To Clamp or Not to...

[JohnMichael]

Well poppachubby I have decided to try a turntable weight. Now that I am using the Funk Firm Achroplat I thought now is the time.

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/80943

I will let you know what I think of it. The table is sounding better with the ceramic bearing and since the platter is lighter than the Rega glass platter I do not think it will stress the bearing.

When it arrives I will let you know what I think.

[hifitommy]

http://www.ttweights.com/catalog/ite...92/6999370.htm

not too heavy, and not too costly. $55. my desire is for the periphery ring.

[JohnMichael]

Thanks hifitommy I also found this one at a weight of one pound. Also made from aluminum.

http://cgi.ebay.ph/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=330335030991

Much to consider.

[hifitommy]

personally i think clamping is more effective hence the lightweight clamp from france i mentioned (no longer avail).

[poppachubby]

Well this is a debate indeed, many think that the clamp will bring up vibrations from the motor/bearing whereas the wieght will not. However the clamp is far more effective in its intended purpose than the weight IMO. I think much depends on table design. I have been using the Clearwater clamp with my Acrylimat *TM 02audionoob2009.

Yes John I would be interested in your feedback. I am getting a Golden Tube amp and hope to be upgrading my TT in good time. I will then be able to come to your upper class turntable tea parties. We will sip the finest tea and laugh at the lower class turntablers.

[JohnMichael]

Since I use the Rega method of play, by not turning off the motor, clamping would be more difficult than quickly lifting the weight at the end of a record. I have become very adept at lifting a record off of the spinning platter.

I do not know if a clamp would transmit vibrations to the record surface on a belt driven table as much as with a direct drive table. The clamp would attach to the motor shaft and any vibrations in the motor would certainly vibrate the clamp.

[hifitommy]

not by speculatiing.

[JohnMichael]

I look forward to listening for any benefits the weight may bring. I ordered the one from E-Bay. The last time I used a clamp was the Souther now Clearaudio Clever Clamp. I only used it briefly since I did not notice enough benefit to continue using it. Depending on the mat used the record could dish out if the clamp was too tight. The weight should work well with the flat and hard surface of the Achroplat. On a vinyl day once I start the table I do not stop it until the last record is played. Rega says the motor will last longer if not turned on and off between sides.

[hifitommy]

the continous motion during record change. IF there is a small fragment of anything, you could permanently ruin an LP. when i used a low torque motor or exceedingly heavy platter i would give the platter a boost spin manuallly.

the dish warp you mention is best dealt with by using a reflex clamp at any rate, the record is more stable with a clamp and at least more table than if no weight was used so the weight will be a benefit.

unless one is using something like a walker or maplenoll tt with the 60-70 pound platter, little is to be gained in inertia by placing a weight over the spindle. thats one of the reasons i am enamored of the periphery ring with its inertia at the outside of the platter edge; that and the flattening of warps.

[JohnMichael]

My Rega is over ten years old and have yet to damage a record. I am not concerned about inertia as much as I am about firmer contact of the record with the platter. Also any benefits of reducing slight warps while playing.

[poppachubby]

You guys are awesome. I love you guys. The analog tidbits I get are great....and free!! Only the 02audionoob has enlightened me any more than you guys...

[JohnMichael]

Originally Posted by poppachubby

You guys are awesome. I love you guys. The analog tidbits I get are great....and free!! Only the 02audionoob has enlightened me any more than you guys...

Worth more than a Bose Sound Dock I bet?