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If You Have a Turntable You Should Have a Record Clamp
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xXSHADoW93Xx
Active Member
Considering most of the turntables used with the clamps have a "fixed" spindle, how would one go with a turntable that has a removable spindle, such as my Dual 1225? The single-play spindle is a drop-in unlike the stacking spindle which can be locked in place
No disrespect but I started this thread to teach members why we need clamps, what clamps work best, why they work best and how to use them. If the clamp can not flatten a record, it's not working right and if you seen the OP, and what I effectively did with fairly inexpensive clamps that are designed right then I taught you something. These plastic clever clamps don't do what I did in the OP, spending $20 more dollars is a no brainer IMHO. Maybe a upgrade is in order for you and you can really see the difference after you have had some hands on.
A hard edge blip/warp will not be forced down on the up side, the down side will get helped a bit. This is also dependent on the weight of the record thin is easier than thick disc, is it a hard short 2" warp or a long 6" soft gradual warp.
Well if this is the case I would do one of two things. Either I would cut the locking, stacking spindle and make a short one out of it giving up that option. Or buy a second one to sacrifice for my needs.
However I'm not familiar with the table and don't know how it locks in.
I have several of my vintage LP's with small blips, none of them makes the needle skip. I still don't like playing them though.
I don't play used LP's on my Music Hall TT but it has a screw down clamp that I never use it because I really don't know how tight to screw it down. Also I play 180gm reissues on that TT and they are pretty flat records.
I don't play used LP's on my Music Hall TT but it has a screw down clamp that I never use it because I really don't know how tight to screw it down. Also I play 180gm reissues on that TT and they are pretty flat records.
I have been thinking about investing and have searched the auction sites,could you please explain the difference between clamp and weight,obviously the name describes the function but is one better than the other?It would be used on a belt driven table.
EDIT.
I failed to add that the turntable I intend to use one on has a short spindle,8mm from a records surface to its tip.
EDIT.
I failed to add that the turntable I intend to use one on has a short spindle,8mm from a records surface to its tip.
maxhifi
Addicted Member
Fair enough, and incidentally, the clever clamp came with a TT, I would never entertain spending $35 on something with less complexity than a disposable fork.
I just ment to say it does work under usual circumstances, especially with thin 1970s pressing which are warped. It makes them playable, even enjoyable. That said, I make no claim it is as good or better than the clamps you showed, and I would really only advocate using one if you bought a Clearaudio and have it on hand.
Oh god, thanks that got me laughing.
Before and after:
Wanted to try something before defiling the ADC.....although I agree it doesn't do what it should, couldn't get myself to start ripping it apart. Soooo, I used the clamp as a template, cutting around it to make a neoprene disc that is exactly (exacto knife....errrr) the same diameter. Then I needed something to cut out the inside portion of that disc to form the border you were talking about and found that my cocktail shaker top was the precise dimension that I needed so used it for the job. Double-sided taped it to the bottom of the clamp which formed the raised circumference and then put the washer back on, then the record, then the modified clamp and guess what? The second picture is the result so I'm gonna sit back and start listening with it on and off to see what difference it makes. This is only a prototype, and should it perform as I intend, I will start over and make something with a bit more precision.
Wanted to try something before defiling the ADC.....although I agree it doesn't do what it should, couldn't get myself to start ripping it apart. Soooo, I used the clamp as a template, cutting around it to make a neoprene disc that is exactly (exacto knife....errrr) the same diameter. Then I needed something to cut out the inside portion of that disc to form the border you were talking about and found that my cocktail shaker top was the precise dimension that I needed so used it for the job. Double-sided taped it to the bottom of the clamp which formed the raised circumference and then put the washer back on, then the record, then the modified clamp and guess what? The second picture is the result so I'm gonna sit back and start listening with it on and off to see what difference it makes. This is only a prototype, and should it perform as I intend, I will start over and make something with a bit more precision.
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Excellent my friend, thats the inventiveness needed to work around clamps that are good in all respects but don't have a hollow cavity. You can find rubber o-rings also that you can use, a bit stronger and more pin=point in focusing the pressure.
That ADC Pro Grip clamp is one of the Orsonic rebadged clamps, as noted above Orsonic made the clamps for Monster Cable and a few other companies, they weighed 250gr, Orsonic had a heavier clamp weighing 500gr that doesn't show up often, doubt few people wanted that much weight. I'v used the Orsonic/Monster Cable clamps but never could say it made much difference in SQ since I avoid any records with noticeable warps.
ripblade
Addicted Member
Some people consider that ideal...akin to a platterless TT. I like the softer microdynamics this can bring as it sounds more natural to me, but the macrodynamics seem to disappear, so for me it's a non-starter.
Thanks, but I'da never known it if you hadn't bellied up with this thread.....nice pics in the OP by the way, very beautiful stuff! I will indeed now go about researching what will make my prototype even better, although after a quick listen to Alan Parsons Project, Eye In The Sky (tracks 1 & 2, Side 2) is revealing a tighter and more detailed sound with it on than with it off. Thanks for the offer to talk as well, I may take you up on that after some more experimentation.
To clarify, the recess you see in my pics is part of the platter, not a mat as I don't use one. Might start re-experimenting with that as well....but that is another subject and not really relevant to this thread. BTW, happy Easter!
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
The collet recedes into the clamp, making it an open bottom.
One thing to consider is the label and rim of the record are a good bit higher (thicker from the sides) than the grooves. I don't want the grooves mashed into the platter mat, whatever that material is. I want the record attached to the platter and resting on the label and outer edge are my way to do it.
Again this thread is not SQ vs. thread, it's about having the tools to play all records you have, the best you can. Yes you get added benefits in SQ with a clamp that will put all your records consistently flat and coupled to the platter.
SQ is subjective and a reference point would need to be established to to even weigh in on that. You may very well like the sound of records floating in air on one side and or only half of it touching the platter picking up resonance. You might be made of money and throughout mint records with a dish look to them or a wavy warp. Maybe you just like to bitch when you order a new record and it's slightly warped, that anyone with a clamp would laugh at.
The point is, most records are not flat
And not all clamps work good.
SQ is subjective and a reference point would need to be established to to even weigh in on that. You may very well like the sound of records floating in air on one side and or only half of it touching the platter picking up resonance. You might be made of money and throughout mint records with a dish look to them or a wavy warp. Maybe you just like to bitch when you order a new record and it's slightly warped, that anyone with a clamp would laugh at.
The point is, most records are not flat
And not all clamps work good.
Pio1980
AK Member
I briefly experimented with the platterless approach, and found it introduced euphonic colorations like a "rich" enhanced spaciousness. Essentially undamped record resonances of various types adding harmonics and delay effects. I use either a Michell reflex clamp or the oem clamps on my turntables, the HK T60 came with a weight spec'ed for it.
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