VPI Aries 3 - Funk Firm 3mm Acromat

@pilrem,

I can't really comment on some of your equipment as I've never heard it. I will say this. I own a Classic 3 Sig SE and a Townshend Rock 7. Two completely different TT designs. They both sound better without any sort of weight or clamp and the Funk Firm 5mm mat.

This could change, but right now and for quite a while, this is how I've been enjoying music.

I have an early VPI Aries Extended (12" JMW Memorial Arm) with a version of the "super platter."  So far, all the mats I've tried have degraded sonic quality.  I will be testing a sample of the latest VPI mat this week to see how it performs.

I use the supplied screw clamp with the rubber washer around the spindle.  I screw the clamp just tight enough to mate the record to the platter surface (light tapping on the record surface sounds hollow into the record is mated to the platter, then it sounds solid.)  It is very effective.  I have control over the amount of clamping pressure using the screw clamp.  The weighted "clamp" provides no variable pressure.

That said, I have heard superior performance using the Stillpoints puck over the weighted options (on a VPI Classic 3).

Using a clamp... 

Think about it. One is really (super) mating the lp to the bearing.....which one is ultimately trying to decouple from. There is some dampening involved, but I've found that an effective mat, without any clamp/weight is a superior way to listen.

Can't anyone read on this site?.....  a substantial improvement can be had with the VPI weight for 20 cents......no kidding.....look at what Harry says on his website.

@stringreen  - I'm interested in following up on your suggestion.  Where are Harry's comments you reference?  Can't seem to find them on the VPI site.