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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
effischer
562 posts
 
I've used both a weight with an integral clamp and clamp-only.  The weight/clamp works well on my vintage Pioneer PL 15D II.  I think because the platter is very light and the weight provides extra mass and stabilization.

For the clamps, I've used a couple and the one that I get the best results with is a SOTA Reflex clamp.  It adds almost no mass, but the eccentric cam action firmly couples the LP to the platter.  I thought they were a bit pricey new ($250 or so), but was patient and picked up one used for about $40. 

Spending thousands?  Not from my wallet, but you'll find a lot of folks here that will disagree.  For antistatic, Zerostat is the way to go.  Follow the package directions and you'll be set.

Good luck & happy listening!
miketuason
337 posts
 
I too, want to see the scientific proof that using a clamp will makes a better quality in sound/music.
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
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