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TO BE OR NOT TO BE the user of a record clamp

I'm going to open a new can of worms that will make you sure, I just can't hear.  Please give me good reasons to use a record clamp.  I have seen them advertised for thousands of dollars.  The best reason I've heard so far is that a certain type will drain any electo-static energy from your LP.
My records are not warped, except for an occasional waver on some when looking at record level at the outer most portion of the it, and those are far and few between.  Even then, the clamp has no affect,on flattening out the record.  I can see where they may be very useful, when playing a warped LP, but other than that, I see no reason for it's use.  I can see where it makes a good solid connection to the platter.  I don't have any slip, when the record is playing.  Maybe I have it, but just can't see it.  Are they like seat belts on a car?  Better to use them than not?  Are they like a properly mounted speaker.  It needs to be very solid?  I can understand that.  The record more or less becomes part of the platter.  They become as one.  Be sure to read this last part, because as I'm writing this, I can see where it can actually makes the platter solidly attached to the record.  I think I just answered my own question.  But thousands of dollars for a clamp?  I have talked to several people, trying to explain how tweeks, not matter how small, add them all together an wow.
handymann
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Like they say, it depends on the table. I have an old Sota Star Saphire that came with a clamp and a platter vacuum system. So, this table was designed for those. I tried the Sota clamp on my TW-Acustic Raven and no, it did not help. The soundstage collapsed inwards. However, that $$$$ Shun Mook clamp on Raven tables is getting praise by some who have used the combination.
Kenny
kennythekey
593 posts
 
Sorry, I somehow double posted my last statements.
Kenny
spotcheckbilly12345
30 posts
 
I own several warped old (but kinda rare) LP's that are very difficult to replace. I use a lightweight Michell record clamp when listening to these LP's. This clamp, when used correctly, allows me to enjoy them when they were unplayable before using the clamp. For an investment of about $50 the Michell is well worth it. Otherwise, I do not use a clamp or record weight (I also own a Bren1 weight, but it hardly sees any use).

I believe that the use of a weight or clamp depends on things like system synergy (does it play well with your 'table, etc?) and the condition of your LP's.

Cheers,
              SB
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Some are clamps, some are dampers, some are mass loaders, and some are resonators. Even a relatively inexpensive Mpingo disc can be quite impressive just sitting there, right side up of course. 
lewm
12,840 posts
 
I used to be a confirmed nonbeliever in weights OR clamps.  Then I tried my SOTA reflex clamp on one of my turntables (I don't even remember which one), and I heard a big improvement.  I also have the OEM record weight that was supplied with my Kenwood L07D.  It weighs maybe 0.5 lbs or less.  I use it on my Lenco/BA Mat2 and on my Victor TT101 (and on the L07D which has a stainless steel platter "sheet").  I think the mat (i.e., the surface upon which the LP sits) is a major determinant of whether or not you can gain something by using a weight or clamp.  The ear/brain rules this decision.
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