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Weight, Clamp or stabilizer?

I have a vintage Pioneer PL-560 Direct-Drive Automatic Turntable purchased around 1980. 
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-560.shtml
I'm trying to get it to produce the best sound its capable of.  I plan to order a set of SVS subwoofer feet to replace the worn feet (I have an SVS subwoofer and removed its feet and temporarily placed them on the TT base with good results).  I read an article about TT tweaks.  A few things they suggested were an upgraded mat, clamp and isolation feet.  Thing is since the TT is a direct drive I don't know how much extra weight it can take (if any), and the spindle is about 7/8 inches tall so I don't know if that's enough for a clamp.  The original rubber mat it came with is in great shape. Do I need to replace it, too? I'm willing to invest in tweaks to improve this turntable, but not interested in replacing it.
mewsickbuff
bima
30 posts
 

I HATE stopping and starting the turntables.
Changing LPs while the platter is spinning is not ideal practice.
mads1's avatar
mads1
87 posts
 
I prefer  Michell Engineering Record Clamp, because it attaches to the pin
mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
Thanks everyone. That’s a lot of information to process. Since my turntable is almost 40 years old there’s a chance a weight could be detrimental to its bearing so I’m going to pass. I’ve changed out all master sleeves, cleaned my records, and have an anti-static brush.
@ big_greg the Pioneer feet are very nice looking but out of stock and as mentioned earlier, I tried the SVS feet and heard a positive improvement.
@ chakster, I have the Shure m97xe high-performance magnetic phono cartridge. I’ve found it revealing when the album is. This is my 2nd. Bought a new one after wearing out the 1st because to my ears, it was worth it.
Still wondering about other opinions on the rubber mat.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I don't think most decent turntable bearings care much about a few ounce or a pound weight or clamp on it.  I mean a VPI Prime platter weighs 20 lbs and as you know many platters weigh a lot more.  I suspect the bearing can handle a weight just fine.
technick
140 posts
 
For a platter mat, you could look into the Herbies Way Excellent mat. 
They’re made extremely well and can be ordered for any turntable. I’ve had mine for a few yrs now, and I really dig it. 
You could also check out an Achromat, which are very high quality as well. 
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