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Record Mats In Combination With Weights

One day I was browsing on this site and saw a product for sale.  A vinyl weight that was 900+ grams for $250 USD.  I wondered if having a heavier weight was better.

I ran across some discussion about the problems with using weights.  The record label is technically thicker than the actual listening space on the vinyl. Placing the weight on it can possibly lift the outer portion of the record on lightweight vinyl (80 grams). Additionally, most record mats that come with turntables have a slight indention in the center to compensate for that lager label section.  I recently got the Funk Firm Achromat (3mm). I see that the center portion is a different material and appears to be recessed.  I am currently using a Fluance Hifi High Mass (760 gram) weight stabilizer.

Am I doing a disservice by having both the Achromat and a high mass stabilizer? Thus far, I have only heard good things from my system when both are used, but I am not sure what the weights of my various LPs are.
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jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Why stop at 900 grams? Go for a kilo! Actually these are plainly excessive! No need for such high masses! Pity for that main bearing! Stick to something like the Audio Technica Record Weight. Wear on the main bearing is a concern!
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
351 posts
 
@jasonbourne52 

There must be a reason these weights exist.  To be fair, I mostly have vintage albums that have some warping and the high mass weight helps.  It removes a horrible oscillating hissing sound on one of my albums.  As well as removes a hollow-like echo sound quality that occurs on all albums.

So, are you saying that there is a lighter weight that will accomplish the same effect without putting excess strain on the main bearing?  If so, what weight?  I am not familiar with Audio Technica's record weight.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The lighter weight that will accomplish the same effect without putting excess strain on the bearing is called a clamp.

Turns out the extremely light weight Origin Live Gravity One record weight (barely 2oz) works far better than any weight or clamp. But it doesn't flatten records. Just lets them sound better.
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
351 posts
 
@millercarbon  

Do you use the Origin Live Gravity One ?
rossb
185 posts
 
I've tried a number of record weights over the years from simple weights made of aluminium or other materials, from light to heavy, to more complex designs such as HRS. I've tried them on various turntables including low mass - Linn and Rega - and high mass - Kuzma Stabi Ref, Spacedeck - and my current PTP Lenco. Without exception they have made the sound worse. They do generally tighten up the image, but suck out tonal richness and dynamics.

(I also don't rate the Achromat - I have two of them in a drawer. I use a Collaro Tempest mat on both my PTP Lenco and my Rega P8.)
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