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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.
128x128guakus
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.)
tablejockey
3,920 posts
 
Look at the Sota reflex clamp.
https://sotaturntables.com/products/reflex-clamp/
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fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,631 posts
 
The Sota Reflex is s worthy investment.
You can tighten it up by pushing out the pin.
I never understood the rationale behind weights.
But it is 225 g if you are to lazy to push down the clamp.
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