• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Anyone using a Mitchell record clamp?

thedelihaus

thedelihaus

Nocturnal transmissions
I am not as concerned about the benefits or lack thereof regarding sound- my goal with a clamp is to flatten the occasional warped record (thank Lordy for subsonic filters) and I prefer the clamp over the weights.


My concerns-

How does this couple to the spindle? Tight rubber sleeve? Screw type collet? Spring loaded collet? Other?


And does it fit the plethora of Japanese turntables? I have Technics, JVC and Sony direct drive TTs.


Thanks for your help and comments.
 
Register to hide this ad
thedelihaus said:
I am not as concerned about the benefits or lack thereof regarding sound- my goal with a clamp is to flatten the occasional warped record (thank Lordy for subsonic filters) and I prefer the clamp over the weights.


My concerns-

How does this couple to the spindle? Tight rubber sleeve? Screw type collet? Spring loaded collet? Other?


And does it fit the plethora of Japanese turntables? I have Technics, JVC and Sony direct drive TTs.


Thanks for your help and comments.
Click to expand...

1) Screw type collet

2) don't know about Technics and Sony but fits just fine on My JVC and Lenco turntables
 
2 versions are available so be sure what one you need , I have the R version made for shorter spindles like Rega and my Thorens (but it also fits my Sansui ).I like it as it add's very little mass , just push down and tighten the knob . Mine also is part of my RCM unit so does double duty , that's why I bought it in the first place . And yeah it also fits my sears TT professional washing platform :D

And I when I bought it I did notice a slight sonic difference , not night and day but enough that I use it all the time , just 1 more step in the ritual .
 
Hi Paul. I use the Michell clamp. One on Sota Moonbeam TT, One on Micro Seiki MB-14, I have used it on Technics SL1200 MKII's also. Fits those TT's,
 
screw type collet

and just tried it on my tech 1200 and it fits nicely. stuck a slightly warped rekkid on it, clamped it down, and it did a good job flattening it out.

I even grabbed it by the knob and tried to lift it off, and it lifted the platter to the motors limit.

I think it could be a good buy for your needs.
 
I've got one of normal (non-Rega) models, which I currently use with my Technics SL-M3. I have been very happy with it.
 
Thanks for starting this thread Paul. I've been eying this clamp for my PL-61. It looks nice for the price and I like how it clamps the record to the platter. I think this design helps cut down on wear to the bearing that some of the weighted heavier clamps use.
 
I am...

I am, and I love it!:yes: I got it from a guy on Ebay, who was very helpful when it came to modding it for the slightly oversized Empire spindle. He sent me photos and directions for a DIY flap sander, which took just enough material from the collet to make it work for me. Send him an Email and he will tell you if it’s a good fit with your TT.

I’ll post pics bellow of its collet mechanism and the clamp with a funky ring mat I came up with to use with it. It clamps very tightly, yet hasn’t marred the anodized finish of my spindle. I am extremely pleased with the clamp, even though it seemed a little pricey to me in the beginning.

Bill.
 

Attachments

  • clamp.jpg
    clamp.jpg
    35.7 KB · Views: 108
  • clamp2.jpg
    clamp2.jpg
    21.8 KB · Views: 92
  • clamp3.jpg
    clamp3.jpg
    24.8 KB · Views: 114
Hi, I'm fairly new at this, Is a clamp better than a weight? I've been looking at both. I really just want to get one or the other as I cant afford both right now.

Thanks,
 
Thanks, fellas!


Puma Cat said:
BTW, it's spelled Michell, not Mitchell. :)
Click to expand...

I knew there was a reason I wasn't finding 'em on th' net! Tanx!

crewbus said:
Hi, I'm fairly new at this, Is a clamp better than a weight? I've been looking at both. I really just want to get one or the other as I cant afford both right now.

Thanks,
Click to expand...


Preference only.


The weights are sexy looking and some prefer those. Nice solid feel, hefty, good looking. Uses weight to hold the record down to the platter. Concerns for some is bearing wear due to the weight. I'm concerned about this personally. However- tons of people use them and most likely with few issues, if any.


A clamp doesn't quite have that "hand feel", but also does the job intended-it's method, by "clamping down" the record via gripping the spindle. Not as pleasant to look at, and some may not fit all spindles so shop wisely- but no weight force on the bearing.


I love the look of a nice brass or polished aluminum weight, but opt for a clamp myself (looking for a second and the Michell is just one alternative).


I don't hear much, if any difference, but it allows me to play warped records with less issue.

Look for Clearaudio clamps for a real bargain. Not much to look at, but effective.
 
I have used the Michell clamp on Thorens, Fairchild and CJ Walker tables it worked fine with all of them.

I have used both clamps and weights, I have been using the weight more recently due to the ease of use since I am not trying to press out a warp.

Jim
 
I guess the only other concern of a weight would be if you dropped it. Most I have seen are all metal and would make a pretty good dent in something if you dropped one.

The Michell clamps bottom piece is made out of delrin which would be forgiving if dropped onto a record accidentally. The lighter weight would make it slightly easier to handle imo.
 
I have a heavy thorens weight, a heavy project puck and the michell. I originally got the the michell because I had an AR and thorens td150 suspension table that would have required new springs to use the heavy weights. It uses a screw on clamp and it grips the short spindle pretty well. It is a little tricky to maintain downward pressure while snugging it up. I have tried all three on my thorens td124 and I think the weighted ones sound a little better with a more solid and deeper sound. The difference is not huge but barely noticeable on certain recordings in my experience.
 
I have the regular Michell clamp. Use it on my Pro-Ject and Pioneer PL-610. Have also used it on a Technics.
 
Deli: I like my Michell clamp and use on my RM-5 my Marantz 6100 and my AR ES-1. I too like the fact that it will help to remove most of a warp and there is little difference in sound between the clamp and a good weight.
 
It worked great until the screw-type collet broke. Not sure where to find a replacement for it, either. :thumbsdn:

-D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom