Many of the folks who purchased this machine have had good results. Like you said it won't make a record perfect but it will clean it so you get more detail of what's being played. I've had mine for almost two years and almost any record can benefit from US cleaning. With records that I bought new I clean with just the water to get the junk out from the pressing plant (they are not a clean environment! I've been to one). If you have read all of this thread there are lots of fluids you could try out. Don't forget this is a hobby so don't over analyze just enjoy the music.
That would be cool. I need to figure out how I can capture the audio from the TT. If I do, I will be sure to post some before and after clips.
After a few days of cleaning, I can say that heat is my barrier to completing numerous cleanings. It does build up over cycles and is really hard to get the fluid down in temperature. I have measured readings as high as 99 F. So I try to go slow and keep things below 90 F. Now for surfactant, what is the opinion on the Record Research Lab cleaner? https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Super-Record-Wash/dp/B003TYF6M6 Much cheaper than the $85 Kirmuss, 300 ML bottle.
For less money you can get a bottle of ilfotol and mix it yourself and have a years supply and know what is in the liquid you are putting on your records Ilford Ilfotol Wetting Agent (Liquid) for Black & White Film & Paper - 1 Liter
I'm using Tergitol, the brand name I bought is Tergikleen. The AudioDesk fluid is a cost effective option too.
Yes Phil, I'm using it with my Kirmuss for the brushing step. I have the Kirmuss fluid, AudioDesk and Tergitol. Currently, I'm using Tergitol as it's thought by many to be the best. I can't say that I've reached a conclusion yet but it's certainly economical.
One of those grey towels he supplies. I bought 6 more. Honestly, it just take a few seconds to dry an LP. They look and sound fantastic.
I have little doubt the Kirmuss is just the right machine for some people, and does an excellent job of cleaning when used properly. However, it also represents pretty much everything I have wanted to avoid and which turns me off about record cleaning, in terms of fussiness, work and inconvenience. Which is why I bought a Degritter instead
You don't necessarily need to restore every record you own. I modify procedure as needed. Hell, I even clean bicycle parts with it.
Yeah I used it without the spray for a year. It made a nice difference in sound. After the urging of Kirmuss to use the spray, I figured I’d try it. He seemed pretty genuine. Now I use the spray and it makes a HUGE sound difference. The dude is right. Jeff
I just finished building a system. I thought maybe I'd throw it out here since I use the exact same tank as the Kirmuss system.
What I would like to know is, whether the Kirmuss machine is able to clean records that are very dirty (fingerprints, lots of dust, records that have been played wet for years, grease etc.)? Keep in mind I have no interest in using the Kirmuss surfactant or antistatic spray. I am sure it works, but it is way too expensive, the process is time consuming and I do not want to spend that much money. So, is there a way to get records clean that are extremely dirty using this ultrasonic device?
