The Method
Contents
It is not very easy to set up a decent test of record cleaners. Ideally we have the same record for each candidate. And ideally there are all equally dirty. But unfortunately that’s not how it works in practice. However, we tried to wash as many records as possible to get a solid average.
Circuit
To stock up on a decent amount of “dirty” vinyl, we went to the thrift shop and purchased around twenty records. We tried to score some nice work, as well as funny work. Think Dikkertje Dap and some fairy tales. Youth sentiment shall we say.
Now some records are really just dirty. The result of cleaning then can be really amazing. Some records, however, are quite damaged; then of course the clicks and pops do not go away. However, you can still hear the effect; the noise and hiss really disappear.
Working method
We used each cleaner in this test as described by the manufacturer. With the “brush” cleaners, that involves applying liquid to the dirty vinyl and spreading it over the record with the brush provided. Okki Nokki indicates that you should spread the fluid in about four rounds. We kept that as a minimum in this test.
After spreading / cleaning with the brush, we put the nozzle on and sucked the plate dry. This also cleans. After all: you vacuum off the liquid and dirt. We do at least two rounds. Usually we also turn the record in the other direction. Just to make sure everything is dry and clean.
Sometimes we clean a second round to see if it gets any cleaner. You will see that in the samples as well.
With the Degritter, it’s actually simpler. We fill the reservoir with demineralized water (not included! We got three litres!) and add a drop of cleaner. This is super concentrated liquid, so be careful with it.
Then all we have to do is put the record in and choose a program. We choose the longest one for the test. It takes just over 11 minutes. The record is then cleaned and dried.
Sampling
We also made recordings of the results for this test. First, we made a recording of the “dirty” vinyl. Then we cleaned the record to make another recording. This way you can hear the difference immediately.
And see… because we also loaded a selection of the recordings into Adobe Audition. We made screenshots of the spectrum. So you can immediately “see” what the cleaners have to offer. The audible and visible differences are sometimes downright shocking! Very interesting to hear and see this!
Nice review. Record cleaning works! Me myself I have a HumminGuru Nova, a cheaper ultrasonic cleaner (650EU) and it is very easy in use and works well too. You put a dirty record in and you get a clean dry record out, that sounds more open, detailed. Remaining scratches get softened. Also here fingerprint removal does not go well, so I remove them before. Probably not as good as the Degritter, so I clean the record often twice, but for me with a small vinyl collection a fine alternative.