HumminGuru & Degritter Ultrasonic RCMs

I have had my Mk1 now for less than a month, and absolutely love it. I guess I was expecting something that simply cleaned the records of dust, but I’m not sure how it does it, but it definitely results in better sound - not just reduction in surface noise. I can only assume it is getting particles off at a microscopic level, enabling more accurate play of the vinyl itself. I was actually expecting the elimination of clicks etc., and find those are reduced variably - some records much better than others. I am listening to more vinyl for sure, enjoying records I haven’t before. Definitely, an audio upgrade, not just a record cleaner.

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Very true. I’ve found some records to be extremely quiet post-wash - all Tone Poets, for example. Wonderful when you hear that. Most LPs have a background noise reduction post-wash, with the occasional click and pop due to flaws on the surface.

But a few records seem to have their flaws exposed by the Degritter. Amazing how some modern vinyl is of poor quality in the first place or deteriorates quickly even with careful handling. The Degritter leaves the records immaculate - you can see any flaws across the playing surface.

Very impressed by the machine’s easy of use - form and function - brilliant.

The only downside to a Degritter? You can start to listen out for any remaining pops etc. when you spin the record post-wash. I don’t think I did so before I purchased the machine. There’s a condition for that - Degritteritis.

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Anyone get a Degritter or HG from Father Christmas this year?

Record cleaning debate. Mainly about using surfactants - vaguely interesting in places…

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I’d go with the recommendations by “The Vinyl Destroyer”, sounds good :wink:

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Just chopped my Dedritter in for a new Levar vacuum wash machine. I never felt the Degritter was doing what I thought it should. Having now washed records, that I had previously put thorough the Degritter, with the Levar I have confirmed this. Records put through the Levar are cleaner, with far less background noise and less surface hash. Sound is also clearer and more focussed. Bye bye Degritter, hello Levar ….

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Ooh Err This could be a controversial posting challenging the ultrasonic legend!!

Peter

Might be controversial …but just reporting what my ears are telling me :joy::joy::joy:

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Interesting, most people seem to be switching from vacuum to ultrasonic!

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You mean my Loricraft PRC 6 may not be destined for the scrap heap?! :thinking:

Peter

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Herd mentality perhaps?

The segue to ultrasonic cleaning with the degritter was interesting and its certainly easy to use. But my personal experience is that I get a better “clean” with the Lever and a a combination of L’Art du Son and triple distilled water than I ever got with the degritter. As they say “you pays your money and make your choice” :grin:

My experience has been that wash/vac does things that Ultrasonic doesn’t, but the reverse is also true. However, there’s no doubt that the Humminguru is WAY easier to use which means it does get used. I can’t remember the last time I unboxed the ProJect for a session.

My HG does all the work these days. The Project has been used once ( to test) after it came back from repair-it ate its own vac. pump.

I think that may be the case for your situation. Personally the Degritter was no easier to use than my Levar. The Levar sits by the record rack and as I select an album to play it gets a clean. It takes 45 seconds per side, so less than 2 minutes (even if you flip slowly!) . Even a long wash is only 2 minutes per side!! The HG and Degritter have longer drying cycles than that!!

If I had bought a Levar Twin I wouldn’t even have to flip the record over as that cleans both sides at the same time :grin:

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If it works why jump ship ?

Interesting @Teskey !
I’ve not heard of the Levar. Sounds perfect from your description. I need to take a look. Thanks.

You can get them from Analogue Seduction

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That’s interesting I’ve not heard of the Levar before. I have a VPI 16.5 vacuum RCM currently.
My friend has a Degritter and the records of mine that I cleaned on his Degritter had a distinct improvement in clarity and depth of sound and also lowered the noise floor a little.
Admittedly my VPI machine is 20 odd years old so I am sure vacuum cleaners have improved as well over this period of time.
I am saving up and was thinking of purchasing a Degritter. Hmm it would be nice to compare the Levar with it.
Anybody else have any experience of the Levar RCM?

Wow @Teskey
Just when the Degritter was seen as the undisputed king of the jungle, this new upstart arrives in town. Never heard of the Levar. I am intrigued.