I only use a clamp when the LP is significantly less than flat. That seems to help matters. Otherwise, I find that no clamp does sound the most "open". I chose the Record Doctor clamp because it is light and places no real downward force (via mass/weight and gravity) on the bearing system. Clamp verses heavy weight makes the most sense to me.
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@noromance @bkeske What mat are you using now? What’s your platter made from? The Sapphire's platter is 12 lb. cast alloy (of its overall 44 lb. weight). It is a large part of the overall SOTA design in becoming both a ’flywheel’ and also a major component of the suspended sub assembaly. What mat? I was gifted one of @slaw ’s mats (MyMat) from Jim. A very nice gesture and gift. Right now, I have slaw’s MyMatt over a cork mat. I’ve been thinking, or believing, or perhaps totally misunderstanding, that my SOTA did not come with the SOTA mat, but instead, now have a feeling that the ’covering’ on the alloy platter actually *is* a/the SOTA built-in acrylic mat, and I probably don’t need the cork mat at all. Jim could probably confirm my misunderstanding here. Thus, I am going to take the cork mat off, and simply put slaw’s MYMat over the ’built-in’ moulded integral ’mat’/integral platter covering. So, I have a feeling that cork mat may be deadening the sound as well. More fooling around to come... |
The SOTA mat that Brian has is bonded to the metal platter. It is impedence matched to the record and the SOTA reflex clamp is very light. I would suggest starting w only the SOTA mat adjust VTA listen to a well made recording with “ air “ so IF I had to use one disc from recent memory Show Biz Kids or 3 Cowboy Songs - Grusin w harmonics, tone color cymbals to die for... establish a baseline next up clamp next up add MyMat no clamp then clamp. drink thruout the process ! ha |
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