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Record clamps : do you use one?

post #1 of 16
12/17/08 at 2:08am
Thread Starter 
Title says it all. Do you use a record clamp for your vinyl playback, and if so, what kind? And what effect did it make on the sound quality?

I'm asking because I think about getting one for myself. I have found a J.A. Michell universal clamp locally for 40 CDN, witch makes around 30USD right now...
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post #2 of 16
12/17/08 at 3:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by papomaster View Post
Title says it all. Do you use a record clamp for your vinyl playback, and if so, what kind? And what effect did it make on the sound quality?

I'm asking because I think about getting one for myself. I have found a J.A. Michell universal clamp locally for 40 CDN, witch makes around 30USD right now...
I have a KAB level clamp. I only use it on warped records, and it helps improve trackability on those. A ring clamp (outer ring) is the best kind, it will help with all records, but they are $$$

NK
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post #3 of 16
12/17/08 at 3:13am
I use the Michell. Works great on warps.
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post #4 of 16
12/17/08 at 5:17am
Yes. Right now, I use the Orbe clamp that came with the platter. But I also have a Sota clamp around here somewhere that I used before I upgraded. I use a clamp on every record - it flattens them and helps with tracking.
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post #5 of 16
12/17/08 at 8:25am
Do clamps put much extra strain on the motor? Ive been wondering about getting one but didn't know if it would affect speed etc.
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post #6 of 16
12/17/08 at 9:50am
It depends on the weight of the clamp and the strength of the motor. Usually it only puts a strain on the motor at start up. I've always given my platter (which weighs 9+ pounds) a little help at start up anyway. I have an Orsonic clamp which is about 8 ounces, but I don't use it. I'm lucky not to have many warped records and I found that it changed the sound, but not necessarily to my liking.
If you're going to use a heavy clamp you have to set up the suspension of your deck with the clamp mounted and then always use it.
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post #7 of 16
12/17/08 at 10:33am
I use one all the time with my Project deck, works wonders.
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post #8 of 16
12/17/08 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by J.D.N View Post
Do clamps put much extra strain on the motor? Ive been wondering about getting one but didn't know if it would affect speed etc.
They also can damage the main bearing if too heavy. Best to check with the manufacturer or else use a lightwieght one like the Michell if unsure.
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post #9 of 16
12/17/08 at 1:38pm
I don't use one on my 1200 (after having one on my MMF5) and don't plan on buying one in the future.

One thing that always irritated me with the MMF5 clamp was that applying any significant amount of force on the clamp resulted in the bowing of the record, not the flattening of it. Methinks this will happen one way or another as long as platter mats aren't rigid. The clamp helped out a bit for dished records... on one side only.

Outer ring clamps are tempting, but also hideously expensive and hard to use with some carts.
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post #10 of 16
12/17/08 at 1:52pm
No, sadly not.
Probably because I don't own a turntable... he he
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post #11 of 16
12/17/08 at 1:55pm
I just picked up one from a Canadian company @ ttweigts.com. Very nice clamp.
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post #12 of 16
12/17/08 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by juniperlater View Post
I use the Michell. Works great on warps.
I have the same. I'd like an outer ring but really haven't gotten around to it as they're more fumbly and more expensive. I got the Michell used but it looks brand new for dirt cheap.
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post #13 of 16
12/17/08 at 2:25pm
When I had a VPI-19 TT, it came with a screw-on clamp. The platter had a screw. If you are just getting a weight, it is really not a clamp and not as effective as a screw on clamp.
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post #14 of 16
12/17/08 at 2:51pm
I own a VPI, so the answer is yes. They design their tables with clamps as a design feature. It makes a big difference in sound.
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post #15 of 16
12/17/08 at 2:54pm
I use a puck, not a clamp. Biggest effect was similar to adding the speedbox, better stability in sustained notes and decay. Less warble and wobble in the sound. No magical AWESOME BASS NOW or SO MUCH SPACE revelations, but worthwhile.
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