I price reduction that is awesome. Now if all manufacturers would follow suit of some of their products would be great, only if there was a true reduction in their cost. Like you said “Don’t hold your breath “
Thank you for the Onzow info. I am in full agreement with you. It sounds like Onzow is not being forthcoming. All the "instructions" they provided are both common sense and the same as before. My Onzow which I have used maybe 7 or 8 times before stopping is now over 3 years old, but I am not ken on buying a new one nor am I comfortable using Onzow anymore, period. At least until we get definitive information with receipts. I just use a dry brush now until I can find something better or safe to use on occasion, such as a liquid or other product. My study of LAST products personally tell me to avoid them. Kudos to Hegel for reducing their prices. Even just the willingness to do so is great let alone actually doing it. While the prices are not quite "pre-Covid" levels they are still significant in the fact that they can't do much about the costs that have gone up in the chain, so they reduced where they could and for that they deserve some credit. (Got to compromise someplace). Now if we could just stop and reverse what is happening in the vinyl record market before it is too late! Big problems there recently and no excuses for it. Just pure greed or something by sellers. They don't realize what they are doing is suicidal and could destroy the entire analog industry.
I accidentally stumbled on your Onzow video[s]. Thanks for the heads-up. I'm tossing my Onzow immediately (and I'm pretty sure I've had it more than the recommended three years!) and getting a stylus brush. FWIW, I'm used the Onzow on two styli and I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but I'm not taking any chances.
I know they said it's not a sale or marketing gimmick, but I'm seriously looking at Hegel now simply due to bringing prices back to pre crazy times normalcy.
Thank you for the update on the Onzow Zerodust cleaner, I have not used mine in over a year since seeing your first video about the possible issues. With that now comfirmed, I will continue to use my stylus brush and not risk my stylus and most importantly my vinyl records.
Hello Chris --- I've watched your other videos regarding stylus cleaning and actually have tried the Onzow for a brief time. I had no ill effects but no longer use that tool, instead I'm now using a similar method recommended by Peter Ledermann over at SoundSmith. (I have their Sussurro cartridge, so you can imagine my concerns on cleaning.) You simply use a piece of Blu Tack and allow the stylus to fall on the material the way you would on the Onzow. You then lift it off and repeat three or so times on fresh spots and you're done. From what I can see when looking at the tip under daylight it appears pristine. And the sound is just as clean. Of course I am using the Degritter (which I mentioned using in one of your earlier videos) so the record is very clean to begin with. I can say that by using these two methods together I have a high degree of confidence I'm getting the best sound possible with minimal risk of damage. And thank you again for all your videos.
Careful listening heard: the onzow will not leave a residue unless the stylus was worn. Second statement was onzow will not leave residue unless the onzow was "used". How long is it "good?"
Thanks for the update on the Onzow. I definitely use mine less since your original videos but I do still use it occasionally. It could maybe prevent damage to the coils if so much dust and dirt builds up on the stylus that it throws off the balance of the cantilever, though I'm skeptical.
thanks for the continued update on this Zerodust. I stopped using mine as soon as I saw your other videos about it. Have you ever tried using an ultrasonic stylus cleaner? I have watched other videos that showed the results with a digital microscope and it seems to work great.
The term 'ultrasonic' is used very liberally when describing what those types of cleaners actually are, but I have yet to try one. My only fear is long-term use causing wear and tear on the bonding of the stylus. I'll get around to it at some point though.
Right or wrong I use a Magic Eraser, I just lightly dip the stylus on to it and so far all is good. I also just purchased a goat hair Record Doctor brush and absolutely would buy it again. I'm hearing very quiet records with no static. I would encourage you to check one out $30
I don't see how the magic eraser could be wrong as it closely resembles a brush in its cleaning action, but I've yet to try one. It's on my list of things to test.
I should have mention the new Record Doctor goat 🐐 hair brush I got, I'm not using on the stylus but the record it self. It's one of the best $30 I've spent!
Hi Chris, I have never chosen to use the Onzow. I was shown it by a hifi store guy in Melbourne, Australia in its early days and after asking him if it leaves any of itself (residue) on the stylus, he answered not sure. It was then that i rejected it. I guess I was right in doing so. I still use my Audio-Technica ultrasonic vibration stylus cleaner which leaves no residue and cleans brilliantly. I have also tried the Magic Eraser which works well too and also leaves no residue. A word to anyone using the Onzow, when you touch it or take it out of its housing to wash it, I would suggest you wear silicone powderless cooking gloves to stop it sucking the oil out of your skin, which it will do.
One thing I forgot to include, if anyone is using the gel record cleaner goop that you roll over your records with your hands, always use powderless silicone gloves when you handle and roll the goop over your records as well as when you wash it in cold water because these things draw the oil out of your skin then deposit it on the record, leaving a noisy residue.
Yeah! someone finally notice LAST. They also sell a "friction reducing" solution for records and stylus (hence, the last),which improves the sound. Cleans it up. Hard to articulate.
Has anyone used MoonGel Damper Pads as an inexpensive alternative to the Onzow Zerodust? I had been using the MoonGel pads but stopped when the Onzow news broke just in case there were similar issues. If anyone has used MoonGel and has the means of zooming in to examine a stylus in detail I'd be interested to hear the verdict.
I love my Onzow, my stylus have never been cleaner and records quiter. I have been a bad boy and kept using it with the motivation that I got a 2M blue which I intend to replace anyway and I only play most of the records a few times. I buy WAY to many records. Looking at the receipt i bought it just over 3 years ago so time to make a decision…
Hi Chris First off....Great episode as always. Cleaners. I'm like yourself inthat I only use my brush cleaner. It was good enough when I was 13 with my Mom and Dad's Sears floor module record player. So...to me, it is good enough for my Rega at 58 and again, like yourself, that's just my opinion. Good to see a company passing savings on to the customer for a change instead of pocketing the coin. Makes me want to buy something from them to support such a like minded company....but alas I have enough gear not getting used now that I refuse to part with. :) Finally, thanks again Chis for the contest and GRATS to all the winners. Be safe Chris. Hugs from Newfoundland. Rod
As I have been saying since this entire tempest in a teapot started, you can tell when the Zerodust has started to break down, because the dome changes from looking clear like glass, to a more opaque appearance. What we have learned more recently from Onzow's own investigation, is that this is likely caused by using hot water to clean the material, something we can now avoid doing. Just FYI, JR pronounces his name Boy-clare, not like the French word for tree.
While I don't doubt that a visual check can help identify when the cleaner has gone bad, it's definitely not a reliable way to tell when the tipping point is. I'll just stick to the brush. J.R. told me over the phone many, many moons ago that his last name is pronounced the way that I'm pronouncing it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@thevinylattack I agree, the risk is too great. As much as I hate to admit my hopes about this product were a dead end, the optical indicator gotham61 suggests has no proof, and since we are concerned about a breakdown of material at the molecular level, it might take quite a bit of breaking down before it shows to the eye. If, in fact such visible changes are caused by the same effects that causes material to stick to the tip, instead of continuing to bond to the intended molecular lattice. To be clear, onzow only said to avoid cleaning with hot water, it clearly did not say hot water is the cause of the material transferring onto the diamond, mentioning only age , a questionable three years, as mentioned in the video, and contamination, as factors , without specifying the type. is it ozone, with attacks car tires, or some other atmospheric gas, dust , dander, who knows. Since temperature is a known factor, it might simply be the stuff is mildly unstable at room temperatures and slowly breaks down unless kept in such a chilled state that it is no longer functional , and the three years before it turns into trouble is just a projected time line developed from average room temperature observations. All I really know is that I am not going to use the stuff, and wish I had my money back.
I bought an Onzow cleaner, now I REALLY have a reason to complain about the fifty!! dollar price, and I was chapped about the price when I thought the thing worked. In reading further down, I found that the humming guru ultrasonic stylus cleaning device is now on the market, not to be confused with other devices that also claim ultrasonic cleaning, that work differently, via high frequency vibration, like a toothbrush. Such a device might clean the tip, but would probably put a lot of wear onto a delicate teeny suspension . the liquid bath ultrasonic cleaning only causes cavitation in the water, cleaning by exploding micro bubbles, and does not move the item being cleaned. . I think such a device might be the end of the trail, searching for effective stylus cleaning .
I have switched to Humminguru ultrasonic stylus cleaner. So far no complaints. No waiting for the next "scandal" when they come and tell you that cavitation kills your stylus... ;-) This device is overpriced here but since I got the vinyl record Humminguru, I ordered some spare parts directly from them in Hong Kong and the price of the stylus cleaner was reasonable and it barely add to the shipping cost which was pretty low. And it only took 7 days. So no regrets so far. Congrats to the winners!
I really appreciate your thoughtful, measured, balanced, and thorough coverage of the Onzow issues, and your perspective. Thanks.
Thanks for saying so.
I price reduction that is awesome. Now if all manufacturers would follow suit of some of their products would be great, only if there was a true reduction in their cost. Like you said “Don’t hold your breath “
We can dream...
I bought an Onzow about a year ago. I saw your video before I had a chance to use it. I'm glad I did. Thank you for the heads up.
Happy to help.
Thank you for the Onzow info. I am in full agreement with you. It sounds like Onzow is not being forthcoming. All the "instructions" they provided are both common sense and the same as before. My Onzow which I have used maybe 7 or 8 times before stopping is now over 3 years old, but I am not ken on buying a new one nor am I comfortable using Onzow anymore, period. At least until we get definitive information with receipts. I just use a dry brush now until I can find something better or safe to use on occasion, such as a liquid or other product. My study of LAST products personally tell me to avoid them.
Kudos to Hegel for reducing their prices. Even just the willingness to do so is great let alone actually doing it. While the prices are not quite "pre-Covid" levels they are still significant in the fact that they can't do much about the costs that have gone up in the chain, so they reduced where they could and for that they deserve some credit. (Got to compromise someplace).
Now if we could just stop and reverse what is happening in the vinyl record market before it is too late! Big problems there recently and no excuses for it. Just pure greed or something by sellers. They don't realize what they are doing is suicidal and could destroy the entire analog industry.
I'm in the 'not worth the risk' category too.
I accidentally stumbled on your Onzow video[s]. Thanks for the heads-up. I'm tossing my Onzow immediately (and I'm pretty sure I've had it more than the recommended three years!) and getting a stylus brush. FWIW, I'm used the Onzow on two styli and I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but I'm not taking any chances.
I don't blame you.
If Alex doesn't reply I'll gladly take that ODB. Thanks for the opportunity!
I know they said it's not a sale or marketing gimmick, but I'm seriously looking at Hegel now simply due to bringing prices back to pre crazy times normalcy.
I can say with confidence that they're an excellent company. I'm happy to work with them.
Thank you for the update on the Onzow Zerodust cleaner, I have not used mine in over a year since seeing your first video about the possible issues. With that now comfirmed, I will continue to use my stylus brush and not risk my stylus and most importantly my vinyl records.
Happy to help.
Congrats to the winners! Thanks for another enjoyable video.
Thanks for watching.
Hello Chris --- I've watched your other videos regarding stylus cleaning and actually have tried the Onzow for a brief time. I had no ill effects but no longer use that tool, instead I'm now using a similar method recommended by Peter Ledermann over at SoundSmith. (I have their Sussurro cartridge, so you can imagine my concerns on cleaning.) You simply use a piece of Blu Tack and allow the stylus to fall on the material the way you would on the Onzow. You then lift it off and repeat three or so times on fresh spots and you're done. From what I can see when looking at the tip under daylight it appears pristine. And the sound is just as clean. Of course I am using the Degritter (which I mentioned using in one of your earlier videos) so the record is very clean to begin with. I can say that by using these two methods together I have a high degree of confidence I'm getting the best sound possible with minimal risk of damage. And thank you again for all your videos.
I've heard of that method, but have yet to try it myself. I should probably put that on the short list.
Careful listening heard: the onzow will not leave a residue unless the stylus was worn. Second statement was onzow will not leave residue unless the onzow was "used". How long is it "good?"
Thanks for the update on the Onzow. I definitely use mine less since your original videos but I do still use it occasionally. It could maybe prevent damage to the coils if so much dust and dirt builds up on the stylus that it throws off the balance of the cantilever, though I'm skeptical.
If that's the "damage prevention" to which they're referring, any simply stylus brush will do the same with less risk.
thanks for the continued update on this Zerodust. I stopped using mine as soon as I saw your other videos about it. Have you ever tried using an ultrasonic stylus cleaner? I have watched other videos that showed the results with a digital microscope and it seems to work great.
The term 'ultrasonic' is used very liberally when describing what those types of cleaners actually are, but I have yet to try one. My only fear is long-term use causing wear and tear on the bonding of the stylus. I'll get around to it at some point though.
Right or wrong I use a Magic Eraser, I just lightly dip the stylus on to it and so far all is good. I also just purchased a goat hair Record Doctor brush and absolutely would buy it again. I'm hearing very quiet records with no static. I would encourage you to check one out $30
I don't see how the magic eraser could be wrong as it closely resembles a brush in its cleaning action, but I've yet to try one. It's on my list of things to test.
I should have mention the new Record Doctor goat 🐐 hair brush I got, I'm not using on the stylus but the record it self. It's one of the best $30 I've spent!
Hi Chris, I have never chosen to use the Onzow. I was shown it by a hifi store guy in Melbourne, Australia in its early days and after asking him if it leaves any of itself (residue) on the stylus, he answered not sure. It was then that i rejected it. I guess I was right in doing so. I still use my Audio-Technica ultrasonic vibration stylus cleaner which leaves no residue and cleans brilliantly. I have also tried the Magic Eraser which works well too and also leaves no residue. A word to anyone using the Onzow, when you touch it or take it out of its housing to wash it, I would suggest you wear silicone powderless cooking gloves to stop it sucking the oil out of your skin, which it will do.
I would say you probably dodged a bullet.
One thing I forgot to include, if anyone is using the gel record cleaner goop that you roll over your records with your hands, always use powderless silicone gloves when you handle and roll the goop over your records as well as when you wash it in cold water because these things draw the oil out of your skin then deposit it on the record, leaving a noisy residue.
Yeah! someone finally notice LAST. They also sell a "friction reducing" solution for records and stylus (hence, the last),which improves the sound. Cleans it up. Hard to articulate.
Has anyone used MoonGel Damper Pads as an inexpensive alternative to the Onzow Zerodust? I had been using the MoonGel pads but stopped when the Onzow news broke just in case there were similar issues. If anyone has used MoonGel and has the means of zooming in to examine a stylus in detail I'd be interested to hear the verdict.
I would be just as leary about the moongel. For one, they're not made for stylus cleaning so I can't imagine them leaving less residue.
Using the Lyra STP stylus cleaner for a while now with only positive effect
Another item to put on the 'try it' list. Thank you.
Thanks for the Onzow update. I'm gonna just toss mine.
I don't blame you.
I love my Onzow, my stylus have never been cleaner and records quiter. I have been a bad boy and kept using it with the motivation that I got a 2M blue which I intend to replace anyway and I only play most of the records a few times. I buy WAY to many records. Looking at the receipt i bought it just over 3 years ago so time to make a decision…
I'm happy to hear that it's worked thus far.
Thanks Chris! Email sent!
Hi Chris
First off....Great episode as always.
Cleaners. I'm like yourself inthat I only use my brush cleaner. It was good enough when I was 13 with my Mom and Dad's Sears floor module record player. So...to me, it is good enough for my Rega at 58 and again, like yourself, that's just my opinion.
Good to see a company passing savings on to the customer for a change instead of pocketing the coin. Makes me want to buy something from them to support such a like minded company....but alas I have enough gear not getting used now that I refuse to part with. :)
Finally, thanks again Chis for the contest and GRATS to all the winners.
Be safe Chris. Hugs from Newfoundland.
Rod
I appreciate you watching, Rod.
As I have been saying since this entire tempest in a teapot started, you can tell when the Zerodust has started to break down, because the dome changes from looking clear like glass, to a more opaque appearance. What we have learned more recently from Onzow's own investigation, is that this is likely caused by using hot water to clean the material, something we can now avoid doing.
Just FYI, JR pronounces his name Boy-clare, not like the French word for tree.
While I don't doubt that a visual check can help identify when the cleaner has gone bad, it's definitely not a reliable way to tell when the tipping point is. I'll just stick to the brush.
J.R. told me over the phone many, many moons ago that his last name is pronounced the way that I'm pronouncing it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@thevinylattack I agree, the risk is too great. As much as I hate to admit my hopes about this product were a dead end, the optical indicator gotham61 suggests has no proof, and since we are concerned about a breakdown of material at the molecular level, it might take quite a bit of breaking down before it shows to the eye. If, in fact such visible changes are caused by the same effects that causes material to stick to the tip, instead of continuing to bond to the intended molecular lattice.
To be clear, onzow only said to avoid cleaning with hot water, it clearly did not say hot water is the cause of the material transferring onto the diamond, mentioning only age , a questionable three years, as mentioned in the video, and contamination, as factors , without specifying the type. is it ozone, with attacks car tires, or some other atmospheric gas, dust , dander, who knows. Since temperature is a known factor, it might simply be the stuff is mildly unstable at room temperatures and slowly breaks down unless kept in such a chilled state that it is no longer functional , and the three years before it turns into trouble is just a projected time line developed from average room temperature observations.
All I really know is that I am not going to use the stuff, and wish I had my money back.
Hey man! Do you still have your cork mats?
I certainly do. You can find them on my website.
I bought an Onzow cleaner, now I REALLY have a reason to complain about the fifty!! dollar price, and I was chapped about the price when I thought the thing worked.
In reading further down, I found that the humming guru ultrasonic stylus cleaning device is now on the market, not to be confused with other devices that also claim ultrasonic cleaning, that work differently, via high frequency vibration, like a toothbrush. Such a device might clean the tip, but would probably put a lot of wear onto a delicate teeny suspension . the liquid bath ultrasonic cleaning only causes cavitation in the water, cleaning by exploding micro bubbles, and does not move the item being cleaned. .
I think such a device might be the end of the trail, searching for effective stylus cleaning .
They call it an ultrasonic, but I don't believe for a minute that that tiny device is capable of any form of cavitation.
I have switched to Humminguru ultrasonic stylus cleaner. So far no complaints.
No waiting for the next "scandal" when they come and tell you that cavitation kills your stylus... ;-)
This device is overpriced here but since I got the vinyl record Humminguru, I ordered some spare parts directly from them in Hong Kong and the price of the stylus cleaner was reasonable and it barely add to the shipping cost which was pretty low. And it only took 7 days. So no regrets so far.
Congrats to the winners!
The risk there is the vibration loosening your stylus, although I certainly can't say to what degree.
I watched a video of a guy cleaning the stylus with magic eraser
That's on my to-do list.
@@thevinylattack and congratulations for your excellent job on your channel.
@@jmnb Thank you, that's very kind.