Okki Nokki mk2

joecoulson · August 2018

Just ordered this record cleaner. Will be doing a full review as I start the process of cleaning my collection and putting back with static free sleeves.
Super excited!!
Will report my findings with pics.

SCompRacer · August 2018

Cleaning records....you know you bought it cause of the name!

Congrats!

joecoulson · August 2018

Lol!

Tony M · August 2018

I was reading a review of it in an Stereophile mag. just the other day.

Looking forward to your review though too.

halo · August 2018

Yes, indeed! Wondering how well it works out for you!

joecoulson · August 2018

I’m ready to start cleaning, cleaner arrives tomorrow. Already have the replacement sleeves for after cleaning the LP’s

joecoulson · August 2018

Ok! Here goes. I’ll be doing this in multiple posts as not to bog down the circuits with too many images in one post

Shipment arrived today from Audio Advisor. The lid came in a separate box and was obviously not made by O.N. but it still looked like to be of good quality.
The box of the main unit was triple boxed! I don’t think I have had anything yet triple boxed and the bubble wrap looked expensive. This thing was very tightly packed and obviously well thought out. No damage on the unit at all.

Inside was the unit, an IEC power cord, a bottle of O.N. Record cleaner concentrate, the manual, a wooden handled goat hair brush (why goat hair?) the vacuum tube head (which with the unit comes a standard 12” LP vacuum head, other sizes are available but I only have 12’s) and finally the record clamp which is screwed into the platter to hold the LP in place.

There is a drain tube at the back of the unit for the liquid that is sucked out of the record surface. There is also the main power switch on the back next to the IEC power port
The front of the unit has the logo, one power rocker for forward and backward operation of the table and another power rocker for the vacuum.
The bottom has four high quality rubber feet and also a metal vent cover for the vacuum to breath.
The whole thing is heavy (made from aluminum) and has a nice white paint job on it. Sitting there it actually looks very nice with the plexiglass cover on it.
The cable is long enough to get working in most environments.
The platter is metal with a solid rubber cover. The center has the threads for the clamp. Looks to be 1/4” thread like those used for a camera. The clamp itself has a nice built in rubber ring on ththe bottom to hold the record still, but is solid metal otherwise.
Where the vacuum head goes into the unit is a hole with a hardened plastic grommet. The vacuum head is also hardened plastic and has the spring (for when cleaning is complete- it pops up) and the built in felt like brushes either side of the vacuum slot.

Usage coming up

Clipdat · August 2018

Ooooo....ahhhhh!!

agfrost · August 2018

Upgrade that power cord!

halo · August 2018

Looks fancy!

Viking64 · August 2018

Before cleaning a single record, have the unit recapped.

joecoulson · August 2018

Ok just had the internals recapped, all silver connects, new ps audio power cable and isolations feet. It works exactly the same as it did before?..anyway:

So I got home from taking the eldest to volleyball practice (which is what cut my review short) about 6pm. I just got done (10:30) cleaning about 40 records. Here is how it went down:

I got setup in the kitchen as it’s the largest single surface in my house (the island)

I had my dinner on the right, cups in the background x3 to lay the records on directly after cleaning to air dry, cleaner front and center with the necessary tools, new mofi static free pro sleeves for replacing the old sleeves, and staging area (off camera to left) for the stack I would work on.
The unit is very quiet with the motor turning. Almost silent. Loading a record is done with the motor off and just like putting a record on a turntable. Centering up the record just right and then tightening the clamp down snug. I was a little too lose my first try (which made the record stay still on the platter when the vacuum engaged) but I was not wanting to tighten it too hard. I learned after a couple try’s how tight to get it just right.

Then I used a record brush (not the one that came with the set but a felt one ) to clean dust off the surface. I then liberally squirted the solution (which I had previously mixed into 1ltr or distilled water) onto the surface while engaging the forward switch.

I then took the goat hair brush and held it perpendicular to the record surface. It perfectly spread the solution into the grooves. The brush is the exact width of the record playing area. It was easy to keep the solution in that space and not either spill over the side or get onto the label.

After switching the unit in reverse and continuing to hold the brush the same way, I then put the brush down and engaged the vacuum. The motor is quiet enough not to be obnoxious but definitely sounds like a dirt devil (for those of you old enough..)
The tube swivels around in its location lowering towards the surface as it does. Suction pills the vacuum head to the record surface. Instructions said to leave it engaged for 1 1/2 rotations. Then switch off. I did and just about 2 rotations because of the loss of suction, it disengages from the record surface. Perfect.

The tube gets a little dusty after cleaning quite a few in a row. But I used a lint free cloth to gently wipe away excess

After cleaning 20 in a row, I turned the main switch off and removed the power cord. Turning the machine around to access the drain hose at the rear. Removing the plug and lifting the unit up to pivot on the back leading edge while holding a cup to drain into. The liquid was decently dirty. Considering I cleaned about 50% new records also.

Using sort of a production line method, I was able to clean the 40 records very well and resleeve them in about 3 hours. (With quite a few interruptions from the family to add)
Old and new, it just made the records gleam!

Now I did do some a/b videos of the sound, but I did it quickly and will probably do a better one for uploading to YT and posting on here, but let me tell you- best vinyl upgrade I have purchased. A once unlistenable Vaughan Williams classical LP turned into just a few clicks and ticks while listening. The background white noise of dirt was done.

With the lid, the unit cost me $549. It performed flawlessly for me and did exactly what I wanted it to. I am very happy with the purchase and I now have the ability To bargain hunt at flea markets and antique malls for records without worry of nasty LP’s.

Let me know if you have any questions, and if your in GA, feel free to PM me and I’ll be glad to demo it for you

Clipdat · August 2018

Nice review. My only worry would be getting the center label wet accidentally, as it looks like happened here:

Would be nice if there was a type of clamp that made a complete seal around the label area.

Were there anything in the instructions regarding a need to rinse with distilled water before letting them air dry?

I just came across an interesting article about vinyl cleaning here: https://www.analogplanet.com/content/if-charles-kirmusss-record-cleaning-machine-and-regimen-correct-everyone-elses-wrong

Viking64 · August 2018

joecoulson wrote: »

Ok just had the internals recapped, all silver connects, new ps audio power cable and isolations feet. It works exactly the same as it did before?

Yeah, but wait until you hear the difference in the records.

joecoulson · August 2018

It did not say anything about doing a distilled bath after the solution? I’ll have to read up more on that.

I did get a little liquid on the label here as this was one of the first runs and I was trying to snap a pic at the same time. No damage done as i did dry it immediately

I agree about a label sized clamp.

Mike Reeter · August 2018

Congrats on your Vacuum Type Cleaner, a "must have" for the serious Vinyl enthusiast!

Wont be long you will have the "perfect amount" of cleaning solution down, along with the brush angle to never having a damp label.

Tony M · August 2018

Very nice review.

You show a picture of the felt pad coming loose from the tube suction slot. Is that a concern for you?

joecoulson · August 2018

Tony M wrote: »

Very nice review.

You show a picture of the felt pad coming loose from the tube suction slot. Is that a concern for you?

It was until I realized I did it. I used a toothbrush to dislodge the dirt from the tube, and in doing so loosened the adhesive from the tube (which was very wet).
I dried the tube to see if it was a flaw and the adhesive gripped back very well. I pulled the tube off at intervals after that to see if anything had been affected , but it stayed exactly in place.
Moral, don’t used a toothbrush to clean the felt. Rinsing will do fine.
But I do wonder if they will last a few hundred cleanings or not.

Tony M · August 2018

Thanks for that insight.

I guess 100 records means 200 sides. So I wonder what new pads would cost.

Okki Nokki should have some replace pads available.

joecoulson · August 2018

They do. Probably cheaper with the third party options out there. We’ll see how they last.

So to follow up, I did not have a hanger to listen to full songs after cleaning when I got done last night as all but me were asleep.
So I just got done listening to about 10 songs on four different albums. From Dire Straits, to Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel to Talking heads. Here is what I noticed.
Massive reduction in the pops and clicks. There is a slight static in the very background which is only present on the Tori record. The music almost sounds like it’s coming off a CD or streaming it’s so transparent. The older pressings (Talking Heads and Dire Straits) seem to have the most change from before cleaning. But what I didn’t expect is for those recordings to sound better than my newer “Audiophile” grade pressings (Peter Gabriel and Tori Amos). While the Peter Gabriel was far superior to the Tori, it didn’t compete with the older ones. The imaging, crisp highs and just pure cleanliness in the music was not something I had ever heard coming from any record player I have ever owned. I am so glad I got this, yes it was a pretty penny to pay, but I think it will be more than worth it in the end. If I can carve out some time, I’m hitting the antique malls this weekend!!

txcoastal1 · August 2018

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences

Happy listening

joecoulson · August 2018

My pleasure and Thank You for reading.

halo · August 2018

Great review! Now I want one as I’m not getting the same results as you are with the Oki Noki as I am with the Squeaky Clean RCM III.

joecoulson · August 2018

Just got done doing about 75 in a row last night, takes a while to go through a collection. Here are some follow up thoughts:
I have found a good rhythm for workflow, clean platter with damp lint free microfiber, place record and rotate, initial clean with felt brush to remove loose debris, squirt cleaner (less is used the more records you clean as the brush tends to hold the cleaner) on the surface and drag brush perpendicular to the record surface, 2-3 rotations with the brush on the surface in both directions, turn vacuum on and push to surface for 1 1/2 rotations then turn off vacuum (it will automatically pop up about 1/2 a rotation from being turned off), repeat with reverse side.

If the record is used or really dirty, I typically leave the solution on the surface for 30 sec or so before engaging the vacuum. I have found that cleaning/drying off the felt on the vacuum head about every 3rd record helps it to clean better.

I have been enjoying my records much more after using this machine on my most played records. Massive reduction in snap/crackle/pop on the older one's and almost black background on some newer (or mint older) one's.
It is not perfect, sometimes there seems to be one pop every other record here and there, not sure if that's dirt that cannot be removed or some damage. I do use anti-static sleeves and the brush before playing.

This machine has taught me what sounds I was used to hearing and that I do not hear anymore. Like Tony said in another thread, noise is typically invisible to most until it's gone from the system, then it's noticeable. Same thing with this cleaner, I dont have the higher end setup like some on this forum have, maybe $800 or so in my TT, but i believe its as crisp and it's going to get without dropping 2-3k on a deck

All in all, this machine has made me learn more about vinyl and look more for the older pressings than newer as I am hearing better "blacks" on the older pressings. It has also renewed my collection, making me want to play all of these records again and some I have not touched for a decade.

Good stuff

Tony M · August 2018

Great update!

How do you let / get the brush dry every few albums?

I haven't heard anybody say that after cleaning a record and putting back into a static free sleeve, will you want to clean the record again when you pull it out to play it again?

I have discovered in the past month that having an anti-static gun is fantastic. It's a shame they cost almost 100.00 .

I would think the record would stay clean for quite a few playing's. No?

Is static eliminated completely by using those sleeves? I've been itching to buy a few hundred sleeves if they really do reduce the static completely or a heck of a lot.

joecoulson · August 2018

So the brush used to spread the fluid, you actually want that to be pretty soaked if you are doing a run of cleaning. After the first three or so, I leave it standing upright on a plate, to stop liquid from getting on whatever surface I am working on and to keep the fluid from going back into the handle. It stays wet the whole time and you use about half the fluid to clean vs the first three records or so, make sense?

As far as the vacuum head brush, the felt gets just damp after initiating the vacuum but the dust is left behind. This is dramatically reduced by using the felt brush before the whole cleaning cycle. It means less times I need to remove the vacuum head and wipe/clean it.

The brush I use when pulling the record out to play is less about cleaning and more about static discharge:

This is the brush I use, I do one or two rotations then move it towards the spindle to discharge. I do have static in my environment but it is drastically reduced by those sleeves. If the volume is up, I can hear the static pop discharge when the brush touched the spindle and this has almost disappeared since cleaning and using the sleeves, but I am a creature of habit

The records have been staying clean (the ones I have played more than once since cleaning) but again, creature of habit, I still use the cleaning brush on them when first laying the LP on the platter.

Finally, the best part about the sleeves for me personally is I orientate the sleeve so the open end is open to the album cover, meaning i can tile the cover towards my open hand and the record begins to slide out. It makes playing albums (and storing them while playing) a breeze.

Clipdat · August 2018

On topic, I've seen some brushes with supposed anti-static properties, kinda cool: https://www.turntablelab.com/products/audioquest-anti-static-record-brush-gold

joecoulson · August 2018

Boundless Audio Carbon Fiber Anti-Static Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DWG4C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_p7dHBbZ1GGVH2

msg · August 2018

joecoulson wrote: »

As far as the vacuum head brush, the felt gets just damp after initiating the vacuum but the dust is left behind. This is dramatically reduced by using the felt brush before the whole cleaning cycle. It means less times I need to remove the vacuum head and wipe/clean it.

Nice review so far, Joe, I was curious about this unit for the different approach to vacuum record cleaning.

I'm not quote clear on this bit quoted above. Can you clarify?

msg · August 2018

PS - careful with those brushes. I wasn't paying attention while using a similar brush in my early days with vinyl - when I knew even less than I do now - and I went to go give a record a quick brush while holding it in my hand. Caught a corner of the brush on the record surface near the label. The aluminum handle wrap corner planted a nice scratch on an otherwise clean copy of The Church's Gold Afternoon Fix. I was in such disbelief and denial that I did this not once, but twice!

Almost as good as my favorite vinyl-related mishap story by good buddy Bruce... Makes me laugh every time I think about what the reaction must've been.

Viking64 · August 2018

msg wrote: »

....what the reaction must've been.

*must of, per say, tho I ain't never seen it in a book.

Okki Nokki mk2

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