Wayne's Audio Turntable Periphery Stabilizing Outer Ring

I use an old TTW ring on my VPI with the original acrylic-lead platter that is too small for the VPI ring. 

My ring is about 2.5 pounds.  I find that to be sufficient.  Not only does it flatten records, but it bonds all records to the platter.  Beyond that it adds weight to the platter beyond the platter itself adding to the flywheel effect and benefiting speed stability.

IMO it benefits the SQ of all recordings and I wouldn't be without one.  It is also far easier for me to place on a disk than a screw in VPI center weight, as those need adjustment for particular records. I do use a "dead" center weight.  It has all become quicker and more automatic for me than the screw in weight.

It is true these rings can ruin a stylus.  Of course one can be very careful.  My own response was to make the placement of  the stylus at the beginning of a record so automatic and precise that I can do it blindfolded.  I wrote that up here on another site.  It's been many years and it has never failed.

@melm the O-ring is a great idea!

I’m with @z32kerber 

No going back for me. It may be a case of YMMV but for my table it improves the contact with the platter, regardless of record, and seems like the last piece of the turntable setup puzzle for me. I also find it super easy to use.

I second the super easy to use comment. Takes mere seconds. 

btw,

IF your cartridge is a LOW RIDER, the clearance between the bottom of the cartridge body and the top of the ring may be very small, or not enough, so that the beginning of track 1 cannot be played, the cartridge body must move 'in' enough for it not to contact the top/inner edge of the ring.