Which Record Clamp?

[Cactus Bob]

I want to buy a record clamp for flattening slightly warped records. Which one do you recommend and why? I will use it with Denon, Thorens, Technics & Pioneers TT's.

Thanks, CB

 

[Greyson]

I use a Michell clamp on my Technics primarily for the reason you mentioned. It is made from delrin and light weight so there is no extra force exerted on the motor. (The primiary benefit of clamps vs. weights) It's also very affordable and not overpriced.

 

[ejman]

+1 on the Michell clamp on my Lenco L75. Mine is the old style clamp made from aluminum.

 

[marantzfan]

A clamp may not be a good idea with the thorens being as it's suspended. :scratch2:

 

[bob06]

I Use a Michell on my Thorens TT. It's lite enough does not affect the suspension.

 

[jimreeves]

Another vote here for the Michell. They come up on ebay regularly, sometimes for cheap. Be sure it comes with the felt donut though!

 

[bob06]

Another vote here for the Michell. They come up on ebay regularly, sometimes for cheap. Be sure it comes with the felt donut though!

Umm donut's. :drool:

 

[avole]

I Use a Michell on my Thorens TT. It's lite enough does not affect the suspension.

Might affect the main bearing in the long term, though.

 

[Greyson]

Might affect the main bearing in the long term, though.

I don't see why, it's lighter than the actual record. (The Michell clamp)

 

[Jovinyl]

Michell clamp here also. Use on Sota Moonbean, Microseiki MLB-14 and Technics 1200 MK-II TT. :thmbsp:

 

[jostber]

I like the Furutech Monza which I use for my Technics SL1200.

 

[Cactus Bob]

Thanks Guys! The Mitchell sounds like the way to go. :thmbsp:

 

[Greyson]

Thanks Guys! The Mitchell sounds like the way to go. :thmbsp:

Just make sure you spell it as Michell or you may not find it. :thmbsp:

 

[Pio1980]

Originally Posted by bob06 View Post
I Use a Michell on my Thorens TT. It's lite enough does not affect the suspension.

Might affect the main bearing in the long term, though.

The clamp weighs 70 grams (2.4 oz)

 

[avole]

The problem isn't the suspension, but the main bearing. 2.4 oz is effectively a lot more as it isn't distributed evenly by the platter but weighs directly on the main bearing, but, having thought about it, given the Thorens uses a ball bearing the extra weight is distributed better than, for example, on an LP12 so it shouldn't give any problems.

I do have a question, though. Given the Thorens, as with many belt drives, is ideally turned on at the start of a session and off at the end, surely it is difficult to put the clamp on while a record is spinning?

You can guess I've never even seen a clamp, can't you ?

 

[ChairSpud]

Ditto on the the Michell, I use one on the Rega.

Dave/ChairSpud

 

[OneMalt]

Ditto on the the Michell, I use one on the Rega.

Dave/ChairSpud

Same here, the Rega version.

 

[bob06]

The problem isn't the suspension, but the main bearing. 2.4 oz is effectively a lot more as it isn't distributed evenly by the platter but weighs directly on the main bearing, but, having thought about it, given the Thorens uses a ball bearing the extra weight is distributed better than, for example, on an LP12 so it shouldn't give any problems.

I do have a question, though. Given the Thorens, as with many belt drives, is ideally turned on at the start of a session and off at the end, surely it is difficult to put the clamp on while a record is spinning?

You can guess I've never even seen a clamp, can't you ?

I think you put it on before the record starts spinning. :scratch2:

 

[hifitommy]

my suggestion is more costly. as my friend has a michell which doesnt seem to be as effective, i dont mind recommending a sota reflex clamp. in addition, a periphery ring would be very efficacious in the taming of warps.

i have a sota and hope one day to snag a ring.

 

[avole]

Yes, that works for the first record, but what if you want to play several? On the one hand, the advice for Thorens-type decks is that they are meant to be left spinning until the end of the session, while on the other hand you need to stop them to use the clamp. Same for Linn and Rega, by the way.