I've got the same set up as you do now for a couple years. I like very much. I use a solution of distilled water, a few drops of triton 100, and a small amount of 91% Iso Alc. I also use this solution as a preclean on a turntable that I then use a vinyl vac stick on. This keeps my ultrasonic solution cleaner. I also do a distilled water rinse and vinyl vac stick after ultrasonic cleaning. I want to minimize residue left by the triton 100 and Iso if there is any. Works really well! There are a million ways to do it, but just do it!!
I use the same Vevor unit that you have, and I am amazed at how much better my records sound now. I have been doing 30 degrees C for 20-30 minutes, depending on how dirty the vinyl is. I do not use fotoflo though. I put a few drops of Triton in a 1 liter bottle with distilled water, and then add about 1 ounce of that to the water. The Triton is both a surfactant and detergent, and by using such a small amount I do not feel that a rinse cycle is needed. One thing to keep in mind though, I saw another video in which the guy said that sometimes there are imperfections (air pockets) in the vinyl. When the bubbles from the ultrasonic cleaner impact those imperfections, it will cause a chip in that area. I have cleaned almost 1,000 records so far, and it has only happened once. Inspect each record carefully after it has dried. Those chips are stylus killers! Also, you can use a small fan to help the records dry faster.
I've been using a Vevor for about 7 months and learned a few things. Preclean lps. I use groovewasher g2 and it's quick. I use 15 drops of groovewasher G Sonic in distilled water. Supposed to not require a rinse after. Slow the rotation with a cheap rheostat and clean about 10 minutes tops. I have an old NittyGritty 1.5 I've had for 30 years and vacuum each side about 4:revolutions and they are pretty dry. The whole operation for 2 lps takes maybe 15 minutes. I use that time to gently clean the lp covers. Remarkable results. Better than any other cleaning methods I've tried.
I've been in experimentation mode myself. One thing seems certain. Really dirty records will benefit from a wash in the VPI 16.5 before they go into the ultrasonic cleaner.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 I know it may seem strange but I got great results cleaning absolutely filthy, grime smeared records found at a rubbish tip, by leaving them to soak overnight in a bath of Coca Cola. Ran a reasonably stiff, fine haired brush through them before removal and then soaked the records again in a bath of warm tap water. Ran a record cleaning brush through them while still in the warm bath to ensure no sugary deposits remained and finished the cleaning with a 'spin clean' process. Records I thought were unsalvageable turned out shiney new but I would'nt soak records with white labels as I found they stained from the Cola. PS Plastic pot plant bases with reinforcement ridges raise the record and allow better contact with the liquid on the underside.
I'm a photographer who develops film and uses Kodak Photo-Flo (or Ilford Ilfotol), and I'd like to remind folks that you only need a couple of drops per tank. If it's sudsing or bubbling, then you're using too way much. Using a minimal amount will also assuage fears about any residue being left on your records.
Thanks for the video. I'm a vinyl fan. Grew up with vinyl during the 50's. I have a record cleaning machine that I have yet to use. Cleaning records is a laborious task. I'm retired and have the time but not the desire. I envy your Mobile Fidelity collection. I'm a huge Frank Sinatra fan. When my budget allows I'll see if I can find it on the used market. And also an Ultrasonic cleaner. Cheers.
I'm in a similar place in life. All the time I need, but zero desire to stand in front of a manual RCM. Good luck on the Sinatra MOFI box set, the quality of the remaster is truly special I'm sure you would be very pleased with them. Thanks for the comment.
Hi! Nice video, nice collection. I have a Knosti, a VPI and a Vevor. When using the Vevor, I just use distilled water with no additives. I get the tempertaure to 30 degrees and clean for 10 minutes. That is usally all that is required. Additives if used must be washed off with another cycle of clean water. I don't want long-term exposure of chemicals to my precious vinyl. Thanks for sharing :)
I've tried the Vevor with just distilled water and found that without some type of product to break the surface tension in the water the results don't appear as good. It's a bit frustrating trying to navigate this thing.
That may be true. But since the temperature control thermostat is just basing it's adjustments on the overall temperature of the water I don't see what difference that would make?
To slow the rotation you can get a variable power supply or do what I did and find the lowest voltage wall wart you have laying around the house and use that. I went from 5 rpm to 1 rpm
The wall wart that came with the unit has a 24v output. That results in 7 rpm. I switched it out for a 12v wall wart that I had laying around and the rpm's dropped to 3.5. Very nice result. I may dig around and see if I can find a 9v wall wart. That would do the trick perfectly.
This is not a good idea because lowering the voltage can result in the motor not receiving enough power, which can lead to excessive heating and faster wear. I'd recommend to use some PWM module (Pulse Width Modulation) which allows you to regulate the engine speed without reducing the input voltage.
@@PiotrHlawski Unless you are talking about taking the motor apart and installing some sort of PWM circuitry at some stage inside it, I can't see how this would be any less harmful for the motor (Assuming that running it at a lower voltage would be harmful which I seriously doubt).
@@travis4619 The new HG Nova looks like a major improvement to the original but it went from $499 to $799! But I am getting a little more open to getting one to add to my main workhorse VPI & system of cleaning.
Good video on your ultrasonic record cleaner machine i also have 2 ultrasonic record cleaner machines they are digital ultrasonic cleaner like your vevor and humminguru ultrasonic record cleaner machine and i like them both and they do a great job cleaning all my records and it was the best money spent and it was worth it better than hand wash them with spin clean record washer a lotta work and backaches ultrasonic cleaning machines are better than spin clean record washer and lot easier.
I have this unit. I discovered a fairly serious issue with it that could easily damage all the records used in the device. Look closely where the record support axel collar attaches to the short motor axel. See how the record axel support collar fits into the slot on the vertical mount? See how close the fit between the rotating record axel sleeve collar and the motor axel is? Well actually, it is TOO CLOSE AND THEY RUB TOGETHER, CAUSING TINY METAL PARTICLES TO SCRAPE OFF AND FALL INTO THE BATH. I had to use some metal files and file the slot in the area of the bottom position, where the sleeve collar would be when the records are rotating in the bath, in order to eliminate the metal particles. You have been warned...
I'm really interested in ultrasonic cleaning. I've been using an Okki-Nokki for the past 4hrs or so and feel that Ultra-Sonic is the next step. I can't believe the pricing of the audiodesk / degritter and have considered the HumminGuru but it has mixed reviewes -- although they have a new model out.
Manual vacuum cleaning just takes too much time and effort. I agree, those two machines you mentioned are outlandishly expensive. The Vevor may not be the best of the lot, but it's obtainable and works reasonably well. Thanks for the comment.
Are any of those cleaners leaving any type of anti-static coating on the albums? I'm just curious if any of them would help in that aspect, but it does seem like a good cleaning system regardless.
@@AudiophileGuy1066My Furutech DeStat III takes care of any and all static! I still love my VPI 16.5 best for record cleaning. There is a good reason for its $1000 plus price tag. I do not trust cheap general use ultrasonics for my records. Between the pressure & temp .. and anything exposing a record for 30 min cycle is just too risky in the long run in my opinion. I’m also not in favor of using isopropyl alcohol or photo flow on records esp not while in an ultrasonic for 30 min. No way I’d use all that and air dry or use microfiber cloths Only way to remove cleaning solutions and dirty water completely is a high quality vacuum like the VPI. Just my 2 cents…
@@jdthompson5778 All good and valid points. Agreed on the alcohol use. Not certain about the Kodak product. There doesn't appear to be any science out there regarding its effect on vinyl. Its been trial and error. I still have my 16.5 which is not going anywhere. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 If I were you I’d definitely use the VPI and any additives or cleaners there and vacuum that all off first including a 2nd rinse step adding water and vacuuming that off too. Then I’d use only distilled water and a short run in the ultrasonic.. Though I am leary of sub $1000 non-record specific ultrasonic machines. the Hummin Guru Nova has caught my attention recently. It looks pretty good for sub-$1000 and very record specific with some great new features. It only calls for a 5 min clean cycle and I think has an auto air dry cycle w/fan of 5 or 10 min. I’m not sure if it’s on par with KLaudio or Degritter ultrasonics - several thousand dollars more - but I may be open to use it at least for a 5 min run after a VPI clean on certain records. I would likely still use the VPI to dry the record after ultrasonic. How much would that improve the sound and would the amount it wears down the record be worth it? True I haven’t seen a scientific report .. but .. Some say ultrasonics diminish the frequency range of the record and may be subtle and take time to notice … even though they do tend to do a great job removing clicks and crackling from really dirty records with deeply dirty grooves. Maybe the best use would be on very dirty or VG+ or less vintage records.
Heu what is the différence between this model and the other one with buttons triggerinstead of digital ? One is 200W and the other 300W...but more info ?
I don't clean more than 3 records at a time; making sure they each have plenty of space between them. That way I'm certain there are plenty of cavitation bubbles surrounding each record.
I guess I'm about your age, perhaps a little older and I just don't care to put that amount of work into the records. Digital is fine for me. I still have my Mcintosh, Pioneer, Carver components, and Cerwin Vega speakers. I beat the heck out of my hearing decades ago at work. I tested my ears, and I'm lucky to get into the 30-10k range.
Temperature doesnt matter. You don't need any additives either. 5 mins should be fine. If its not clean after 5mins leaving it longer ain't gonna do anything. These machines were designed so you don't need anything but the machine to clean, the cavitation does the cleaning and yes it gets into the grooves, you don't need a surfactant.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 I'm a little ocd about it with a distilled water rinse via spray bottle before the vevor. There's a record label clamp online for $20 and then I place record on the spindle. I just bought a second vevor to do a final rinse in distilled water also. I use the photoflo and a couple tablespoons of of 99% alcohol and distilled water for my cleaning mix. Good results so far. Less records on spindle seem to get better cleaning.
@@mondoenterprises6710 I've been considering a distilled water rinse on the VPI 16.5 but haven't done that yet. Not sure if such a small amount of the Photoflo leaves any king of residue on the vinyl or not.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 Yes I guess it's not supposed to. My thing was rinsing the chemical from the vinyl to avoid a possible reaction as it is used for photo not vinyl.
If I understand physics at all the first track is in the cleaner a lot longer than the last track. Just saying. One of the problems with this type of cleaner.
Actually I don't think that is true. The track circumference is smaller as you go towards the center of the record so actually all the tracks are in the solution for the same amount of time. The outer tracks only spend more time in the solution in so far as they take up more of the surface of the record.
I was curious about Kodak photo flo, here's what is in it: Propylene glycol (25-30%) Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (5-10%) it is, basically, just soap.
Mine just came in. Can’t wait to unbox and try it out! Thanks for your review.
Awesome video! Covers all crucial points + good information!
I've got the same set up as you do now for a couple years. I like very much. I use a solution of distilled water, a few drops of triton 100, and a small amount of 91% Iso Alc. I also use this solution as a preclean on a turntable that I then use a vinyl vac stick on. This keeps my ultrasonic solution cleaner. I also do a distilled water rinse and vinyl vac stick after ultrasonic cleaning. I want to minimize residue left by the triton 100 and Iso if there is any.
Works really well! There are a million ways to do it, but just do it!!
I use the same Vevor unit that you have, and I am amazed at how much better my records sound now. I have been doing 30 degrees C for 20-30 minutes, depending on how dirty the vinyl is. I do not use fotoflo though. I put a few drops of Triton in a 1 liter bottle with distilled water, and then add about 1 ounce of that to the water. The Triton is both a surfactant and detergent, and by using such a small amount I do not feel that a rinse cycle is needed. One thing to keep in mind though, I saw another video in which the guy said that sometimes there are imperfections (air pockets) in the vinyl. When the bubbles from the ultrasonic cleaner impact those imperfections, it will cause a chip in that area. I have cleaned almost 1,000 records so far, and it has only happened once. Inspect each record carefully after it has dried. Those chips are stylus killers! Also, you can use a small fan to help the records dry faster.
I've been using a Vevor for about 7 months and learned a few things. Preclean lps. I use groovewasher g2 and it's quick. I use 15 drops of groovewasher G Sonic in distilled water. Supposed to not require a rinse after. Slow the rotation with a cheap rheostat and clean about 10 minutes tops. I have an old NittyGritty 1.5 I've had for 30 years and vacuum each side about 4:revolutions and they are pretty dry. The whole operation for 2 lps takes maybe 15 minutes. I use that time to gently clean the lp covers. Remarkable results. Better than any other cleaning methods I've tried.
I've been in experimentation mode myself. One thing seems certain. Really dirty records will benefit from a wash in the VPI 16.5 before they go into the ultrasonic cleaner.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 I know it may seem strange but I got great results cleaning absolutely filthy, grime smeared records found at a rubbish tip, by leaving them to soak overnight in a bath of Coca Cola. Ran a reasonably stiff, fine haired brush through them before removal and then soaked the records again in a bath of warm tap water. Ran a record cleaning brush through them while still in the warm bath to ensure no sugary deposits remained and finished the cleaning with a 'spin clean' process. Records I thought were unsalvageable turned out shiney new but I would'nt soak records with white labels as I found they stained from the Cola.
PS Plastic pot plant bases with reinforcement ridges raise the record and allow better contact with the liquid on the underside.
@@sportsfanivosevic9885 The most unusual approach I've encountered so far, but if it works for you then good on ya mate.
I'm a photographer who develops film and uses Kodak Photo-Flo (or Ilford Ilfotol), and I'd like to remind folks that you only need a couple of drops per tank. If it's sudsing or bubbling, then you're using too way much. Using a minimal amount will also assuage fears about any residue being left on your records.
Amen on that Brother. I use only the tiniest amount.
Thanks for the video. I'm a vinyl fan. Grew up with vinyl during the 50's. I have a record cleaning machine that I have yet to use. Cleaning records is a laborious task. I'm retired and have the time but not the desire. I envy your Mobile Fidelity collection. I'm a huge Frank Sinatra fan. When my budget allows I'll see if I can find it on the used market. And also an Ultrasonic cleaner. Cheers.
I'm in a similar place in life. All the time I need, but zero desire to stand in front of a manual RCM. Good luck on the Sinatra MOFI box set, the quality of the remaster is truly special I'm sure you would be very pleased with them. Thanks for the comment.
Hi! Nice video, nice collection. I have a Knosti, a VPI and a Vevor.
When using the Vevor, I just use distilled water with no additives.
I get the tempertaure to 30 degrees and clean for 10 minutes.
That is usally all that is required.
Additives if used must be washed off with another cycle of clean water.
I don't want long-term exposure of chemicals to my precious vinyl.
Thanks for sharing :)
I've tried the Vevor with just distilled water and found that without some type of product to break the surface tension in the water the results don't appear as good. It's a bit frustrating trying to navigate this thing.
If you have a Knosti Antistat just use that with distilled after the US bath.....
To do the best job I recommend the vacuum then ultrasonic
as far heating the water, there is heat generated from the transducers as well that will bring up the ambient temp of the water just a tip
I will be posting an update to this video discussing the very fact of transducer heat. Thanks for the comment.
That may be true. But since the temperature control thermostat is just basing it's adjustments on the overall temperature of the water I don't see what difference that would make?
To slow the rotation you can get a variable power supply or do what I did and find the lowest voltage wall wart you have laying around the house and use that. I went from 5 rpm to 1 rpm
Terrific comment. Thanks!
The wall wart that came with the unit has a 24v output. That results in 7 rpm. I switched it out for a 12v wall wart that I had laying around and the rpm's dropped to 3.5. Very nice result. I may dig around and see if I can find a 9v wall wart. That would do the trick perfectly.
This is not a good idea because lowering the voltage can result in the motor not receiving enough power, which can lead to excessive heating and faster wear. I'd recommend to use some PWM module (Pulse Width Modulation) which allows you to regulate the engine speed without reducing the input voltage.
@@PiotrHlawski Unless you are talking about taking the motor apart and installing some sort of PWM circuitry at some stage inside it, I can't see how this would be any less harmful for the motor (Assuming that running it at a lower voltage would be harmful which I seriously doubt).
When you’ve loved and lost the way Frank has, you know what life’s about.
I upgraded from a VPI 16.5 to a HUmminguru. One record at a time but it's fully automated, fill, wash, drain, and dry. Works perfectly.
How are liking the humminguru? I’ve watched a couple videos advising it was weak when it comes to ultrasonic cleaning - but the are priced right
@@travis4619 The new HG Nova looks like a major improvement to the original but it went from $499 to $799! But I am getting a little more open to getting one to add to my main workhorse VPI & system of cleaning.
Good video on your ultrasonic record cleaner machine i also have 2 ultrasonic record cleaner machines they are digital ultrasonic cleaner like your vevor and humminguru ultrasonic record cleaner machine and i like them both and they do a great job cleaning all my records and it was the best money spent and it was worth it better than hand wash them with spin clean record washer a lotta work and backaches ultrasonic cleaning machines are better than spin clean record washer and lot easier.
I have this unit. I discovered a fairly serious issue with it that could easily damage all the records used in the device. Look closely where the record support axel collar attaches to the short motor axel. See how the record axel support collar fits into the slot on the vertical mount? See how close the fit between the rotating record axel sleeve collar and the motor axel is? Well actually, it is TOO CLOSE AND THEY RUB TOGETHER, CAUSING TINY METAL PARTICLES TO SCRAPE OFF AND FALL INTO THE BATH.
I had to use some metal files and file the slot in the area of the bottom position, where the sleeve collar would be when the records are rotating in the bath, in order to eliminate the metal particles.
You have been warned...
would of been nice To play one of The cleaned albums
Where do you get that water filter?
Here: www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBZVKD7Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
@@AudiophileGuy1066thank you!
What filtering system do you use there? Do you find it really useful?
The iSonic 1 micron filter. It's available on Amazon for around $60ish
I'm really interested in ultrasonic cleaning. I've been using an Okki-Nokki for the past 4hrs or so and feel that Ultra-Sonic is the next step. I can't believe the pricing of the audiodesk / degritter and have considered the HumminGuru but it has mixed reviewes -- although they have a new model out.
Manual vacuum cleaning just takes too much time and effort. I agree, those two machines you mentioned are outlandishly expensive. The Vevor may not be the best of the lot, but it's obtainable and works reasonably well. Thanks for the comment.
They're outrageously priced and I've heard stories of reliability issues as well.
Are any of those cleaners leaving any type of anti-static coating on the albums? I'm just curious if any of them would help in that aspect, but it does seem like a good cleaning system regardless.
The records that I've cleaned ultrasonically have been surprisingly free of static which is very much unlike the vacuum cleaning system.
@@AudiophileGuy1066My Furutech DeStat III takes care of any and all static! I still love my VPI 16.5 best for record cleaning. There is a good reason for its $1000 plus price tag. I do not trust cheap general use ultrasonics for my records. Between the pressure & temp .. and anything exposing a record for 30 min cycle is just too risky in the long run in my opinion. I’m also not in favor of using isopropyl alcohol or photo flow on records esp not while in an ultrasonic for 30 min. No way I’d use all that and air dry or use microfiber cloths Only way to remove cleaning solutions and dirty water completely is a high quality vacuum like the VPI. Just my 2 cents…
@@jdthompson5778 All good and valid points. Agreed on the alcohol use. Not certain about the Kodak product. There doesn't appear to be any science out there regarding its effect on vinyl. Its been trial and error. I still have my 16.5 which is not going anywhere. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 If I were you I’d definitely use the VPI and any additives or cleaners there and vacuum that all off first including a 2nd rinse step adding water and vacuuming that off too. Then I’d use only distilled water and a short run in the ultrasonic..
Though I am leary of sub $1000 non-record specific ultrasonic machines. the Hummin Guru Nova has caught my attention recently. It looks pretty good for sub-$1000 and very record specific with some great new features. It only calls for a 5 min clean cycle and I think has an auto air dry cycle w/fan of 5 or 10 min. I’m not sure if it’s on par with KLaudio or Degritter ultrasonics - several thousand dollars more - but I may be open to use it at least for a 5 min run after a VPI clean on certain records. I would likely still use the VPI to dry the record after ultrasonic. How much would that improve the sound and would the amount it wears down the record be worth it?
True I haven’t seen a scientific report .. but .. Some say ultrasonics diminish the frequency range of the record and may be subtle and take time to notice … even though they do tend to do a great job removing clicks and crackling from really dirty records with deeply dirty grooves. Maybe the best use would be on very dirty or VG+ or less vintage records.
Heu what is the différence between this model and the other one with buttons triggerinstead of digital ? One is 200W and the other 300W...but more info ?
I have no experience with the other model so I really don't know. I would expect they do basically the same job but can't say for sure.
I don't clean more than 3 records at a time; making sure they each have plenty of space between them. That way I'm certain there are plenty of cavitation bubbles surrounding each record.
That's a good procedure to follow. I feel the same way.
I guess I'm about your age, perhaps a little older and I just don't care to put that amount of work into the records. Digital is fine for me. I still have my Mcintosh, Pioneer, Carver components, and Cerwin Vega speakers. I beat the heck out of my hearing decades ago at work. I tested my ears, and I'm lucky to get into the 30-10k range.
Yep. The things we did to our hearing in our younger life.
Temperature doesnt matter.
You don't need any additives either.
5 mins should be fine.
If its not clean after 5mins leaving it longer ain't gonna do anything.
These machines were designed so you don't need anything but the machine to clean, the cavitation does the cleaning and yes it gets into the grooves, you don't need a surfactant.
25 minutes? I don't go longer than 10 for fear of ruining the grooves.
I'm still learning this system and will probably begin reducing cleaning time going forward. Thanks for the comment.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 I'm a little ocd about it with a distilled water rinse via spray bottle before the vevor. There's a record label clamp online for $20 and then I place record on the spindle. I just bought a second vevor to do a final rinse in distilled water also. I use the photoflo and a couple tablespoons of of 99% alcohol and distilled water for my cleaning mix. Good results so far. Less records on spindle seem to get better cleaning.
@@mondoenterprises6710 I've been considering a distilled water rinse on the VPI 16.5 but haven't done that yet. Not sure if such a small amount of the Photoflo leaves any king of residue on the vinyl or not.
@@AudiophileGuy1066 Yes I guess it's not supposed to. My thing was rinsing the chemical from the vinyl to avoid a possible reaction as it is used for photo not vinyl.
Mine is that loud!!
That's why you should buy yourself a really cool pair of noise cancelling headphones. 😁
If I understand physics at all the first track is in the cleaner a lot longer than the last track. Just saying. One of the problems with this type of cleaner.
Actually I don't think that is true. The track circumference is smaller as you go towards the center of the record so actually all the tracks are in the solution for the same amount of time. The outer tracks only spend more time in the solution in so far as they take up more of the surface of the record.
$
I was curious about Kodak photo flo, here's what is in it:
Propylene glycol (25-30%)
Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (5-10%)
it is, basically, just soap.
Soap that doesn't foam works for me.
Whatever solutions that you use, make sure it has a neutral PH balance. Not alkaline, nor acidic!