VPI owners - please help

[amdan]

When I use the washer that sits below the record I find that when I screw down the clamp it grips the record and the record starts rotating. I am concerned that the record is getting scratched against the platter when this happens. I could hold the record whilst screwing down the clamp but I wonder if I am doing something wrong here. Could I be screwing it down too hard?

Another point is that the tt sounds better without the washer in place. Any comments? In fact when the washer is in place, the music gets distorted/sibilant similar to the issue I have with distortion/sibiliance at the end of records about which I have posted before.

[synsei]

Hi amdan,

Trust your ears mate. If it sounds better without, then use it without the washer.

Apart from that I can't help you further because I've no experience of VPI turtables...

Regards

Dave...

[JoeE SP9]

Do you have the correct washer?
Does the LP sit flat on the platter before the clamp is screwed down?

If it sounds better to you without the washer, leave it off.

[lanny]

You should tighten the clamp just enough that the outer edge of the record contacts the platter. Sounds like you're overtightening.

[amdan]

You should tighten the clamp just enough that the outer edge of the record contacts the platter. Sounds like you're overtightening.

Thanks. I think you are right.

[blue-starfish]

Maybe the increased height of the washer affected the VTA. If loosening the clamp helps, fine. If not raise the arm at the base slightly - if it can be easily done.

I am not a JMW arm user, so am not sure if VTA is easily adjustable.

[BPoletti]

Just to put this in perspective, what arm and what table are you using?

[amdan]

You should tighten the clamp just enough that the outer edge of the record contacts the platter. Sounds like you're overtightening.

The washer was sent to me by VPI. The outer edge does sit directly on the platter when it is tightened a lot. I notice that at this point the record is flexed by the tightening as the top of the washer is higher than the platter surface.

[amdan]

Just to put this in perspective, what arm and what table are you using?

The tt is a VPI Aries 3 and the arm is a VPI JMW 10.5

[BPoletti]

As Lanny said, only tighten the clamp until the record fits firmly aganst the edge of the platter. Too much pressure and the record will bow.

With an Aries 3, you might consider a weighted outer ring / clamp.

[amdan]

As Lanny said, only tighten the clamp until the record fits firmly aganst the edge of the platter. Too much pressure and the record will bow.

With an Aries 3, you might consider a weighted outer ring / clamp.

When I tighten the clamp until the edge touches the platter the record does bow. I find this design quite disturbing.

[bastlnut]

When I tighten the clamp until the edge touches the platter the record does bow. I find this design quite disturbing.

hallo,

why not email VPI directly with your questions?
i am sure they will have a solution for you.

regards,
bas

[lanny]

When I tighten the clamp until the edge touches the platter the record does bow. I find this design quite disturbing.

That's intentional, and why it's called a "reflex" clamp. The idea is to remove mild warpage by keeping the LP under tension against the platter rim. It also couples the vinyl to the platter.

I've used this system for many years, first on a Scout and now on a Classic, and it's never damaged a record.

[WntrMute2]

I suspect that it is because you are in Australia and things rotate in reverse from the northern hemisphere where VPIs are built. You'll never get it to work properly.