I do need to purchase a RCM and have been conducting some online research on options. I had assumed that the Audio Desk Systeme was the best in class, but intrigued to see that some forum members above have moved from that to the Degritter.
‘The Audiophile Man’ gives both machines excellent reviews but claims the Degritter is the best on the market. Would I be correct to assume that, in addition to its excellent cleaning properties, the Degritter is a lot less hassle to maintain than the Audio Desk - and is therefore a considerable advantage?
As with most things you get what you pay for. Im sure the DG is better than the HG. But does it matter?
For me the HG is good enough, and ill never be spending DG money on a RCM. I’ll spend the difference on records.
The way i look at this is, that maybe the HG is less powerful, so if the lp is not quite clean enough, do it again until it is.
Even my most dirty record has had no more that 2 ten minutes cleaning sessions.
His claims, arguments and evidane didnt really stack up for me. I lost intrest ( but continued to watch) after the IEC socket thing.
Ta for the link, I’ll definitely watch later. This was something I was wondering about after reading the paper referenced earlier in the thread, frequency, power and water volume all appear to be important in how effective ultra sonic cleaners are. Edit, and dimensions, affecting where standing waves set up.
Part of me is also with @Suedkiez though, maybe I don’t wanna know, maybe it just washes LPs in water and makes a whining sound X) Maybe I shouldn’t joke
For the price of the HG I feel it would be difficult to find better. I am quite sure the Degritter is better but as you or Suedkiez, I am not prepared to pay such money.
If the lp still gives cracks and noise after 3 cleaning in the HG, I prefer to buy instead a better copy of my record. Most of my lps can be bought original from the year , in NM or M condition for less than 50 euros.
I don’t think I want to know. I’d rather spend 3K on records
I am on the opposite end - I would rather minimize time spent on record cleaning or worrying I get less than best possible sonic result when I listen to a record
I have about 3000 records and would rather listen to these optimally. Comparing the value of the record collection assembled over the past 30 years, the cost to maintain properly with a Degritter and Clearaudio Double Matrix is really not what I I worry about… rather enjoy the music.
I am with @frenchrooster and @Thegreatroberto and one or two others on here in that there’s no doubt that the Degritter is quicker, does a more thorough job, looks better and is a great compact size. But from this thread and it’s associated links, the HG does well enough at a fraction of the cost.
If 2 or 3 cleans can’t remove the clicks and pops I’d be trying to find another copy of the LP anyway.
Previously I would have been inclined towards a Project RCM. Respect to the dedication of those that employ both a vacuum and ultrasonic RCM but I don’t have a big record collection and am not going down that route.
His observation about dust and debris remaining on the records and the drying cycle not quite doing the job are fair enough: I initially found the same, but both those issues were eliminated by adding a few drops of rinse aid.
I’d hope the Degritter would do a better job given the cost differential.
Is the HG Ultrasonic ? I’ve cleaned my Wife’s jewellery in it and it did a great job. It may not be as powerful, but it seems just about powerful enough and it is definitely Ultrasonic.
I agree that I’d like to see a modification to prevent switching it on without water in it. I’ve done that a few times. It gives a hiss and cuts the power from somewhere within the SMPS. Power down, wait a few minutes, power back up and it will reset. I do worry a bit that one day it may not switch off before damage is done to the machine, but so far, so good.
Overall, I think HG have hit the nail on the head. Cost vs function it’s pretty perfectly pitched in my book.
Very quick check this morning, the HG only uses about 350ml for a LP, and the PS outputs up to 60W. I don’t think the power per unit volume is going to be far from the Degritter (214W/l - 300W into 1.4l). If the HG users all 60W for US it’s 170 odd W/l. IIRC the company behind the HG cleaner usually make US equipment, so I’d be surprised if they were not putting genuine US kit together.
In the paper the author points out that lower frequency machines require less power, the equivalent machines to the HG frequency wise produce between 25 and 83W/l, so if anything, on that basis, the HG is the most powerful equivalent machine. Myth: busted.
I listened to the video - it was mostly a discussion on whether the machine had ultrasonic capabilities to which the conclusion was yes because of the heat generated.
Two things to consider. The ultrasonic frequency used generates bubbles that are larger than the record grooves so it is likely to be less effective than the degritter at breaking down small particles in the grooves. It will be better at removing larger items. And the filtration system is as I understand it not so good - hence more particles get re-distributed over the record.
In both cases it is sensible to remove larger particles of dirt in a pre-wash prior to ultra sonic cleaning.
Thanks for watching the video Anything interesting about these microscope pictures?
It’s benevolent to call the HG’s filter a “filtration system”, it’s mainly there to keep larger particles out, like hairs and dust. But it is balanced by using a lot less water in the HG, so just don’t reuse it if worried.
Sure thing. Was being polite am replacing the water in the degritter about every 25 records or once a week but as I make my own distilled water that isn’t much of an issue.
I didn’t understood what’s the problem with HG water temperature ?
If I understand well, the Degritter maintains the water temperature at 17C but the HG , after many cleaning, rise the temperature to 40C, which seems not ideal for the reviewer. Is it what he said ?
The degritter has a temperature limiter which causes the ultrasonic to switch off before the temperature of the water damages / warps the vinyl. The HG does not. If I recall the temperature at which vinyl starts to be damaged is surprisingly low.
am replacing the water in the degritter about every 25 records or once a week but as I make my own distilled water that isn’t much of an issue.