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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
pryso
1,932 posts
 
miketuason, and possibly handymann, if you demand "scientific proof" then I think you are in the wrong hobby.  For how many years now has debate raged over tube/ss, analog/digital, dynamic speakers/planar/horn, and so on?  Has there been scientific proof to absolutely resolve any one of those?  So why should tt weights or clamps be any different?

As may have stated, perceptions can vary from one table to another.  Even then, personal preferences can't be eliminated.
audiosens
236 posts
 
I try a record clamp with a REGA RP6 and I have noticed any improvement, but with TT with suspension like Thorens that I already owned yes
tooblue
1,927 posts
 
On my Prime I use one of 3 clamps in conjunction with the outer ring and they are, a BDR one piece clamp, a BDR two piece clamp and a Stillpoints LSI, I use the Stillpoints with a Herbies Grungbuster washer that is thinner and wider than the VPI washer, I use both the Black Diamond clamps with the VPI washer. Each one of these bring a different tone to the playback, the Stillpoints being the liveliest, the BDRs darker and the BDRs are somewhat adjustable by the amount of screw down force applied. I have tried several clamps/weights and these are what I have settled on.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 
Get a peripheral ring clamp used in conjunction with a center weight; THAT makes a difference. The center weight alone can't accomplish much. 
dorkwad
548 posts
 
I’m had several clamps and weights that I’ve tried with various TT’s. I’ve yet to hear one that made a sound difference for the better except on a very few albums. Most made the sound a little less involving.  A heavy 2 lb. centerweight helped with a mildly warped record, however. I’ve had them that were beautiful to look at and were up to $275 so I haven’t listened to stupid money ones.
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