How do you feel about record clamps?

[avole]

All heads didn't nod in agreement if you read back, but experience tells me it's futile arguing the point. This is the vinyl equivalent of the great cable debates.

[pivot]

Even when they seem to be working, say one of three tries, I have to wonder :
Does it really seem like sensible practice to take a delicate recording, especially one that is already defective (a warped record is a defective record, sorry) and then try to reconfigure, re-compress and re-shape with a clamp-- while hoping that somehow you haven't misadjusted the dimensional aspects of the record grooves ?

Oh just come on now!!

A clamp might "misadjust..the dimensional aspects of the record grooves"??... what utter nonsense! A warped disc is already "misadjusted".

Most records have some degree of slight warp. A few can be horrible. I have yet to see a clamp "fix" a badly warped record totally but I have seen a a number of times the the clamp has recofigured the warp so the disc can be played.

There are damn few discs that are totally flat.

[J.D.]

Point being : What are the odds, really, that already-squirrelly warped grooves can be realigned, returned intuitively by a user ---to a state that would then be any kind of match for the master --- by screwing down a compression device that smushes them back down again ?

Anyone thinks this could be reliable is ... very very imaginative.
Best of luck.

JD.

[Cltn2080]

Well, I think we've all learned how J.D. feels about clamps.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

[RP3user]

Well, I think we've all learned how J.D. feels about clamps.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I think the lesson here is that the use of clamps is highly debatable which has to be good for anyone new to this site. He or she can now proceed with caution before buying something that could potentially be very expensive.

G

[Cltn2080]

I think the lesson here is that the use of clamps is highly debatable which has to be good for anyone new to this site.

I agree completely. My intent here and earlier, besides a little joking, was to suggest that a range of perspectives is most helpful and desirable in matters like this. It's been a good discussion.

[smee4]

I've used a Bren on my table for some time, and it's just there for looks. It doesn't seem to make any sonic difference. It Does Look Cool Though

That's how I feel too. I tried a weight on mine and heard no difference. A friend has a Project table with a screw down clamp, and I can't tell if the clamp is on or not.

I think the better 'tweak' would be to try different turntable mats, both the material, and they way they support the record. That seems to make a small difference to the sound for me, but the weight/clamp doesn't.

[78 archivist]

I've found record clamps to be absolutely necessary for vinyl.

Shellac's so damn heavy it works best on its own, and it's great to actually be able see the label while it's playing!

[duficity]

My main purpose in using a weight, clamp,peripheral ring or vacuum platter is to have constant and complete contact between the platter and the vinyl, with no mini air bubbles seperating the two. If you believe that the platter material makes a difference in sound, or that platter matts do, then you would have to have intimate contact to completely gain that difference. I happen to believe that platter face material does make a difference, and so do vacuum platters. and clamps and peripheral rings can also make a difference, but not as much as a vacuum platter. Now, whether that difference is an improvement is anyones guess. It is for me.
I wonder, though, how many here have actually listened to a vacuum platter turntable, or a clamp/weight/ring turntable for an appreciable amount of time, enough to compare against the alternative and come to a learned opinion.

[smee4]

I spent a fortnight trying a weight-type clamp before deciding it wasn't worth the effort.

[78 archivist]

I spent a fortnight trying a weight-type clamp before deciding it wasn't worth the effort.

I think a lot depends on the cartridge and tonearm as to whether a record weight will help or not. My sme 3012 II improved version is so light, it needs a record weight to help soften the near unforgiving compliance factor.

How heavy is your tonearm and cartridge?

[smee4]

It's a SME3009seriesII with DEFT 2 cart at the moment (probably was a Shure cartridge back then) - don't know what it weighs. I don't see the connection to arm/cartridge mass and compliance however. But don't worry, I am happier, in a way, that I don't see any benefit. One less thing to have to deal with

[78 archivist]

I'm happier too when things work out without the need to buy more things. You're not seeing a benefit for a record weight because your system doesn't need it, so I don't think it has anything to do with you not seeing what's not there in the first place.

I believe everything in a system affects the sound, both individually and as a whole. I'll read the thread from the beginning before commenting further.

[paul401]

Hi,
I have NAD clamp, it's a badged Michell, (from the late 70's early 80's) a birthday present from a friend. It certainly made a difference to the sound, seemed to improve 7" inch 45's, on albums tightened bass, but sometimes closed in the mid. Mostly used on a NAD 5120 with flat arm and a Sony belt drive deck.

Anyway, there seems room to experiment and for DIY with these things. So I eventually returned the favour and sent him this, one Christmas.




As you can see, he was thrilled with it!!

Paul