vpi center weight vs. vpi stainless steel clamp

[930 turbo]

Hi to all,


Has anyone compared this 2 clamps they are priced the same. Im currently using the Stainless steel clamp in my VPI TNT 6 w/ a periphery ring clamp. Im not using the rubber washer when playing records w/ the ring clamp. Im unhappy w/ the performance of the steel clamp when you tighten it moderately.Its sounds so restrained and the soundstage is so narrow,closed in, microdynamics suffers likewise, but it has a deeper soundstage.Its also very tedious to use .My friend and I compared it w/ out the periphery ring clamp and just use the stainless clamp w/ the rubber washer and the sound open's up ,wider soundstage ,very dynamic. but w/ a forward soundstage , less dark background and more record surface noise. I tried just lightly tightening the steel clamp (rubber washer removed)and using the periphery ring ,and it improved immensely its like getting the best of both characteristics above. Thats why I was contemplating in getting the Center weight.

any opinions ,suggestions,


930 turbo

[Alec124c41]

The point of the washer under the record, with the clamp, is to force the periphery of the record down.
The rim does that.
You can continue using the clamp without the washer, with the rim, if that is what sounds best. I doubt that the weight will be any improvement.

Cheers,
Alec

[930 turbo]

Thanks Alec for your reply.

One reason im thinking of getting the VPI Center Weight is for a more consistent performance. When Im using the Stainless Steel/Delrin clamp its often a hit or miss affair. Sometimes I torque'd it too light or too heavy, or sometimes I hit the sweet spot (the sound that I prefer) w/ the amount of torque that I applied to the clamp.Another reason is for the ease of use.

930 turbo

[JohnAng]

i changed over to the weight simply for convenience. Didnt notice any difference in sound though.
Also looks better and matches the ring clamp on my HRX

[930 turbo]

Thanks for the reply John.I was wondering John if your HRX when you bought it came w/ the VPI Stainless/Delrin record clamp instead of the VPI Center Weight? Did the periphery ring came standard also?

930 turbo

[JohnAng]

Thanks for the reply John.I was wondering John if your HRX when you bought it came w/ the VPI Stainless/Delrin record clamp instead of the VPI Center Weight? Did the periphery ring came standard also?

930 turbo

when i purchased mine, it came with the clamp instead of the weight.
The periphery ring came with it though, and i also got it with the upgraded super platter.

[930 turbo]

Hi John,

Whats your ramp down voltage in your SDS when using 33 rpm records. I used to ramp it down to the factory default setting of 72v, right now I set my default at 84v and it seems it has a livelier, more dynamic and tighter bass. Regarding the 45 rpm setting, its still set at 102v w/c is the factory default setting.


930 turbo

[brf]

I have tried all the VPI clamps and weights and have settled on the one piece Black Diamond Racing clamp. It does restrict dynamics like the other clamps.

[930 turbo]

I have tried all the VPI clamps and weights and have settled on the one piece Black Diamond Racing clamp. It does restrict dynamics like the other
clamps.

Hi brf i heard a lot of good things about the Black diamond Racing Clamp but its a bit pricey. Does it restrict dynamics I hope not?


930 turbo

[JohnAng]

Hi John,

Whats your ramp down voltage in your SDS when using 33 rpm records. I used to ramp it down to the factory default setting of 72v, right now I set my default at 84v and it seems it has a livelier, more dynamic and tighter bass. Regarding the 45 rpm setting, its still set at 102v w/c is the factory default setting.


930 turbo

mine is at 78v for 33, may have to try 84v and see what i think
for 45 i also still have it at 102v

[930 turbo]

Thanks for your reply John. Let me know if you will hear an improvement when you shift the ramp down voltage to 84 volts

930 turbo

[brf]

I have tried all the VPI clamps and weights and have settled on the one piece Black Diamond Racing clamp. It does restrict dynamics like the other
clamps.

Hi brf i heard a lot of good things about the Black diamond Racing Clamp but its a bit pricey. Does it restrict dynamics I hope not?


930 turbo

No, it does not restrict dynamics. The BDR clamp allows for greater detail to be extracted from the grooves.

[930 turbo]

Thanks for the clarification brf

[orthobiz]

I have an all-black screw down clamp and asked Mike at VPI if I needed to upgrade to a more fancy combo or all metal clamp. I have the periphery ring and he said all I need do is tighten the clamp so that it just touches the label, the outer ring is doing most of the work.

Paul