Electric stylus cleaner for record players

The FLUX-Sonic stylus cleaner is designed to gently, safely and quickly remove dirt from the turntable stylus with the help of targeted vibrations. Targeted vibration ensures residue-free cleaning. It is not necessary to remove the cartridge. The application is simple and works on any turntable. FLUX-Sonic can be used as often as you like. It is recommended to use it every five records. The cleaning fluid FLUX-Fluid is also available individually in 15ml vials. Rediscover your record collection!

• Cleans and cares for your valuable pickup
• Quick and easy to use
• Minimizes sampling noise
• Improves the scanning capability of the pickup
• Increases the life of the scanning needle
• Increases sound quality
• 3-year warranty

History

The history of vibration needle cleaners goes back to the 1970s. There were devices from various companies which, at high frequency, transmitted through a liquid, detached the contamination of the needle. After the release of the CD and falling turntable sales in the 80s and especially in the 90s, these devices disappeared from the market. Unfortunately for many record listeners, this was not reissued due to the high cost. FLUX-HiFi took up this idea with the SONIC and developed the technology anew. The result is fantastic!

The cleaning

The stylus is the primary component in the playback process. The movement by which tension is later induced arises here. The goal is to exactly follow the groove in the micrometer range. In order to achieve this perfectly, the manufacturers of pickups make great efforts. However, if the needle is dirty, the diamond , no matter how polished and ground it is – cannot exactly follow the deflection. It reacts too early or too late, distortions occur. Even supposedly clean records are covered with dust, partly visible, partly invisible in the groove. It contains particles of silicates, polymers and organic matter. These stick to the needle due to the high temperature during the scanning process. How quickly this happens is in Fig. 1. Already after playing a record side, almost nothing is recognizable from the needle in front of dirt. Figure. 2 shows the needle after cleaning with a normal, dry needle brush. Fibers are removed, but the encrustation remains. Only an aggressive liquid cleaner provides a reasonably cleaned surface of the diamond However, since these cleaners can attack not only the glue of the diamond, but also, above all, the sensitive rubber parts of the suspension of the needle carrier, caution should be exercised here.

The technology

The principle of action is similar to that of an ultrasonic cleaner from dental technology or an ultrasonic bath for spectacle lenses. A strong high-frequency vibration ensures a cleaning of the surfaces.

The FLUX-Sonic vibration cleaner, on the other hand, operates at a low frequency. The circuit and mechanics are designed to have a three-dimensional vibration on the needle, ensuring that any dirt particles are removed. The frequency is precisely tuned in such a way that damage to the adhesive or suspension is excluded – but the cleaning result is maximum. The deflections are far from the values of the actual sampling. The movement of the needle thus corresponds only to a fraction of the load of the play-off process.
A liquid is required to transfer the vibration from the device to the needle. This has an additional, gentle cleaning effect and is produced on an isopropanol basis. After application, it evaporates without residue. Flux fluid is applied on a specially designed pad made of the finest PE fibers. Already these fibers produce a capillary effect, which is very similar to the effect of a liquid, due to their number and the resulting density. In combination with FLUX-Fluid, the result is a perfect combination that transmits the vibration and absorbs the dirt at the same time. The application is recommended before each play.

The result

The cleaning process takes only 15 seconds, then the optimum is already reached. The scanning capability of the pickup system is improved. Less abrasion also increases the lifespan of the needle. Scanning noise is significantly minimized. Soundfully, the difference is outstanding. Both distortions and annoying side noises have largely disappeared. Playback has become much more dynamic and enjoyable.