommend for anyone that will listen (def superior to audiodeske in every way, and don't get me started on the lying sheister claiming to be a Doctor that another Mike likes to promote), but I think it's fair to say for industrial level cleaning like Mike is doing the Degritter would more than struggle. Fact is, I agree wholeheartedly the Degrittter is the sweet spot for cast majority of consumers, superior to just about any other solution, but if doing it at the scope of what is being shown here it's clear that KLAudio has market cornered. If you have the money I wouldn't begrudge, but if the Degritter is a nice powerful car, the spinclean a decent pushbike, my previous Okki Nokki a good hatchback, and the Audiodeske a finicky Lambo, then the KLAudio is a Transport truck, built for heavy duty and overkill for all but the most wealthy/ambitious/industrially demanding
I think, the degritter is for home use only. Not for the needs of a large record store.
I have a Degritte. I love the thing. Not at all appropriate for a large used record store. The Degritter can't do multiple heavy cleans well and you'd be doing this 24x7 in a store. I heavy clean everything and it can barely handle my workload.
I also have a Degritter and it is great, but for commercial use I would what one of these guys.
Hello Mike, I'm a customer cause of YOU I love your passion for the hobby I love the extra mile you go for your customers like packaging and cleaning used records spreading your vast knowledge your store to me is one of the best and you should be very proud. I could never afford one of those Klaudio cleaning machines but I'm very happy you can and choose to help out your customers and not just keep it to yourself.
The patients and professionalism you give is so awesome I order from you all the time I have a record store less than a block away and I prefer to order from you hats off completely successful
Thanks Mike, good wholesome nerdy stuff..love it!
Hey Mike…. been waiting for you to make this video. Great review man. Cheers JC/Miami
Mike, Great behind the scenes video...enjoyed it !
I store my records the exact same way 😃. Resealable other sleeves and the record behind. It looks good it’s easy to take the record out. And it’s completely closed when is on the shelf.
I use the original KLaudio KD-CLN-LP200 Rev 4 which I purchased in December 2014. It had to go back to South Korea (I am based in Ireland) after a year due to an issue with the transducers. That was in January 2015, but it has worked flawlessly since then, pretty much. I always wet clean an LP first using an enzyme based cleaning agent in distilled or deionised water on a vacuum RCM. The record is then thoroughly rinsed before it goes near the KLaudio. In essence therefore, I am putting clean records into my unit so that the water in the reservoir does not get dirty or fouled up to any great extent. In addition, I am making the KLaudio’s work easier so that it can work on the really difficult contamination such as original factory residues dating back to when the record was originally pressed. My unit has a mesh type filter in the reservoir and I found that it is essential to clean this when changing the water. The mesh can become clogged, even in my case, with what I suspect to be minute airborne dust/lint accumulated due to the drying process on the vacuum RCM. It induces static. Obviously, on the scale you are cleaning records, wet cleaning would be impractical and plainly laborious! And yes, I agree that I too could not listen to vinyl records without having access to ultra sonic cleaning. It is a complete game changer and if anything it has proved to me that vinyl records were a lot better than we thought back in the original analogue era. We just didn’t have the technology to get those factory residues that caused annoying ticks and pops from the grooves. Nowadays, my records are silent as to noise except in cases where you have an obviously defective record. The sound quality has been taken to a new level of excellence too. Notwithstanding that however, I am a strong advocate for combining both cleaning methodologies, wet and ultrasonic, and it relieves me of the task of having to filter the water. Both methodologies have their strengths, but combined they work wonderfully well. Cleaning records in filthy, soiled water makes no sense whatsoever and it will cause the ultrasonic machine to malfunction after a while too unless an effective filtration system is employed. Enjoyed the video very much and am delighted that these wonderful machines have not been allowed to fade into obsolescence. I don’t know what the future holds, but it would be nice for KLaudio owners who are based in Europe to be able to get their machines repaired/serviced/upgraded here rather than having to send them to South Korea or to the United States.
Great video. Changing it up a little. I really like it.
Thank you Mike, nice one:I learned a lot! I look forward to buying your tasty Clean and well cared for LPs!!
I recently purchased Record Doctor VI and I am very happy with the results so far.
Fantastic video - thanks!
deep cleaning your records extends the diamond life of your stylus by multiple factors. another huge benefit.
We need more record stores like yours. I have watched way too many used record store workers wiping records with a soggy rag, then slamming it back into that filthy jacket they took it out of.
Fantastic! The cleaner your record's are, the more audio information you get out of em! Even the volume can increase! Nothing sounds better than a clean record other than open reel 15 ips tape!
.....just my personal opinion! But a lot of others have the same opinion!
Nice machine. I'm coming to Arizona to have you clean some of my original Elvis pressings, lol. Thanks for info Mike.
I bought a Degritter last December (well ordered it in August it arrived in December). It is both the craziest and best purchase I've made for records. In the 6'ish months I've had it it's been run 703 times so clearly it was worth it.
Same for me, I would not buy used vinyl without my Degritter
I was visiting from California and bought a bunch of used and new reaords and boy were they clean. Now I know why. Thanks Mike glad my wife and I visited. Will come back again.
Was a happy customer with the s and the t is just on another level although these days I don't buy complete collections with 1k+ records frequently, just getting around to find the missing links on my collection.
Another real game changer (if you have thousands of records, ofcourse) is controlled environment (temperature/humidity) rooms. Mine was set up by a humidor company and it just made the longtime record conservation so much easier.
And yes, people with 300k setups that play dirty records its crazy but the rule in the hobby. People will splurge 5k on a AT-ART1000 and then don't care about dust clouds being released from the records while playing them.
Hello Mike, unrelated to this topic but after your Sgt. Peppers video I just bought my copy of the UHQR.
"...meant for carburetors..." oh man, that made me laugh! Love this! Mike you hit it right on the head about this being yet another component to a truly high end system. Keep these coming!
When you showed her around back.. it almost looks like a system I put together - I don't use an auto-loader... . Using Pool filters and I use a not so off the shelf pump. Having the water systems OUTSIDE the unit is a must. I don't have to worry about a company going under ....I don't process half the amount of records. Thanks for the tour!
A happy customer who trusts his advice. I use a Degritter. I have a 300g Reef Tank with an automated RO/DI system so I use this water in my machine. It scrubs the water even more than this and has proved a valuable asset in cleaning my records.
I have a Degritter and have cleaned many thousands of records. I would not be buying used records without the Degritter. Like the Klaudio fully configurable cycles (drying and washing) what always surprises me is the amount of cleaning fluid it gets through. My experience is that you must make your own fluid and filters. The sound difference post cleaning is unbelievable, I have a > $250k system and 000's of records, it's a no brainer. I've had a Systemdisk and a Degritter, the Degritter wins hands down, great service, no consumables other than water and cheap filters' Great video, thanks
Love the care and passion Mike puts into his business. Such a contrast to the typical vibe you get in record stores. True, he is the owner, not an hourly employee, but leadership tone is set at the top.
I have been experimenting with several different cleaning methods. A couple of points: Mike specializes in audiophile records. He is often sourcing from personal collections. My point is that I suspect the VAST MAJORITY of the records he buys are in good shape and pretty clean. That’s why ultrasonic works for him. Ultrasonic is good for records that are already pretty clean. But one size doesn’t fit all. An old, dirty but potentially valuable record is worth the effort of hand-scrubbing with various solutions and individuals can do this. He is processing so many records that it may not be practical for him to do so.
I am currently at a point in my record cleaning journey where I pay up for high quality used vinyl and use a $600 Humminguru ultrasonic cleaner that is fully automated except you need to manually refill the tank after it drains and dries the record. RO water and a couple of drops of surfactant to aid drying. Gives me results as good as anything I’ve tried. I have not used a KLAudio machine - looks like overkill for most people - so I don’t know if it works better than the much cheaper Humminguru. I do know that a $3,000 Degritter could not improve a problem record that I cleaned twice with the Humminguru, although it is possible that the record is damaged, not dirty.
Mike, you're truly on another level to us mere mortals.
I'm digging this. I'm going to have to order some records here.
Appreciate this video and all you and your staff do for your out of state customers. Alex combined all my RSD orders into one box, arrived today, Thanks! You mentioned you clean the jackets before they go into the outer sleeve, How do you clean the Jackets?
Every used record gets the treatment? Right on! Love the care.
not the under bins.. 😎
Any record I'd buy 😎
Hi Mike - I purchased a reconditioned 200 S unit from KLAUDIO about six or eight months ago after talking to one of your employees about what you guys use and I'm really glad I did. (Thank you for the tip). They are a really top notch high-quality component. I love it. Two things that I did have trouble with (and you alluded to one in your video) - it seems like the pump that came with it was not strong enough to pump through the filter unit and the tank on the floor and all the way back up to the unit. I have had to put the tank and filter at almost the same level so the water didn't have to be pushed up to the unit so far. But mostly what I wanted to ask you I noticed that with the new 200 T unit they are recommending that you do NOT use distilled water because they say it won't allow for the ultrasonic cycle to begin for some reason. I was having that same problem myself when I replaced my water with new distilled water at times at first after change out. It seems like that is another thing that they have caught in regard to combing out the unit !! Have you noticed that as well ? Thank you again for the recommendation, and thank you for all you do for analog audio.
That thing is a MONSTER- it looks like an old copy machine from the 80’s. It has a MASSIVE footprint and sized unrealistically for the hobbyist.
Cheers Mike, Your KLaudio system of cleaning records makes perfect sense for you, since you clean a very high volume of records. I also agree that for people who have a lot of money to invest in cleaning gear, this system makes sense too. What is lacking here, is vinyl records cleaning for those who don't have that kind of money to drop on such an expensive system. A number of years ago I bought a VPI 17F in an auction and got it for about half price of what a new one costs. This wet/dry vac machine does a good job cleaning my records even though a bit more labor is involved. I actually like to use a squirt bottle to apply my home made custom cleaning fluid. You may be missing some other steps to make your precious vinyl sound the best it can. I add demagnetization; the application of Gruv Glide for records that aren't NM; and LAST record preservative for high value records I wish to play without discernable wear over time. It works really well for me without breaking the bank. I really like how you place the album covers in the Japanese outer sleeves and use the MoFi inner sleeves to store the record outside of the album cover. 👍👍👍 Those are terrific ideas. I really found this video to be interesting, and if I ever decide that I need a high volume cleaner your recommendation of KLaudio equipment will be at the forefront of my mind. For a future video, I wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts about specific cleaning fluids you use and the quality of the water you use for cleaning. 👍👍👍
Mike it's Eric over in Vegas! I've always been a r about keeping, handling and storing clean records in the poly lined paper sleeves but I'll adopt your outer sleeve method for sure. Makes total sense. Instill have most of my collection stored in closed ice chests. I was wondering if the stuff in a spray can called static guard had any place in the grand scheme? Everything in my room gets a fine coating of dust. I use tack cloths lightly on everything (except records) to lift it off as well as vac
Look at a $6000 cartridge that can snap in a moment
The KLaudio is like a major cartridge upgrade
I'm digging this
Tell you what mate, I’m very impressed, great review!
Great video… I see that there is so much more background and technical knowledge then just plain selling records in your store…
Great job on the review and honestly that’s awesome that you take the time to ultrasonic clean all your used records. I live in Austin and have amazing record store and I can guarantee you NONE of them do that for their used records. I don’t think they even spin clean them 🥴
Keep up the good work and it I’m ever close to Arizona, I’m stopping by to check out your shop. 🤘🏽
He cleans every record becsuse he doesn't care if he makes money... one big front for his own collection with deep pockets
Especially Breakway and Antones don't put any care in. Piranha, End of an Ear, and Waterloo seem better. Not sure about Groovers.
I would be surprised if any record store is wasting time hand spinning records with a spin clean unless it’s high valued records. Too much wasted time. I use spin clean myself so not hating on the unit. Just doesn’t make sense for an actual store to do that. Sell it and let the buyer clean it or charge more for your records by having a machine that cleans them all before you sell.
Ordered one today. Only have about a 1,000 LP's but thanks for confirming my decision.
My KLaudio 200-S works great. I have replaced the pump once. I never use the cooling kit because at home I only clean them one or two at a time. Nice to hear a review from a professional like you. The only thing I do different from you, is I use a Spin Clean on used records before putting them into the KLaudio just to get the big nasty stuff off.
I figured you did a really great job ultrasonically cleaning used records when I bought a Discogs promo copy of Ike and Tina's "River Deep -- Mountain High" from you. That record was SPOTLESS and sounded super clean. Truly a wonder for such an old record.
That has not been the case when I've bought other used Ike and Tina records. :)
Many other record stores will charge you a few extra bucks for ultrasonic cleaning. It's nice to have the service already included for used records.
Great video as this is something that I had no idea existed. Its like pulling back the curtain on the Wizard. Its so cool seeing one of these machines as the only real exposure has been the Degritter. One of the biggest deterrents (besides price) for me is they only clean one record at a time.
How often do you change the water?
What are you selling the older ones for?
Mike - thanks for the video. What are your thoughts on the Degriiter for home use - 1,000 record collection?
Mike, I was kinda hoping you'd clean one while you're talking so we could see it in action! Maybe in part 2? Very informative
Good video. Perfect Michael Fremer-esq product placement ad. (COULDN'T RESIST because it's tough not to endorse anything when in business) Hope you guys made up because you both add value and Fremer is a top shelve guy. Enjoyed the how to store records part, but wish you would do a quick vid on how to clean records without said machines/products.
I stopped listening to Fremer on cleaning records when he recommended using Aqua Fina as the water to use for cleaning records.
Great that your store can fund those units. Customers will love buying cleaned albums but I don't see many people being able to afford them.
It's cool to see how In to records you are. Thats why your the best. I'm that way with cars. If you have to ask why then you just don't understand .
it takes care of the pickiest of REcord collectors..but I'm sure he's run into the ones that are impossible to please.
Hi Mike, love the channel.. wondering about the re-sealable sleeves you use.. i stopped using them years ago after a few disasters: had the adhesive accidentally stick to an lp cover and rip off the artwork.. after this happened a few times i swore off them and just switched to high quality open ended thicker outer sleeves. Have you had issues with them?
I have the original LP 200
Bought in late 2013
I have cleaned over 7,000 lps
Only using distilled water is a huge plus and no felt ‘brushes’ to replace
I only had a pump issues this year. After 7 years of heavy use. I was afraid they were no longer servicing these. KLaudio checked the unit fully and tightened the belts also.
Not only is the unit built like a tank, the shipping boxes are very solid
Like you I was elated to see the new units and for Acoustic Sounds be the exclusive dealer
Distilled water is a big selling point as is hands off cleaning.
I literally pop in and out taking one record out, sleeve it and drop the next in
Beats 20 minutes of a 3 step process for one side scrubbing work on a Loricraft
You need to buy a silencer for your home unit. I can listen to music in the next room while I clean
The KL removes static for good, drops the surface noise dramatically, microdynamics, imaging, tonality all enhanced
Can make a vg+ record up grade to a mint -. Not to mention new records that typically badly need a cleaning to remove micro level surface compounds
I use sleeve city outer plastic 2-5 mill open sleeves. Also place the record outside the jacket (turn the record so sleeve opening is on the side not top)and QRP inners (less expensive and easier to open than MoFi)
I have heard good things about the degritter but havent seen one
The ultrasonic cleaner treatment sounds like a major cartridge upgrade
This is a big selling point of your business Mike, bravo
Indispensable
Thanks for covering this
The lack of cleaning fluid was a big selling point for me as well. Great machines!
Hi Mike, A great video. Thank you.
Mike, have you compared the Degritter (MK1 or MK2) with the KLaudio LP200T ?
Do you add any chemicals to the distilled water for the LP200T ?
For the LP200T with a fixed internally fitted tank, do you have to clean this tank often and if so, is it easy to get inside the tank to completely clean it ?
Hello Mike Great Video glad you take the time what a passion, can you do a video on how to identify if an new current album was made from a analog or digital source is it marked on it anyway or is there a website that tells you that, im interested in the analog source, Thanks Keep up the good work wish i lived closer i would stop in.
looks like inline, and just in time equipment !
is it dry too ?
how long is the dry cycle ?
I store the same way with the exception that I like the flap to be on the spine side. This way there's no seam obstructing my view of the spine.
Ok i really wanted to see how it works. I have no clue what goes on with those machines. Is there a follow up video or something?
I use a Degritter and love it. My friend uses the Klaudio. Both are great machines. I am excited the machine has come back to market but they need to bring back the option for a built-in tank.
The built in tank is an inferior design. It's more convenient but the water gets nasty after a few records and a few days. It's also a pain to clean. I had both machines for a long time.
I use the original KLaudio LP 200 Rev 4. It had to go back to South Korea (I am based in Ireland) after a year due to an issue with the transducers. That was in January 2015, but it has worked flawlessly since then pretty much. I always wet clean an LP first using an enzyme based cleaning agent in distilled or deionised water on a vacuum RCM. The record is then thoroughly rinsed before it goes near the KLaudio. In essence therefore, I am putting clean records into my unit so that the water in the reservoir does not get dirty or fouled up. In addition, I am making the KLaudio’s work easier so that it can work on the really difficult contamination such as original factory residues dating back to when the record was originally pressed. My unit has a mesh type filter in the reservoir and I found that it is essential to clean this when changing the water. The mesh can become clogged, even in my case, with what I suspect to be airborne dust accumulated due to the drying process on the vacuum RCM. It induces static. Obviously, on the scale you are cleaning records, wet cleaning would be impractical and plainly laborious! And yes, I agree that I too could not listen to vinyl records without having access to ultra sonic cleaning. It is a complete game changer and if anything it has proved to me that vinyl records were a lot better than we thought back in the original analogue era. We just didn’t have the technology to get those factory residues that caused annoying ticks and pops from the grooves. Nowadays, my records are silent as to noise except in cases where you have an obviously defective record. The sound quality has been taken to a new level of excellence too. Notwithstanding that however, I am a strong advocate for combining both cleaning methodologies, wet and ultrasonic, and it relieves me of the task of having to filter the water. Both methodologies have their strengths, but combined they work wonderfully well. Cleaning records in filthy, soiled water makes no sense whatsoever and it will cause the ultrasonic machine to malfunction after a while too unless an effective filtration system is employed. Enjoyed the video very much and am delighted that these wonderful machines have not been allowed to fade into obsolescence. I don’t know what the future holds but it would be nice for KLaudio owners who are based in Europe to be able to get their machines repaired/serviced/upgraded here rather than having to send them to South Korea or to the United States.
Greetings Mike! I’m a huge fan of the channel and a regular mail order customer at your store. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on a more mid-tier record cleaner for home use? Something in the $500-$1000 range? Thanks again for all of the informative vids. I’ve become a much more educated collector since discovering your channel.
www.theingroove.com/products/pro-ject-vc-e-record-cleaning-machine?_pos=1&_sid=4a58b8da7&_ss=r
Hey Mike! Have you had the opportunity to try out the Vinyl Storage Solutions outer covers? Personally I love 'em. Resealable dual pockets are my preference. Records slide in and out, covers sealed forever (and ever).
I have. I prefer the look of a standard sleeve. Just an aesthetic preference.
I am curious how you store gatefolds?
Hey Mike, can you share the brand of Japanese resealable outer sleeves you use? I’ve been looking to get some resealables for the more expensive albums that I own.
What are the make and models of the filters, cartridges and pumps?
Might be cost prohibitive but you should check out Diskeeper ultimate audiophile inner sleeves from Sleeve City. You might get hooked on them for your own personal records once you try them.
I just watched this video while cleaning a few records on my Humminguru Ultrasonic Cleaner. It felt just like that one day way back in the 80s when I was riding my Puch moped and I rolled up to a red light right next to a guy on a Kawasaki GPZ900R. "Hey man....You wanna race or something?"
Not to worry - the Humminguru does a great job.
Mike, what do you think about the Degritter?
What is the product Mike said he would use if the Klauios weren’t around?
Something Audio Disk? I couldn’t find that online. He said it is more time consuming with the brushes.
Hi MIKE, did you buy their new model?
I use the Kirmuss Ultrasonic Cleaner, and it works great. My problem with it is takes far too long to clean one single record. I can put it thru the bath, but then I have to spray a surfactant on the record after each cycle, and then repeat the process over and over until the record is sufficiently cleaned. As you can imagine, 15 to 20 minutes to clean and “restore” a record, which is what Kirmuss calls their process, is an extremely time consuming endeavor, and it’s why I don’t use the machine hardly ever. I end up using a manual cleaner like the Spin Clean, which I know doesn’t do a great job of cleaning, especially with used records. But after watching this video, I may seriously considering budgeting for one these Klaudio Machines. I definitely don’t have $6-$7 grand lying around, so I’d consider one of their less expensive models. It’s a shame that there isn’t a truly effective ultrasonic record cleaner on the market that isn’t below $900 or $1K.
Kirmuss now has a patent for his process. An Axpona video was impressive. But I missed the detail that it requires that much time. Thank you!!
Sure wish there was a way to get more specifics on the external filtration and pumps you used for the older machine.
I own the original version so I am definitely interested in replicating your setup.
I will stick with my Degritter ucm... i pondered my own sanity on why i spent £2400 on a record cleaner. Then i realised this is 5% of my collections value and with that half of the justification process was complete. The second half came upon realisation of how transformative the ultrasonic cleaning is... the results are profound on ANY record either brand new or decades old. The cleanliness and clarity of whats in the grooves is akin to a cart upgrade at 4x the price of existing and thus this machine has essentially renewed my entire collection. I use it for records i sell and many buyers have taken the opportunity to let me open their new record and double Degrit before sending in the mail, again with superb feedback. It costs a bit of money to run, distilled water must be changed each week at about £4 (one less beer!) to refill so something to bare in mind if blasting each week and ive 00's more records to get through. I also find because its so gentle in terms of how it works (overall a plus btw) it wont brute force truly heavy caked and baked in dirt and a pre wash by hand could be essential but few records ive had ever gotten into this state. Visually it can sometimes leave you wondering the difference to the naked eye but the audible effect is very noticable. I find two heavy cycles most effective and well worthwhile rather than a short single wash. It wont quieten a poor pressing of which theres far too many nowadays but im a total ultrasonic convert. The convenience and ease of use is the cherry on top because record cleaning can take a surprising amount of time and this is another major plus point for this kind of method.
Highly recommended indeed!
Check your # runs, it might make you feel slightly better.
I use ultrasonic but not all the time.. finding a good surfacant cleaner is just as good in my experience, after microscopic and listening tests. Exactly the same . Surfacant cleaner... one can make at home for pennies. Cheers.
@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 i envy you for being satisfied by that method, similar method was sorta doing it for me at least until i invested in the Degritter and realised how superior a double heavy cycle is. Same goes for everyone ive Degritted a record for and two people have bought one from a single LP being cleaned in it! A UCM is for me simply the only way to leave nothing detrimental in the grooves. Would i buy a Degritter for a 200 LP collection? No unless they were all super rare mint valuables. My collection is 1800 strong and all NM at minimum and so £2400 vs a collection value of £75000 is absolutely justifiable to me. Add to that i can combine a postal service of record flattening and UCM cleaning to a person one can pay for the equipment twice over after a few yrs 👍
Would you consider us mailing records to be cleaned? I know there is a place in Chicago that used to.
I’ve been US cleaning my records for the past ten years and use a DIY setup. Definitely not as convenient as the automated systems like kLaudio. My biggest contention with the automated systems has been the rotation speed. All the units have too fast rotational speeds. At a minimum a record should be submerged at least three minutes continuous per rotation. So a record which has a third submerged at any point would take 9 minutes to do an effective cleaning. The time established has been published by several Ultras Sonic manufacturers white papers. If KLaudio or others had the ability to control a slower rotation speed then I would buy one in a heartbeat as I agree that a US cleaning system is mandatory for a serious record collector. Until then my DIY system will have to suffice regardless how klunky it is. Cheers Mike always enjoy your vlogs.
Mike, I store my albums the same way, and I built my own ultrasonic record cleaning machine. Not as good as the ones you have but it does a good job. However, I have been trying to find the best cleaning solution for the process, whether it be a commercial product or a conconction of my own. You don't mention what you use as a solution here. Or do you use one at all? I always use distilled water in the tank and will be installing a six stage filter system in my home (reverse osmosis, de-ionized, etc.) soon. What cleaning solution do you use? Thanks.
if you were going to buy a cleaner for home use, with a small record collectiom, which one would you recommend?
Hey Mike, what do you recommend for someone who wants to clean records at home? The KLaudio seems like an first rate option but it might be out of most peoples budget since we're not cleaning hundreds or thousands of records a week. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do, I love your channel and record store!
The guy that invented this was on with Chad from AcousticSounds on a video and the statement seemed to be if you cant afford the best (this ), then a spin clean will do. lol. I have a Degritter on the way as I type. And almost have regrets as there's stories out there it's only rated for 2K cleaning cycles, and sure enough there are folks out there around that level already having to send their machines away for service--and in a few instances warranty period is up. What an expensive hobby we have!
If the album is a double do you store the 2 records side by side on the outside of the album cover in Mofi innner sleeves then inside the Japanese outer sleeve?
Using the Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner for over a couple of years now and haven't looked back......
Is it possible that the peaks between the grooves get chipped or knocked off during the ultrasound process ?
fully agree
"you know how when you buy a new $5000 amplifier" no Mike, no I don't know anything about that lol. Love your passion for vinyl, wish you were my local store.
LOL. Sorry.
For these "audiophile" gear guys on CZcams, a $5,000 amp is a starting price budget item. A $6,000 record cleaner is an absolute must have. Taking out loans for electronics is a passion. Think about how many BlueNote Classic albums you could get for the price of that cleaner. When Chad posted the informative demo video on his page with the company representative, I knew without even looking for the price they were selling this thing in the thousands of dollars because the demo was like Lockheed Martin revealing a new aircraft. I made a guess around $6000, and I was so close. In Chad's demo they didn't reveal the price, so you automatically knew it was going to be +$.
No need to feel bad about it. There are many good alternatives that won't break the bank. Check out the VPI and other cleaning machines. I have an old VPI 17F. I got it used for $800 years ago, and it does the job nicely.
@@musicgroovin yeah they recommended a spin clean if you couldnt spring for the klaudio. Haha that is Chad for ya---push the best and stock the cheapest alternative there is.
I wonder if you offer a cleaning service by mail. I only have
I think those are great, but i just cant fathom why they cost so much. 6x times as much as some top tier TTs, (Ultra luxury TTs excluded).
Please expand on cleaning results before and after. Can it up the grading 1 level? How much improvement in surface noise reduction will you see?
Surface noise reduction depends on the cause. Sometime the improvement is minor sometimes it's like you playing another record.
WIth 4 machines running 8 minute cycles, 8 hours a day, 6 days a week is about 75,000 records per year.
As a potential record store owner I would totally subscribe to ultrasonically cleaning all the records that come through, ( like you, perhaps with the exception of the
" budget "LPs). If I may ask, how much premium do you charge for this? Time, labor, materials ... On this scale you can't merely do it as a courtesy. I know that upon request you charge $5 per LP, but let's say a record you decided is $20 as is ( pre clean / TLC) , do you
bump it up $5 more or less? Thanks!
Can you show us how it actually works with a record?
Wondering, if you ever tried the Kirmuss system? And, your thoughts.
Yes I have. 30-45 Minutes to fully clean a record.
The beauty and grueling methodology of being a collector and store owner; Cleaning records.
can your customers use your cleaners for a fee? Like stop by and drop off a couple LPs and pick ip later? Pretty cool
There may be a Degritter in my near future, you can add an external tank. I just can't justify the price tag of the KLaudio.
Great job. You mentioned destilled water. In the manual it says to use tab or bottled drinking water. It specifically mentions NOT to use destilled water. What is your experience? I opted for bottled drinking water for now. Cleaning the first record as I am writing this. Thanks again for the video. Br, Claus
The water level sensor needs some minerals in the water to work. I sometimes have to add a cup or two of tap water if I get an error message.
You are a champ for replying so rapidly. Thanks. Currently working with folks in Tucson on implementing new processes and technology at their manufacturing site. Is that close to your shop? Br from Denmark, Claus
@@clausfjeldingwhitt152 About 2 hours away.
Why didn't you Show tue cleaning-process?
Mike, how often can I clean my records with an ultrasonic record cleaner?
The vinylstoragesolutions resealable outer sleeves may be of interest. It's built so the user can seal the album jacket in one pocket, then place the inner sleeve with the record in another pocket. There's no need to break the seal on the jacket then. It's much easier, at least I've found.
Where do you buy them?
If you can afford them yes
Boy that was intense! Interesting though.
When will you be selling your machines