CES 2015

Clearaudio's Double Matrix Professional Sonic Record Cleaning Machine Combines Technologies

Michael Fremer  |  Jan 7, 2015

The increased market-share of ultrasonic type record cleaning machines motivated Clearaudio to produce a new model of its Matrix series of record cleaners that combines a vibrational component along with its well-regarded vacuum cleaning capabilities.

The new machine combines dual-sided vacuum cleaning with a sup-supersonic vibrational component that produces a vibrational element to the velvet pads. The frequency is below ultrasonic, but Clearaudio claims the vibrational action does a very effective job of loosening embedded groove dirt that the vacuum element sucks away leaving groove cleanliness equal to if to better than the ultrasonic machines

That claim can only be tested in a review but a few things are clear from the demonstration: the machine is extremely well-made, quiet and seems to do the job as claimed based on the record I had cleaned on it. Also, it is extremely quiet and has a host of useful features. Also it is completely automatic: place a record on the platter, clamp and at the push of a button, it goes through the complete cleaning cycle simultaneously on both sides. Imported to America by Musical Surroundings.

It is priced at $5500. You can watch how it works here. Please forgive the poor audio quality. I added the LCD back to the GoPro camera and accidentally used the underwater replacement back (deeper to accommodate the screen) and it blocked the microphone. The videos I shoot today will be without the waterproof case so the audio should greatly improve.

COMMENTS
kozakjj's picture
Submitted by kozakjj on Wed, 2015-01-07 12:46

Does it have a Rinse Cycle with separate compartment to fill with pure lab water?

Vinyltarian's picture
Submitted by Vinyltarian on Wed, 2015-01-07 16:54

I am been using an ultrasonic cleaner for a year with fantastic results. It does not damage vinyl.

isaacrivera's picture
Submitted by isaacrivera on Wed, 2015-01-07 20:52

I'm curious.

I have been considering an ultrasonic cleaner myself. But they've only been around for a few years, so we don't know long term if and how much they damage LPs. VPI Industries just posted on their Facebook page that they have been asked to make one, but they believe it damages LPs so they won't. Audio Desk said their tests show that at certain levels ultrasonic breaks the modulations of the grooves. And the KLAUDIO machine gets full of vinyl sludge which has to be manually removed, which sounds to me like a mud of vinyl particles... where did those come from?

So, I am debating. I want the benefits of it, but I am not convinced yet it is long-term safe.

Vinyltarian's picture
Submitted by Vinyltarian on Thu, 2015-01-08 02:56

I can't speak to the products you mention. I use the ultrasonic v8 and my ears and eyes tell me that it does a great job. I don't see any vinyl sludge. I never see gunk on my stylus any more and the records sound great. It has removed loud pops from previously cleaned records and has even fixed a few skips, caused by hard to remove grud in the groove I suspect. Not only that I've been able to completely catch up on the 500+ dirty used records that were in the queue to be cleaned. Call David at Ultrasonic V8, maybe he can convince you. You could always try it on some less valuable records and return it or sell it if you find that you are still not convinced. Next my VPI turntable and Soundsmith cartridge, it is the best investment that I've made in vinyl playback.

isaacrivera's picture
Submitted by isaacrivera on Thu, 2015-01-08 06:16

I am sure the immediate effects are amazing as reported by everyone. And maybe, if you only clean the record once this way, it won't hurt long term...

Unfortunately, I don't have space for a V8. I would need a more compact unit.

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Thu, 2015-01-08 09:02
I have used the Audio Desk now for almost two years with only incredible results. Records I thought permanently noisy become quiet. I have neither heard nor seen groove damage. The KLAUDIO machine does not get full of "vinyl sludge". The black "sludge" is dirt.
tube dog's picture
Submitted by tube dog on Fri, 2015-01-09 05:03

about the Audio Desk is that it doesn't always dry the record completely after the cycle is done. Has anyone else had this problem?

blueskiespbd's picture
Submitted by blueskiespbd on Wed, 2015-01-07 17:10

$5500 plus shipping and it is a shaking vacuum device? I think I will
stick with the UltraSonic V-8 @ $1495.

vinyl listener's picture
Submitted by vinyl listener on Wed, 2015-01-07 18:14

/

triumph's picture
Submitted by triumph on Thu, 2015-01-08 04:22

ultrasonics do not damage LPs
cleaned 3500 on my audiodesk & simple to use as a toaster

VirginVinyl's picture
Submitted by VirginVinyl on Thu, 2015-01-08 18:43

I don't have a ultrasonic toothbrush and I'm just find with hand dandy hand brush. But, I would like to see a Ultrasonic vs a hand scrub/vacuum type machine showdown with or without floss assist and see the results.
My wish list:
VPI
Loricraft
Keith Monk
Hanni
Nitty Gritty
I'm willing to entertain the spin wash for a laugh.
Heck, I'll shoot it in 4K so you can see the tiny monsters in the groove, Oops, sorry Mikey didn't mean to upstage you with your HD. : )

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