Ultrasonic record cleaners

So far I've cleaned four LPs, in varying states of dirtiness, on the new Audiodesk Pro - The Doors' first LP in UK mono first press; DSOTM 4th UK pressing; Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young on UK first press and a UK first press of Bobbie Gentry's Patchwork.

In all cases there has been a significant (or total) reduction in surface noise and a huge - and unexpected - improvement in SQ.

I'll report in more detail later.

Having lived with the Audiodesk Pro for about 36 hours now (I've cleaned about 40 LPs) I must say that despite the cost - £2,000 - it is the most significant/worthwhile investment I've made since buyung an LP12 back in late 1987. As with the fruitbox, it feels as if I've got a completely new record collection.

Not only does it largely or completely remove surface noise (though it can't do anything about dasmage to the physic medium, such as scratches, pits or gouging), it also really helps the presentation - opening up the music, revealing more detail, upping the boogie factor and, in some cases, really throwing vocals out into the room.

The unit is quite small, well-built and is completly automated - you just switch on, select your cleaning cycle time (from 6 to about 9 mins for very dirty records) and away you go. It's completely automatic so you can get on with something else, such as listening to records (be warned though, the unit is noisy, especially during the drying cycle, so you wouldn't want to use it in your listening room).

The first thing you notice after cleaning is how shiny records are; the second is the complete lack of static (presumably this is because the records are air, as opposed to suction, dried).

But it's what you hear thart's really striking. I'm very, very happy, and anyone who's in the market for a serious RCM should have a look at this machine.

It really is an effective and well-engineered product, isn't it?  I'm sorry to hear that they didn't manage to tame the noise in the second generation, however; my 1st gen IS in my listening room so I can either clean records or listen to them, but not both at the same time.  A small price to pay for all the other benefits, though.  I'm really glad you're happy with your purchase.

Hi Tallan, thanks for the good wishes.

You're right, it really is a clever device. Not only is it highly effective, but it's also small and completely atomatic - which is exactly what I was looking for.

K, so pleased you are happy with the Audiodesk RCM it's a big outlay but if you love vinyl as we both do a small price to pay to bring forgotten gems back to life. Vinyl Rules  

Take care G.

Anybody used or had the good fortune to compare the Clearaudio Double Matrix RCM with the Audiodesk Systeme Pro?

Regards.

Bobby.

I only know the Clearaudio is more expensive that the Audiodesk Pro, Bobby. But having lived with the latter for just over a week I can tell you that it is the best investment I have made since buying an LP12 28 years ago. It's a great machine, worth every penny AFAIC.

Cheers Kev,

Good to know you're very satisfied with your acquisition.

Happy cleaning, spinning & listening!

Regards.

Bobby