Klaudio RCM

[tima]

Originally Posted by jdandy

One of the things that appeals to me about the Klaudio record cleaning machine is it uses distilled water, nothing more. No need to spend money on the endless cycle of the record cleaning fluid of the month. A gallon of distilled water is cheap by comparison.

Yeah, I thought about that and on the surface (!) it seems like a plus. But then I wonder if having some surfactants in the water provides a greater benefit than the convenience of not dealing with them. Can, for example, distilled water alone, regardless of the amount of cavitation, remove fingerprints or grease?

I did a very extensive review of the AIVS and Walker cleaning products - these are the best out there with vacuum machines. They do their work as solvents by sitting on the record surface. Granted, water itself is an excellent solvent but comparing the use of detergent based cleaners with ultra-pure distilled water alone is really no comparison - the record cleaners with detergents win every time. The trick is giving the detergents enough time to work - the longer they sit on the record the more effective they are. (Thorough rinse is critical.) Brushing the record with the detergents on its surface is important not so much to scrub but to keep the dirt loosened by the detergent suspended in the fluid so it doesn't settle back in the groove.

I agree that a machine that uses no consumables other than distilled water is appealing. I don't know if water + cavitation alone can do the same job as water with detergent + cavitation - a thorough comparison between the KLaudio and the Audio Desk Systeme (ADS) units with records having different kinds of soiling may answer that. I do know aged fingerprints and grease can be very difficult to remove from a record.

I've read on average the ADS fluid (they have their own proprietary, no fluid of the month as you mentioned) is good for approx 150 records. I didn't check my math but I think that works out to about 11 cents a record based on a 6-pack of ADS fluid at around $100. Along with detergent, the ADS machine also requires eventual replacement of its brushes so there is other long term cost but I also understand they are washable.

I would pay for reasonable cost consumables if that system gave the best result but I don't know which is best. Hopefully we'll learn more about these machines soon.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Myles... I just sent him an email; I'll post back here if I get an answer.

I did just get off the phone with Tim from Klaudio; they were having communication, phone and email issues (now resolved)

I am now on board as an authorized dealer; these units are in stock and they will drop ship.

Please send me your PM's and or emails once again, so I can get your units shipped!

imesser@bellsouth.net

[Copper1]

I am still interested; PM sent

[Masterlu]

Back to 6 orders; I feel much better after speaking with Tim at Klaudio. I'll be getting one also for all to see in action that visit me.

Myles... Thanks for the secret email.

Owners Manual:

https://klaudio.com/files/products/m...00_d110eng.pdf

[Whart]

I think the great appeal of the KL is its simplicity. The issue of fluids is really one of getting them off the record once they have done their job. Theoretically, no fluid in the KL means no sonic signature from the fluid.
My current practice is to use a combination of techniques: I pre-clean the vinyl using one or another enzyme based cleaners (Walker for years, currently like the AI No 15 since it saves some steps), then lab water, using a conventional vacuum machine.
Then pop into the ultrasonic cleaner. (Using the AD with less fluid than specified and change the water and clean the filters and rollers frequently).
Although the ultrasonic cleaners are far less labor intensive, they have actually made me even more acutely aware of the impact of clean records and the sonic signature of the fluids. So, I'm putting even more effort into cleaning records, not less. But, the majority of records I'm buying are decades old.

[Toocool4]

I really do like the look of the KLAudio cleaner, I currently have the Loricraft PRC3 and was looking at the Audio Desk Systeme. I think the running cost of the KLAudio makes it a winner for me.

If I do get one I think I would still keep my Loricraft as the KLAudio does not clean 10” and 7” disks yet.

[MtnHam]

I've had the Klaudio for about a month and couldn't be more satisfied. I use RO (Reverse Osmosis) water from my kitchen sink and change it about every 50 LPs at $0.00 cost! Being able to clean the next LP unattended in an adjacent room while listening to another is one of the great benefits. Another is no static charge! The dead silent surface and increased clarity is major.

[Masterlu]

All Klaudio orders have been placed, and preparing to ship.

[Masterlu]

My new Klaudio RCM arrived today... I need to break out my camera tomorrow. I have fallen way behind on posting pics of lots of new gear.

It's quite beefy at 45lbs.

[miner]

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