HumminGuru automatic record cleaner: Ultrasonic record cleaning machines are considered the best, but my past experience turned me off to them even though I liked the results. The process was complicated and time-consuming, made up of multiple lengthy sessions in the cleaner alternating with spraying and brushing the record between each ultrasonic bath. This led me to gravitate back to using a Spin-Clean or vacuum record cleaning machine to get the dirt and grime off my records. It was still a process, but a much simpler and faster one and I still got a clean record when all was said and done. When I first read about the $379 HumminGuru all-in-one ultrasonic record cleaner it seemed too good to be true, but I am happy to report that it is.

The HumminGuru has a small tank in the bottom and a slot for a record on top. You remove the tank and fill it with water to the line, then pour the water in the top of the cleaner where you place the record. You then replace the tank and put in your record, select the cleaning and drying time and press start. The HumminGuru slowly spins the record while cleaning it ultrasonically, then drains the water back in the tank and blow-dries the record. When the process is complete you are greeted with a clean, dry record that is ready to be played. I was very impressed with how well it worked, and realized what it represents for music lovers and vinyl collectors. The time and effort required to clean records can be a barrier to actually doing it very often, and sometimes it is necessary to set aside time for a cleaning session and do a bunch of albums in a batch. This can lead to an expensive record cleaning machine not actually getting used, so you do not get a good return from your investment. In the HumminGuru I see a record cleaning machine that will get used quite often, even when you only want to clean a single record. The only potential downside I see is it is relatively complicated with a motor, an ultrasonic cleaning mechanism, a draining pump and a dryer all incorporated in a single device. Most record cleaning machines are simple with just one or two electric motors, and tend to last a lifetime without servicing. I cannot say what the HumminGuru’s complexity will mean for long-term longevity, but given it is likely to get a lot more use than those other machines I think it the way to go, especially for $379. That is considerably less than most vacuum machines. humminguru.com

Q. Some years ago I purchased the Koss Pro4S headphones you recommended and have not been disappointed. Within the last year the covering on the ear pads has begun to fall apart. I have searched but haven't been able to find replacement ear pads. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might be able to find them?

—J.B., San Jose, California

A.You need not look any further than the manufacturer. Milwaukee-based Koss offers a limited lifetime warranty on their wired headphones like your Pro4S, and the company has a reputation for providing excellent service. Koss also tends to come out with excellent designs and keep them in production for a long time. I first wrote about the Pro4S in December 2015, and it is still in production. Why mess with success? I checked the website and the $149 Pro4S is on sale for $99 right now, a great deal for anyone who wants lightweight, accurate-sounding wired headphones. koss.com

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