A $300-$400 turntable tweak

Regarding clamps and rings, it all depends on the turntable, the type/weight of center weight and the outer ring weight. So many vaiables, no wonder YMMV...

For my table, the TT Weights Super ring and the clearaudio quadro clamp weight sounds best for my system.

J Carr - thanks for the info - very thought provoking. The clamp discussion certainly has me thinking. The FAR clamp has a proud rim on the bottom so the force is applied to the out edge of the label. My FAR is up to speed in half a turn - so not sure on your set up - I'm using oscilator preamp with PS Audio power amp & MIT cable in the supply & Silk thread belt. I can only think maybe I'm tensioning the belt a bit more than you. I dont think mine has a polymer thrust pad. I'm using Motul V300 Power Racing oil which is a synthetic using double esters which is very slippery and has very high unctiousness- ie in a motor it will hold a film in the head even if the motor is not used for some time. My racing mate managed to boil his porsche engine, melt brazed oil lines and still the motor kept running with no damage. I love the Ikeda cartridge, though it can be difficult - be great to see this cartridge concept continued after Ikeda goes.

Wow - this is quite the thread!!!

I have no doubt that what Halcro (a valued poster) heard was true for his system.

However, as user of both a ring and clamp, I have found differently.

Here is an anecdote. On my current table (Raven 1), which came with a Millenium clamp and mat, I found I didn't like the sound of the mat, which seems in opposition to many people with the same table.

But, I don't run my Phantom arm with damping, though most people do.

I just feel like there are no absolutes, especially with analog.

I also run a strain gauge cartridge, which is different than most.

I appreciate Halcro's findings, and since the system here is about to change radically with the addition of the TAD speakers and new TTweights Momentus Duo drive table (I'm a new dealer for both - hear them both at the Axpona NYC show) that I will have to reevaluate the use the use of the clamp and super heavy ring the table comes with.

I will also be reevaluating the use of damping fluid in the arm, as it changes to the new Phantom version with a 12" arm. Lot's of changes, lots of testing, lots of listening, but no universal truths I'm afraid.

On another note, the new table will allow for either rim or belt drive. That's another controversy I am soon hoping to hear how it plays out.

Hi Emailists,
Thanks for the kind words.
Perhaps the differences we are hearing on both our Ravens with the peripheral clamp, are due to the fact that you don't use the Millenium mat and I do?
Interesting......I have to try it.
Cheers
Henry

J Carr:
The A.R.T. graphite mat that I have bonded to the TT-1000...

Jonathan, have you experimented with the A.R.T graphite record clamp? It has awkward dimensions making it impossible for certain cartridges to clear the final few grooves of an LP. I have a feeling though that you are not using Koetsus :-).

The above problem not withstanding, the combination of the A.R.T graphite mat and clamp is very rewarding on my Clearaudio Master Reference with magnetic bearing.

On a related note, can you suggest a place that I can have that A.R.T graphite clamp 'shaved' so that it is compatible with all cartridges?