FLUX HIFI FLUX-Sonic Basic Stylus Cleaner
The FLUX-Sonic Basic stylus cleaner was developed to gently, safely and quickly remove stubborn dirt from your record player stylus. A targeted ultrasonic vibration ensures residue-free cleaning.
The Cleaning
The stylus is the primary component in the playback process. The goal is to precisely follow the groove, in the micrometre range. However, if the stylus is dirty, the diamond, no matter how polished and ground it is – cannot perfectly follow the deflection. It reacts too early or too late, and distortions occur. Even supposedly clean records are covered with dust, partly visible, partly invisible in the groove, mostly composed of particles of silicates, polymers and organic matter. These stick to the stylus due to the high temperature during the scanning process. After playing a single record side, the front of the stylus will be covered in dirt. 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 cartridge, caution should be exercised here.
The Technology
The principle of action of the FLUX-Sonic is similar to that of a dental ultrasonic cleaner or an ultrasonic bath for glasses, where a strong high-frequency vibration ensures cleaning of the surfaces. However, some substances, such as aluminium, are damaged by this high-frequency ultrasonic treatment and, even if the diamond were perfectly cleaned, the glue nubs and the suspension of the needle carrier would be damaged, as is also the case with aggressive liquid cleaners.
The FLUX-Sonic stylus 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 from an isopropanol base. After application, it evaporates without residue. Flux fluid is applied on a specially designed pad made of the finest PE fibres. Already these fibres 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 Result
The cleaning process takes only 15 seconds, then the optimum is already reached. The scanning capability of the cartridge is improved. Less abrasion also increases the lifespan of the stylus. Scanning noise is significantly minimized. Tonally, the difference is outstanding, both distortions and annoying side noises largely disappear, while playback becomes much more dynamic and enjoyable. Unpleasant tips are no longer present and even the largest controls are rendered without distortion. The frequency range seems to be extended, especially in the bass and upper range.
Features
The Flux-Sonic stylus cleaner is designed to gently, safely and quickly remove dirt from your cartridge with the help of targeted vibrations, ensuring residue-free cleaning. It is not necessary to remove the cartridge before use. The application is simple, works on any turntable and can be used as often as you like. FLUX HIFI recommended using it before playing each record. The cleansing fluid FLUX-Fluid is also available individually in 15ml vials. Rediscover your record collection!
- Cleans and cares for your valuable cartridge
- Quick and easy to use
- Minimizes sampling noise
- Improves the scanning capability of the stylus
- Increases the life of the stylus
- Improves sound quality
- 3-year warranty
