Alternate screw down clamp for VPI Aries

I’ve contacted VPI several times trying to buy parts for a broken clamp and they insist it’s one piece and won’t sell parts.(problem with mine is broken inner center piece threads.) Who ever owned the TT before must have abused it by over tightening or dropping it.

Ok, wow. The stainless steel VPI clamp sounds so much better than the delrin clamp (I borrowed one and have been listening/comparing) that it's almost shocking.

I know a clamp/weight should be a good idea but I'm amazed that I can hear such a clear difference. 

If I find a good enough deal on the Stillpoints weight I may just try one out.

You could try a SOTA record clamp. You don't screw it down. It has a lever that tightens against the spindle. I don't know if it will work on VPI tables. It is expensive about $300.

Stillpoints Ultra LPI. I've been using one for several years on my Aries 1 and it let me forget about TT weights. I started with the VPI clamp, then got the VPI steel weight and periphery weight. The Stillpoints was a big jump up from there. I use it in conjunction with the VPI periphery weight and an Achromat.

Of course any improvements will have to do with the specifics of your turntable and system. I use a Teres Audio rim drive motor on my Aries so damping or 'draining' motor rumble is probably more of a concern in my case. 

If the goal is to clamp the record, buy a record clamp. 

If the goal is to improve the sound of the turntable, buy the Gravity One.

Yes it really is that simple.

Gee,  I’ve played a few records without a clamp and they sound just fine.  Of course I’m not an audiophile.

Buy the VPI stainless steel clamp.

Heavier than the Derain clamp and sounds better.

It is a screw down clamp.

I have a VPI weight (not screw).   I put 2 dimes under it with the heads facing the spindle (yes there is a difference) Big wide open soundstage.

The job it does is not the job it should be doing. This is something I learned only recently. My carbon fiber clamp was better than anything I ever compared with. Basically the BDR clamp, made from the same material. The Origin Live Gravity One is better in every way. Not even close. Just get it. Get the mat too while you’re at it. And the belt.

You can thank me later.

"The record weight alone does not do the job of the clamp. It is not a substitute."

+1
Biggest problem with clamps is usually (mostly) the users.
Way over torqued  than whats really necessary . 

@dhcod,

Assuming you only broke the plastic part, send an e-mail to VPI and see if they will sell you a replacement - just the plastic part.  Its held to the threaded metal knob with just a snap-ring.  This is the type of plier used to remove/replace the snap ring -  Channellock 926 6-Inch Snap Ring Plier | Precision Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers | Includes 5 Pairs of Interchangeable Tips | Made in the USA - Snap Ring Pliers - Amazon.com If you search Amazon there are cheaper versions.

I play used LP's, they can vary in "flatness".  The clamp is necessary along with the rubber washer to dish them to the platter. 

Seeing a setup playing with the arm bobbing up and down is a travesty!
You might be able to use a reflex clamp. Pricey, since it's machined and not plastic.
https://sotaturntables.com/products/reflex-clamp/

Unless you have perfectly flat LPs, the VPI  weight alone may not flatten completely without the periphery ring since the rubber washer is not used to dish the LP. 

The record weight alone does not do the job of the clamp.  It is not a substitute.  

There are alternate clamps out there if that's what you want to do.  Do a search.

The very best solution for SQ is a ring weight + center weight.  There are alternate center weights that should work as well as the VPI one.  There are cheaper ring weights as well.  I use one and it's fine.  The peripheral weight and center weight also resolve any warped record issue.

I prefer the screw down clamps as they allow you to apply the amount of pressure needed for different albums and prefer the Black Diamond Racing, BDR, clamps either 2 piece or one piece. The BDR clamps are not in production anymore but do come up on the used market. Enjoy the music

I’d go with VPI’s record weight. It’s unthreaded but weighted. You can leave the platter spinning when changing records. I had a screw on clamp with my HW19mkIII, the weighted clamp came with the Classic. Simpler, just as effective IMO.

https://www.musicdirect.com/vibration-control/vpi-hrx-stainless-steel-center-weight