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Screw-down reflex clamps vs. record weights

Recently we have seen more and more 'record weights' on the market. These are normally lightweight(300-400gr)and simply sit on the record. They do not appear to give priority to bonding the record to the platter.
Two outstanding record weights of this type are the Kuzma Ebony Record Weight and the HiFi Tuning VRO ('vinyl resonance optimiser') - there is a review of this(for those who read German) at www.fairaudio.de.
It appears that these clamps, rather than channelling disc resonances away through the spindle and main bearing and/or optimising contact between the record and the platter surface, seek to absorb them directly (i.e. into the clamp itself).
The Kuzma Ebony is a particularly interesting case since it has been introduced by a company that supplies screw-down reflex clamps as standard on its high-end turntables.
My question is: has anybody had any experience of these clamps - probably 'vinyl resonance tuners' is a more appropriate term - on their turntables as replacements for screw-down reflex clamps? Clearly as a way of dealing with warped or dished records they will not be of much use, but it may be that they do a better job of damping the disc.
I would be particularly interested to hear of experiences involving SME turntables (whose platters incidentally are covered with a bonded layer of 'Isodamp' damping material).
Thanks,
Peter
pgtaylor
pryso
1,939 posts
 
Dover, thanks for your insights.

I have a Kuzma Stabi (not Ref) with the screw-down clamp and washer. I always considered the primary function to help flatten records. This raises a second point in considering clamps and weights. Along with the washers and concave platters now included in this discussion, there can be a design purpose of flattening less than perfect records, in addition to damping resonances. Years ago I had a WTTT with a concave platter and lightweight screw clamp specifically stated to flatten records.

Regarding the SOTA Reflex clamp, you imply it came with a washer for under the record. I have one that I bought used that didn't come with a washer. I use this sometimes with a SP-10. Guess I should find an appropriate sized machine washer and try that.
dover
2,251 posts
 
Pryso - For my Final Audio VDS weight I just made some hard plastic washers of varying thickness and then tested to find the optimum. The Sota Reflex also is adjustable from memory, if you look down from the top there is a screw inside for adjusting the force of the grip on the spindle. I would think about a 1/16 of an inch should be enough for the washer, you want the minimum to minimise the bending on the record.
dover
2,251 posts
 
Pryso - or up from the bottom for screw adjustment
wrm57
1,054 posts
 
The Michell Orbe, which comes with a threaded spindle and a screw-down clamp, has a slightly-raised disc at the spindle for just the kind of leverage Dover is talking about.

FWIW, after listening through the weekend, I'm sticking with the Orsonic clamp instead of the Oyaide weight. More open, natural, and detailed on my Lenco. I'm guessing that my earlier preference for the weight was the result of resonance coming through my stand that the mass of the weight helped to offset. With the Minus-K added, that resonance is gone and the band-aid of the added mass no longer is needed. Anyway, I prefer the clamp now.

This thread has been helpful. Thanks.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
I've had excellent results with the Basis clamp. However the patter design on any 'table is crucial for optimal results. Plus the LP itself plays a role. Sometimes you are better off using an O-ring on the spindle to help dish the LP, other times that does not work so well.

If the platter pad does not have damping qualities of its own you may not get the same results... thus without the platter/turntable information included with comments about the clamp or weight the results will be unreliable.

I've been playing with the Stillpionts recently. It has its own sound and is better than nothing at all, but I've not been able to get it into the same realm as the Basis clamp so far.

I use our own Atma-Sphere 'table.
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