Anyone using one of these periphery rings on a direct drive table? I need some schoolin': are they effective in neutralizing mildly warped records? Do they work better or not so much when used with a center weight or clamp? Do they ride on the record's edge, and if so, is starting the LP in the lead-in groove harder to hit? Seems like I have a lot of mildly to pretty warped range LP's and perhaps this could salvage some vinyl from the scrap heap.
Periphery ring - who's using one?
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ripblade
Addicted Member
I have a TTWeights 600gm peripheral ring which I use with a TTWeights 800gm Stainless Superweight. It's not on a DD but it is on a table that supports a very heavy platter. I can't comment on any speed differences but can say that startup will be slower/harder on the motor. Once it's up to speed there should be no issue as the ring actually improves inertia.
Between the ring and center weight, a typical record is flattened out almost completely. Records that are edge warped from heat are not flattened completely but well enough they may be playable w/o skipping. Whether the cartridge has enough room to clear the edge of the ring depends on the make - I have one that will not clear the lip but it also won't track heavily warped records. Cartridges with a small footprint and a VTA of at least 20 degrees should be ok.
Most significant about the ring is the change in sound it makes at the beginning of the record. You might not be aware of it but the sound of a record changes from beginning to end, especially if you already use a spindle clamp/weight. This is because the damping of the vinyl attributable to the mat is greater near the label than it is at the edge, especially on warped records. By clamping the edge of the record down, this inequity is reduced allowing the record to be damped evenly across the surface, ensuring the tone doesn't change during playback.
Apart from that, the ring offers many of the attributes of a spindle clamp/weight; better dynamics, tighter bass, lower noise floor, etc. Flattening the record is the last reason I use it.
Between the ring and center weight, a typical record is flattened out almost completely. Records that are edge warped from heat are not flattened completely but well enough they may be playable w/o skipping. Whether the cartridge has enough room to clear the edge of the ring depends on the make - I have one that will not clear the lip but it also won't track heavily warped records. Cartridges with a small footprint and a VTA of at least 20 degrees should be ok.
Most significant about the ring is the change in sound it makes at the beginning of the record. You might not be aware of it but the sound of a record changes from beginning to end, especially if you already use a spindle clamp/weight. This is because the damping of the vinyl attributable to the mat is greater near the label than it is at the edge, especially on warped records. By clamping the edge of the record down, this inequity is reduced allowing the record to be damped evenly across the surface, ensuring the tone doesn't change during playback.
Apart from that, the ring offers many of the attributes of a spindle clamp/weight; better dynamics, tighter bass, lower noise floor, etc. Flattening the record is the last reason I use it.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Go check out VE library Kenwood section and review the DS-10, DS-20 and DS-21. It lists the weights of these items, a ceramic platter mat, ring and center weight and they are not light. These are used in conjunction with the heavy platter of the KD-650/750 tables so those DD motors on these quartz locked tables need no adjustment. Wonder home much added wear there is on the bearing.
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
What is the "VE library"?
MuthaFunk
Vinyl Addict
From what I can tell, if it's a decent brand turntable the bearing(s) is way over sized for the low RPM of a turntable. I can't think of many examples of people listing that they had to replace the bearing due to wear. Even on highly used turntables from the 70's. Usually, other problems will surface before bearing wear. I think these rings and weights are fine on all but the cheapest of turntables.
I have a 600g TTWeights Outter ring and think it's great. It does couple the LP to the platter changing the sound. For the better? I think so, but not all would agree. What all would agree on is how effective it is at flattening out warped records. A luxury for any vinyl owner.
jazzgene
Active Member
I use a VPI ring and center clamp. I just can't imagine not having them as many LPs in my collection are not completely flat. I recently picked up a new Blue Note Ornette Coleman LP and was shocked how warped it is. The outer ring really worked to make it flat.
One thing, the outer ring does not work on every single LP. Some LPs show a different size in diameter and the ring does not sit perfectly in which case, it is better without it.
One thing, the outer ring does not work on every single LP. Some LPs show a different size in diameter and the ring does not sit perfectly in which case, it is better without it.
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
Thanks! My brain wasn't working!
That's my standard operating mode.With accompaniment from footinmouthitis and speakbeforethinkosis. :nono:
Suitable for a jackass such as myself.
clydeselsor
Lunatic Member
:lmao:
I forgot to specify that the footinmouthitis,is simultaneous bi-lateral in nature.
