A small specialised German corporation, Flux HiFi recognises the extent to which vinyl playback can be diminished by tainted stylus tips and revived the 1970s vibratory needle cleaners to combat this.

The technology, found in their Flux-Sonic, uses high frequencies transmitted through a liquid to eradicate dirt from the needle. The scanning needle is the chief component and aims to precisely follow the groove to the micrometre. However a dirty needle prevents exact following of the deflection no matter how refined it is. It reacts too early or too late causing distortions.

Even apparently clean records are covered with both visible and invisible dust in the grooves containing particles of silicates, polymers and organic substances. These stick to the needle because of the high temperature during the scanning process and despite cleaning with a normal, dry needle brush that removes the fibres, the crust will remain.

A liquid is necessary to transfer the vibration from the device to the needle. This has an additional, gentle cleaning effect and is produced on isopropanol basis. After use, it volatilizes without residue. Flux fluid is applied to a specially developed pad of the finest PE fibres which produce a capillary effect. This perfect combination results in transmission of the vibration while absorbing the dirt. Application is recommended before every playback.

The cleaning process lasts only 15 seconds but the effects are astronomical. The pickup capability is improved, needle life is increased by less abrasion and scanning noise is significantly reduced. Both distortions and minor noise largely disappears making playback much more dynamic and enjoyable.