Is a record weight worth having?
- Thread starter fsdaron
- Start date
nu2toobs
Can you here that?
You'll never know until you try
jeremyjustic
Analog
I have three, don't use any of them.
hifitommy
Super Member
no, a weight is not as effective as a clamp. look for a record clamp. the orsonic ds-200g is one that i have that is very effective without being too heavy (which adds physical stress to the TT bearings.
the orsonic is one you may have to wait for. the one ad for an available has no pic, good price, i have no connection.
http://www.ttweights.com/CenterClampsCat.html
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/J-A-Michell-...rd_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item51b0c3b3a7
here is one that is available--the less expensive of the two SOTA clamps. i have the bigger one.
the KAB may be good for you too:
http://www.needledoctor.com/KAB-Record-Grip-MKII?sc=2&category=421
i hope that helps.
the orsonic is one you may have to wait for. the one ad for an available has no pic, good price, i have no connection.
http://www.ttweights.com/CenterClampsCat.html
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/J-A-Michell-...rd_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item51b0c3b3a7
here is one that is available--the less expensive of the two SOTA clamps. i have the bigger one.
the KAB may be good for you too:
http://www.needledoctor.com/KAB-Record-Grip-MKII?sc=2&category=421
i hope that helps.
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jeremyjustic
Analog
I have both the TTweights and Orsonic clamps, while I completely agree with you the Orsonic one is the one to get in that bunch I've never noticed much difference in sound using it. Maybe they work better on different platter materials, on my leather platter mat they don't seem to do much. Just out of curiosity , what table are you using yours on and what is the platter material?
Edit: not saying you are wrong or anything just interested in your experience with the orsonic clamp.
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hifitommy
Super Member
Like many another tweak, the difference may have to come after extended listening or make you confident because of the science involved
It only makes sense that if the vinyl is firly anchored on the platter surface that the sound will be more stable.
Just remember MICROSCOPIC movements of the stylus cause the voltage for sound creation.
It only makes sense that if the vinyl is firly anchored on the platter surface that the sound will be more stable.
Just remember MICROSCOPIC movements of the stylus cause the voltage for sound creation.
illini
The Past is Alive
I use a record weight (Bren1) on warped records. Soundwise not much difference. Record weights cannot be used on all turntables:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=406818
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=406818
iLUVanalog
Addicted Member
Improvement in the sound is subjective. You do not use a record clamp or weight for the purpose of improving the sound quality. That is not what the clamping device is for. The device's ONLY function and purpose is to couple the LP to the platter and stabilize the LP. Also, to help flatten out warped LPs. That's it. Any improvement in the sound quality, real or perceived, is an added bonus. But there is NO guarantee of improved sound quality by using a clamp or weight, as that is not the purpose of the device.
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jeremyjustic
Analog
Thanks, I have been curious if the clamps would make more of a difference using an acrylic platter/mat, for some reason with my leather mat it just seems to dull the sound a bit. I wonder if the leather mat, platter damping o rings and clamp on my 401's platter might be a little overkill. A little too much of a good thing. Thanks for the insight.
Oh and I've always loved those kenwood white granite plinth tables. I'd live to own one at some point.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
I take the view that there's already enough PSIs on the thrust plates of most of our turntables without putting another 500g+ on top. All you'll do is wear out your thrust plate and or bearing tip.
river25
Super Member
Agree.
However, I did purchase a record weight to try. I can't see the scientific rationale for them to offer a better sound, but until I try it I really cannot debate its merits.
Makes no difference on any of the turntables or LPs I have played so far. Can add some benefit to slightly warped records.
I haven't gone through all my albums, so I still use it on occasions to see if I hear any difference. Left brain says "Makes no diff" and right brain says "Thanks, but I'll be the judge of that"
Looks pretty cool, though.
However, I did purchase a record weight to try. I can't see the scientific rationale for them to offer a better sound, but until I try it I really cannot debate its merits.
Makes no difference on any of the turntables or LPs I have played so far. Can add some benefit to slightly warped records.
I haven't gone through all my albums, so I still use it on occasions to see if I hear any difference. Left brain says "Makes no diff" and right brain says "Thanks, but I'll be the judge of that"
Looks pretty cool, though.
This subject has come up at least 100 times on AK with a mixed bag of claims. Some tables had a weight/clamp as part of the mfgs design as in the VPI HW-19, other tables the mfg didn't offer a weight/clamp. I have both Orsonic and Monster Cable clamps which are rebranded Orsonic. I use the Orsonic clamp but I have never been able to hear a difference with it or without it. Also I don't knowingly purchase any warped records, made that mistake once and wiped out a very short stylus on an expensive cartridge. IMO a weight/clamp is minimally effective flattening a warped record since it only covers the center of the record. My recommendation is if you want to try something that won't do any harm go with a clamp but don't expect to hear any difference, just consider it as eye candy and if you get any more out of it you hit the lottery.
hifitommy
Super Member
nearly all om my clamps are lightweights except the sota and mapleknoll. none are weights alone,
jeremy....i think that the leather mat may be killing some of the natural life of the LPs played during play. for mats i prefer the firmer types as they seem to convey the music better.
jeremy....i think that the leather mat may be killing some of the natural life of the LPs played during play. for mats i prefer the firmer types as they seem to convey the music better.
