October 2024

iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic Vinyl LP Cleaner Review
Ultrasonic deep cleaning and spin drying 10 LP records in 30 minutes.
Review By Bob Grossman

   The iSonic Pro 6.2-PRO is the latest variation and upgraded record cleaner design from a company that specializes in commercial ultrasonic cleaning machines. They have styles and sizes for various products with personal and industrial applications. The iSonic company has dozens of cleaner models for medical applications, jewelry, and personal items used in the home. Jerry Fan of iSonic said, "Over the past six years, we have made a lot of progress with cleaners for audio systems." Jerry modestly told me he "doesn’t know too much about anything else, but we do know about ultrasonic cleaners!" They started with processing 5 to 10 records for cleaning only, then added the PRO accessory kit for spin drying with an in-water filter two years ago.

Those developments were with the model P4875II+MVR10-PRO which was an upgrade to the early model P4875II+MVR5 or MVR10, adapted from their standard industrial/dental models for cleaning only, and the model CS6.1-PRO, an ultrasonic setup specifically designed for record cleaning. They then introduced the separate pump station with all the PRO versions, and the CS6.2-PRO using a new tank which doubles the ultrasonic power versus the CS6.1-PRO. Thus, they now have four generations of record cleaning products as a reflection of their efforts and dedication to industry and audiophile demand.

The PRO versions include P4875II+MVR10-Pro which has the same base model as was initially used. Customers with old versions can upgrade to the PRO version with a retrofit PRO kit. The four generations are:

1. P4875II+MVR5/10

2. P4875II+MVR10-PRO

3. CS6.1-PRO

4. CS6.2 PRO

Note: The pump station with an inline cartridge filter can be used with any of the versions.

I was pleased to know about their product developments and was hoping that this newest model design remedied the variety of old criticisms for past efforts when using 5 to 10 records in cleaners with rotating arms. Most people who come to my home are surprised at how intense my cleaning process is until they hear me play a record and notice the difference in sound quality, so I was ready to put this cleaner through an exhaustive test evaluation period.

Background
The iSonic Inc. provides professional ultrasonic cleaners to consumers, distributors, retailers, business establishments, laboratories, dental clinics, and manufacturers. Of overall importance, iSonicInc’s products are manufactured with state-of-the-art AI and SMT lines. These all come under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 quality system, with BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certification. Their products have five internationally recognized safety certifications: CE, GS, PSE, ETL, CETL, as well as RoHs, PAHs, REACH, and Phthalates certifications for chemical and heavy metal substance controls. That is a lot of quality certifications, and it shows in the cleaning results!

The iSonic record cleaners have been sold for over six years and during this time, the machine design has evolved to the iSonic 6.2-PRO model which has made the cleaning process more effective, efficient, and easier. It is now possible to purchase the newer design parts to use with an older ultrasonic tank from iSonic. However, the new iSonic 6.2-PRO tank is more compact with two super-sized 80-Watt stack transducers placed in the optimized bottom of the tank locations to produce a stronger and more effective cleaning for the ten submerged rotating records. It also uses 48K high frequency for finer cleaning and much lower annoying noise when operating.

Jerry Fan shared the following information. "High frequency does not equal to being high power. Traditional high frequency means lower power. Our CS series was a technology breakthrough as they use ultrasonic transducers with higher frequency but also higher power. The combination did not exist before. High frequency has the benefits of finer cleaning patterns and lower noise. Most DIY ultrasonic vinyl record cleaning setups are very loud and noisy if they have enough power."

Thoughts On Cleaning Methods And Record Care
Record care falls into two basic categories: dry or wet. While a simple carbon fiber brush can do a reasonable job of dusting away surface debris, it is not going to clean away dirt and deeper groove grit and grime to allow records to be adequately heard and safely played to avoid damage from the wear and tear of dirt exposure as the cartridge tracks and passes through the vinyl. Dry brushes push things around and struggle to get into the grooves to count on removing the dirt. The cleaning can be further enhanced with variations of brush types, surfactant solutions, and sprays.

Wet Manual Washing
There are simple wet manual washing tanks that provide a spinning bath to wash a record with directions to wipe the vinyl dry with a cloth and place it on a rack to air. The next level is manually operated cleaning machines with vacuum pickups. These more advanced products can be elaborate and costly machines that offer rotating platters and brushes that use cleaning sprays or surfactants that get sucked off at the end of the cleaning cycle. A proper wet cleaning methodology is a more effective way to wash and treat dirty records. These can run from the basic SpinClean washing bath to several brands of cleaners that use wet solutions with brushes and a vacuum wand to pull away the dirty slush. Their costs vary if they are a manual turning platter or motorized. These machines have been around for over 50 years, variations of design ideas going back to the library and commercial industry cleaners made by Keith Monk.

Ultrasonic Cleaning
In more recent times, the idea of adapting ultrasonic cleaning tanks using cavitation with vinyl-friendly surfactants that avoid interacting with the stabilizing components in PVC, along with some way of drying the records, has been developed. Although the listening results from cleaning with an ultrasonic tank were great, audiophiles initially had issues regarding the expensive machines and their reliability. However, the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaning was a welcomed process and advancement in effective cleaning. The marketplace has responded with various product offerings and prices and numerous claims. Also, some DIY options and kits are available for audiophiles on a budget.

It seems self-evident that Jerry Fan from iSonic was actively reading message boards of audiophiles and attending audio events to hear comments and suggestions about record cleaning issues while observing developments from competitors. His knowledge, experience with ultrasonic cleaning equipment, and ambition for improvement led to the debut of the iSonic 6.2-PRO Model, the current culmination of developments for effective, reliable, and fast cleaning of large volumes of records.

Cost Saving Ideas
Compared to other companies' record cleaner requirements, a great advantage and cost-saving is accomplished by using filtered tap water in the iSonic tank over expensive distilled water. According to Jerry Fan, distilled water tends to generate static and leave a film of solution on the records. However, he has found that filtered tap water and a small capful of his surfactant effectively cleans and eliminates static charges. I found the hi-spinning drying process eliminates any moisture or cleaning tank residue from the surfaces. I am now taking the time and effort to re-clean records washed with another ultrasonic machine to get better sound results and eliminate residual static.

Part of the innovative advancement design of the iSonic 6.2-PRO model is having a separate retaining tank with a filter to drain the ultrasonic cleaner quickly and conveniently before proceeding to the rapid spin-drying stage. The inline cartridge filter on the pump station filters the water 100% when pumped back into the tank of the ultrasonic cleaner. It does an excellent job clearing the water of debris. The manual suggested using the tank of water for about 10 to 15 batches, although I changed the water after ten cleaning rounds upon completing 100 records. The cartridge filter lasts about 700 to 1000 albums.

Draining to the pump station is still done by gravity, so the pump station must be placed below the ultrasonic cleaner. I sit the pump station onto an upside-down five-gallon pail, so the flexible hose easily reaches the container. The pump has the strength to return the water back into the tank sitting elevated on my worktable.

Types Of Records Needing Care And Cleaning
I classify records into three categories: Newly sealed, old / used, and previously treated.

1. There are costly new sealed records. I am always excited and eager to hear a record for the first time. However, I would not dare to play anything before cleaning them to remove dust, stray paper particles, and dusty dirt from being processed and packaged at the factory. Do not kid yourself and be in denial; I have found all kinds of distracting dirt on factory-sealed records.

2. Then there are old used records that have a legacy of dirt, fingerprints, and grime from mishandling, poor storage conditions, specs of paper and cardboard shreds from wrong inner sleeves, or simple storage placed sideways in an unprotected jacket cover.

3. Lastly are the challenging muddled and previously treated records with residues from other cleaning agents left behind upon drying damp and having dirt reappear or remnants of surface treatment sprays.

The iSonic is effective in treating records in all types of conditions although I found it helpful to group them for various times in the tank. For new records, ten minutes suffice for cleaning and removing the light amount of factory packaging dirt on them. For old used and previously treated records, 15 minutes was best to do additional deep cleaning. If they were filthy records with lots of surface residue, I would do 20 minutes of ultrasonic cleaning. Lastly, I had some records salvaged from a flood with severe muddy residue. I saved those records to be the final wash cycle load before emptying the tank down the sink, so all that grit and mud did not clog the filter.

Initially, upon test cleaning the first few batches of records, I used spacers on the loading arm to clean three records and then a batch with six records. Finally, I loaded the arm with all ten records. I was concerned about old comments criticizing the need for wide spaces and gaps between records so the ultrasonic waves and bubbles could reach the entire surface. Although it appears visually as if the records are crowded closely together, upon completing the cleaning and drying cycles, they all looked equally clean regardless of the position in the tank.

Because of the two larger and more powerful transducers on the bottom of the new 6.2-PRO model, the ultrasonic wave action and resulting cavitation reached both sides of all ten records placed onto the rotating arm spindle. The ultrasonic high-frequency sound waves create microscopic bubbles that can get into the grooves to carry away and dislodge the dirt and contaminants. This cavitation action of bursting bubbles agitates and cleans the vinyl surfaces.

Another aspect and benefit of the iSonic design is that it fully protects the labels from any water damage. The record spacers and label protectors have waterproof silicone seals held tightly while the records are submerged in the tank for cleaning. The high spin-drying mode fully dries the records before removing them from the arm rack post. I did not have any labels become wet, even when filling the tank to an elevated level to reach the inner run-off grooves.

I have cleaned 600 records over the past two months of the review period evaluation. This is now one of those times when I have decided to purchase the product because I have been so pleased with the results and design.

There were very consistent results upon cleaning records. The appearance of the records always came out clean and shiny without any residue from the cleaning tank. The sound always had greater clarity with a sense of speed and motion in the sweep and breadth of the musician's and singers' musical lines of expression and phrasing. There were many times when I heard further added details and sounds from records that I had known from many previous listening sessions and plays. The inherent static charge of some vinyl formulas was eliminated, and the records no longer attracted dust when used. With the ease and efficiency of the iSonic, I also got to play many records for the first time, which I had been waiting around for months in cleaning piles.

Advantages Of The iSonic Cleaning Regiment
This cleaner is semi-automatic compared to designs that do a complete cleaning and drying cycle for single records with the convenience of a slotted machine like the DeGritter and Audio Desk. The iSonic requires more attention to loading and unloading ten records at a time and draining the water into the retaining tank. Upon emptying the tank’s water by flipping a switch to start draining, a shroud is placed over the records for 90 seconds to eliminate water spraying as they go through the high-speed spin-drying mode. The motor automatically stops for 30 seconds and beeps to allow the cover removal before coming back on for spinning another eight minutes to complete the drying cycle.

I averaged 30 minutes of sorting records, loading to clean and dry, and labeling work with new inner and outer sleeves per batch of ten records. My hands were also free to label the inner and outer sleeves while the machine did the different cleaning steps in the various modes as I went from batch to batch. It was easy to walk away from the final drying cycle and let the machine finish independently. This fast and efficient cleaning rate has enabled me to spend much more time listening and enjoying music compared to the past ways to treat and prepare clean records, one or two at a time. I consider the iSonic to have a good WAF or partner acceptance factor since I could clean and wrap up loads of records much quicker than before, allowing me to join my wife for some movie-watching times. Cleaning up, rinsing out, and drying the machine for storage at the end of the process is easy, too.

This is a very adaptable and productive cleaning machine for high-volume users who need stacks of records treated. Collectors and serious record buyers with extensive collections will benefit from cleaning ten records simultaneously. Merchants selling used records will reap dividends from their vinyl's upgraded condition ratings and pleasing playback results for their customers.

The advantage of ultrasonic cleaning is that it generates microscopic cavitation bubbles induced by high-frequency pressure sound waves from the transducers to agitate a cleaning liquid surfactant in the tank while the entire record is submerged. The transducers generate mechanical energy through sound waves and bubbles traveling through the tank's water. The sound waves create alternating high and low cycles along with tiny bubbles in the tank cleaning water.

Eventually, the bubbles build and collapse, imploding and releasing energy that scrubs away the contaminants from the surface. The agitation of ultrasonics produces high forces on contaminants adhering to substrates like metals, plastics, glass, rubber, and ceramics. This action also penetrates blind holes, cracks, and recesses to dislodge the contaminates from the surface as each bubble grows and eventually explodes.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the iSonic 6.2-PRO is due to the economical surfactant combined with filtered tap water and the professionally designed rotating arm mount with two speed settings. There is a slower rotation during the cleaning cycle that has an adjustable timer and heater for the cleaning cycle length and temperature. The motor stays attached and in place for the high-speed drying. This enables and accomplishes the cleaning and drying processes reaching all ten records in a compact tank. The open tank top allows for heat dissipation.

The draining and subsequent water pumping takes about 3 minutes, spin drying typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and changing over the ten records takes another 3 to 5 minutes, providing enough break time for the ultrasonic cleaner to cool down before the next cleaning round. This can enable the machine to be safely used all day long.

Jerry offered the following valuable information about their design. He said, "People should not run ultrasound continuously to clean multiple batches. That will cause overheating. Instead, they should follow the regime of cleaning, spin-drying, and changing over the records. Then, they can run as many batches as desired."

Another breakthrough design idea avoids the need for records to be rinsed with clean water to avoid leaving behind any residue because of the implementation of the high-speed spin-drying cycle. The high-velocity spin eliminates any cleaning fluid on the surface without handling wet records needing to be hand-dried. It also avoids water spots from drip drying on a rack or blow drying the records with air, which can cause static or dust issues.

Various Listening Tests
I have a variety of new reissues and old original Billie Holiday records. Upon cleaning them with the iSonic, I could hear a greater sense of the acoustic space and resonance of the studio or live club date venue. The details of her vocals were revealed and clarified to appreciate the diction, subtle breathing, and phrasing. The balance of the instrumental accompaniments played by Ben Webster on tenor sax and Harry Sweets Edison on trumpet were nicer, too. Herb Ellis's rhythm guitar playing had my toe tapping. There was a more significant presence and sweep to her performances.

I played one of my wife’s favorites after cleaning, Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle arrangements on What’s New, Asylum Records 9 60260. We heard the balance of her voice floating out in layers from the strings with a more pronounced bass line. There was better and clearer brass articulation and dynamics. The listening seemed smoother and more rounded while the noise floor levels were lowered.

The piano playing of Bill Evans with his Trio ‘64 Verve V6-8578 Acoustic Sound Series had a faster sense of speed and pacing. The bass of Gary Peacock had more depth and authority, providing a better foundation for the music presentation. The drum strokes and attacks by Paul Motian were more precise and accessible to hear as notes instead of being an indistinct, washed-out white noise. Similar musical attributes and advances were heard when I cleaned the many Oscar Peterson recordings I own.

Regarding classical music, the cleaning ability and positive results were terrific. I have numerous collected editions of the Beethoven piano sonatas, the nine symphonies, and loads of chamber music. Cleaning and processing the box sets with 10 to 15 records per volume had been a difficult and daunting challenge. Now I have the sets from Alfred Brendel, Claudio Arrau, Malcolm Binns, Maria Grinberg, and Wilhelm Kempff cleaned and ready to hear. I also have cleaned an abundance of Mozart records. It is fantastic to clean a large volume of records so quickly. Now, even the big box sets of Bruckner and Mahler symphonies can be cleaned and heard in new revelatory ways.

Another favorite demo recording for instrumental timbre assessment is Nonesuch H-71281 of Kurt Weill’s Kleine Dreigroschenmusik and Darious Milhaud’s La Creation du Monde. The wind playing in these performances conducted by Arthur Weisberg is extraordinary, and the engineering offers excellent sound, too. I own five copies of this recording. I thought it would be interesting to clean each record one at a time to compare and hear the changes for each copy. It was easy to notice the improvements each time I did another record. The gains were in dynamics, frequency responses, and quieter surfaces with more details revealed. Coincidentally, I purchased my Heckel bassoon in 1980 from Donald MacCourt, who is playing on this Nonesuch record. Since retiring from performing professionally, my instrument is now used by the principal bassoonist, Conrad Cornelison of the Detroit Symphony.

Summary
If you are a serious record buyer, collector, or used record store owner and need a heavy-duty multi-disc record cleaning system, the iSonic CS6.2-PRO is exactly what you will find worthwhile buying. The questions, concerns, and design issues for a safe and effective high-volume 10-record ultrasonic cleaner have been resolved with this $1200 cleaning system. It is a very reasonable price to pay for protecting and improving a valuable record collection. The results are excellent and provide a more engaging listening experience. With the prices of new and original old records continuing to escalate, properly caring for them is a great concern and a worthwhile investment of time and effort.

Another important design element of the iSonic CS6.2-PRO is an optional spindle adapter set for 45s. It allows the cleaning of ten 45s instead of the usual 10" or 12" sized records.

I personally have an exceptionally large and diverse collection of 20,000 vinyl records from many eras and at various levels of condition. I have found the cleaning and playback results of the iSonic CS6.2-PRO model to be uncomplicated to operate, thorough, and successful. The speed and ease have been inspirational in allowing me to get through preparing hundreds of records for playback. I heartily endorse the iSonic 6.2-PRO for your music listening use and pleasure in safely caring for your valuable records. That is of the utmost need and concern to enable more enjoyable and revealing music listening experiences.

Further Thoughts On Record Preservation And Care
The care and cleaning of records is a serious responsibility and a detailed process. It is not just an important investment of our time and effort to hear better quality music reproduction but a crucial role we play in preserving our musical treasures and heritage for future generations. A proper worktable and cleaning area to spread out all the equipment and records is helpful and necessary to be relaxed and focused while treating and handling the recordings. The cleaning and use of new replacement acid-free sleeves are not just tasks but acts of preservation that protect and provide a crucial role in preserving our musical treasures from dirty playing time, along with hearing music presented with a much clearer and engaging sound. The iSonic ultrasonic will do a superb job of cleaning your records with the results directly observable so you can learn the condition of your vinyl.

It is safe for your records and will not leave any residues. It is a musically rewarding use of your time relative to the volume of records that can be cleaned in a dedicated session. The results are so great that I will no longer play records without being cleaned by the iSonic. I always have a pile of used records waiting to be cleaned, and it is a process of anticipation for hearing something new, like going to the store to acquire records. It is now an indispensable part of my approach to enjoying and preserving music for my music stereo system.

An approach to the principles and practices of record care is about cleanliness and protection from future contamination upon completion of the ultrasonic cleaning. Keep the surfaces of the records from contacting other dusty or dirty objects. Obviously, have clean hands, too. Keep records off tabletops or an unattended turntable. It is good to make sure your turntable platter is clean and free of dust and fingerprint oil. Always handle a record by the edges and label. The use of a parastatic carbon fiber wiping brush is good and fine when necessary for quick and light surface dusting before playing a record.

I also use a sweeper-type arm from Integrityhifi Canada mounted on the turntable plinth's left rear corner. It is an anti-static and grounded dust cleaner arm on an independent mount that goes along the record grooves on a separate uni-pivot arm wand. I initially used an economical Hudson Hi-Fi sweeper arm. The choice of turntable mat can also effectively combat static and dirt and needs to be kept clean of dust.

For optimum conditions of storage and long-term care of records, the use of quality cabinetry that holds the records vertically is separate compartments that provide around 12" to 24" wide spacing of supported sides is important. Vinyl and plastics are subject to cold flow and can develop warp issues if allowed to rest too long under pressure. The records should not flop around unsupported, yet also not be too crowded and packed tightly to avoid issues with warping. Many fine dedicated wood or metal record cabinets are available, starting with the budget-minded IKEA Kallax series.

A Final Note About Record Cleaning And Care
Quality acid-free inner and outer sleeves are significant. Please do not use the original damaging paper inner sleeves. They can shred paper fibers, be acidic, and can be filled with mold and mildew spores. Save them separately if they have any vital artwork or release information. A variety of acid-free lined sleeves are available from Sleeve City, Acoustic Sounds, and Elusive Disc. You can use outer protective sleeves for the covers. The thinner 3-mill is a cheap assurance against ring wear and scraping the bottom seams of the covers, and the thicker 5-mill allows the records to slide in and out of storage easily.

Records should return to their sleeves immediately after playing to avoid dust settling on their surface. Do not open and touch the insides of the sleeve with your fingers when sliding the record into storage. I gently pull, slide, and puff open the outside plastic side of the inner sleeve and slip the record inside.

Maintain an average 35 to 40% humidity house level with a humidifier in the winter heating time to avoid the buildup of static electricity issues. An Ionizer treatment such as those made by Furutech or Zerostat can help reduce these issues, although the iSonic also eliminates static retention of vinyl. Maintain a proper lower humidity level of 35% in the summertime with a dehumidifier to avoid issues with mold and mildew, especially if records are stored in a basement.

Relax, do not worry, and enjoy cleaning, playing, and listening to your records with pristine surfaces. As always... enjoy the music!

Specifications
Type: Type: Vinyl LP ultrasonic cleaner.
Two 90W ultrasonic stack transducers
One-micro in water filter
Stepper motor that operates at 10 to 600 rpm
Splash guard for spin drying
Solution Included: 8-ounce bottle of iSonic cleaning solution concentrate #CSVR02
Accessories Included: Microfiber cleaning and polishing cloth #MCPC01A
Price: $1199

Company Information
iSonic Inc.
2243 S. Throop Street
Chicago, IL 60608

Voice: (847) 850-0404
Email: info@isonicinc.com 
Website: iSonicinc.com