This is only going to be a concise review, just to give an idea of the feel of the unit, and it’s method of operation.
It’s a pretty smart piece of industrial design, not unlike a very nice matt silver toaster.
In one slot sits the lp, in the other the slot that secures the water tank.
On the front panel are a couple of dials to choose function and a scrolling display window that indicates cleaning cycle, times and fault finding.
So, pop the lp in the slot, fill the water tank with distilled water/small amount cleaning fluid, choose length of clean/drying period, and get going.
The water tank transfers water into the lp tank, and when complete the ultrasonic cycle starts, gentle rotating the lp while the machine does it’s work.
The Degritter’s main claim to fame is that the cycle is gentler at 120Hz rather than the 40-60Hz used by competing machines.
The reason for this is to:
1- caress the lp rather than blast it, so minimising any potential over pressure on lp grooves.
2- the bubbles are thus smaller meaning the cavitation goes deeper into the grooves/more effective.
Additionally the water is filtered after each wash removing all debris/particles, utilising removable filter, which then can be washed subsequently.
So, the machine works more gently and more deeply than its competitors, and also uniquely filters the cleaning water so subsequent cycles are less polluted.
Now as beta tester, I did have one issue, but this was purely my fault, and so I have to give the machine 100% reliability record, now 100 lps cleaned.
I can genuinely say the Degritter absolutely cleans more effectively than my long-standing Loricraft PRC4, even dealing with fingerprints/greasy residue.
Lps emerge shiny, as new in many ways. SQ is decidedly improved, like all good audio upgrades, a layer of haze is removed.
My system is really detailed and revealing now, and I can pick up definite improvements in sound, especially lack of background hash, and greater delicacy/microdynamics.
In addition, I love the aesthetics and user interface, it’s a joy to operate, my Loricraft was always too Heath Robinson/clunky/messy for my liking, the Degritter just keeps the simplicity to a maximum, and gunk to a minimum.
And the resultant SQ is in another league.
It certainly won’t hurt the company to be more affordable than ADS and KLA, and if the USP on 120Hz ultrasonics and filtering of each wash, plus excellent useability/aesthetics/feel, appeal to potential consumers, the unit will really deserve to sell.
