Wow, I didn't realize these clamps really were popular, Thanks. I've seen them on the high end TTs but. I don't know if there's that much resonance from mine. I've got a total Pioneer system that's probably over 30 years old. Been looking and I do say there are some out there that want a lot of money. Must be a status thing.
Turntable Clamps Are They Really Worth It?
- Thread starter lebloom
- Start date
Well How day to you Mr Pig, just depends on the table like you say. Just a pity you didn't say just what table you're using, as there's a load of tables out there, all of them set up different. Some are like sitting on top of an amplifier, others are on a shelf that's not level. I mean some of the comments on these threads couldn't help anybody, seems like they don't know their hoofs from their trotters!
beatcomber
AK Member
Mister Pig has one of the finest systems on this forum, and he really knows his stuff.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
+1 but I only use it when I need it. Frankly with a perfectly flat LP I just don't notice the difference. Course my hearing isn't what it used to be.
Gum Parker
Active Member
The more older turntables cross my work desk, the more I'm seeing those original not quite rubber mats turn hard and get a warp in them.
If a person is using an older mass produced budget turntable, and likes the original mat... a clamp is going to be an inevitable IMHO.
If a person is using an older mass produced budget turntable, and likes the original mat... a clamp is going to be an inevitable IMHO.
Phase700b
AK Lurker & Kinsman
Turntables with floating suspension such as my Technics SL-1700 and SL-1710, may suffer detrimental effects if a clamp is used, depending on weight. Then it becomes necessary to either set the turntable up without the clamp or set it up with it and use it every time.
I suppose if the clamp had negligible mass and used friction on the spindle to clamp the record, then it wouldn't matter as much. I like the idea of a clamp. . . . I'm not sure about ones that add substantially more mass. I wondered about any extra weight increasing spindle bearing wear on some turntable, for instance.
For awhile years ago, I used a rubber reel holder of the type that came with my Teac A-4070 on my Dual 1229. It seemed to work ok. It did keep the record from slipping when I used a Discwasher before playing a record. Not sure it did much else. But I did think it dampled acoustic feedback somewhat. However, I always tried to place my turntables in places where acoustic feedback would be minimal anyway.
So, I guess I am undecided currently.
I suppose if the clamp had negligible mass and used friction on the spindle to clamp the record, then it wouldn't matter as much. I like the idea of a clamp. . . . I'm not sure about ones that add substantially more mass. I wondered about any extra weight increasing spindle bearing wear on some turntable, for instance.
For awhile years ago, I used a rubber reel holder of the type that came with my Teac A-4070 on my Dual 1229. It seemed to work ok. It did keep the record from slipping when I used a Discwasher before playing a record. Not sure it did much else. But I did think it dampled acoustic feedback somewhat. However, I always tried to place my turntables in places where acoustic feedback would be minimal anyway.
So, I guess I am undecided currently.
I use a Mitchell clamp on my suspended Merrill AR, and can detect no difference whatsoever in the height of the suspension. Now some of the more massive weights I would be wary of.
I think the idea of a clamp holding down the record during play makes sense. I have 3 different ones around here, but never paid more than $60 for any of them.
I have very few warped records, so that benefit is of little use to me.
I think the idea of a clamp holding down the record during play makes sense. I have 3 different ones around here, but never paid more than $60 for any of them.
I have very few warped records, so that benefit is of little use to me.
beatcomber
AK Member
Warm part of the state? You must be northeast of SF, away from the coast!
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
I tossed my comment together just before heading out the door to work. I would be happy to provide you with some details. I only own two tables, I tried for a third one, but am not a fan of the Technics SP 15 or 25 series. I just couldn't keep it, so I moved it on to someone else who would appreciate it.
My modern table is a Galibier Audio Serac with 12" Pete Riggle String Theory arm and ZYX 4D cartridge. Here is a pic, the first one has my previous cartridge which was an Accuphase AC3
My second table is a Thorens TD 124 MK I with an Eminent Technology II arm and Clearaudio Signature cartridge. This one has had the mechanicals restored, but I want to build a different plinth for it. The pic is not that great, which is what happens when you use a cellphone camera and iffy light. But it is what it is. This table was a fun project, and shows what a good vintage type idler table is capable of.
Neither pic shows the record weight, but it is here in the picture of the technics I had, which I didn't cotton to.
Regards
Mister Pig
Masterdraco
Super Member
I too use a hockey puck for a clamp. Mr Pig if you don't mind me asking what is it about the technics sp series tables that you don't like? I was thinking about picking up one in the near future.
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Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
I will PM you, I don't want to see the thread hit the ditch over that subject.
Regards
Mister Pig
Masterdraco
Super Member
Also some really respectable tables you have.
DustyOldPile
Vinyl Goddess
A weight could add stress to the motor and bearings. I read somewhere a few years ago about using a short piece of rubber gas line, that's tight enough to slip over the spindle but stay put, to press the record tight to the platter. It really works well, and enough of these to outfit an entire house full of turntables will set you back about a dollar.
Pio1980
AK Member
I've used a Rubber tape reel stopper on a plastic disc just large enuff to cover most of the label to help with damping and pressure distribution and that worked OK. The Michell clamp does a better job with pressure distribution to avoid dishing the record rim off the platter mat.