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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
 
@tomic601

My Bourbon tastes are a bit more eclectic. While it lasts, I prefer a pour of Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Yr, Stitzel Weller Barrel. When that runs out, I suppose Maker's Mark will be my well.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
well I can hardly imagine finer wood for a record clamp than an empty Bourbon barrel, glad to see you believe in volume purchasing ! Except for Ebony root but that would be hyperbole squared…
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
768 posts
 
“Am I doing a disservice by having both the Achromat and a high mass stabilizer?”

Perhaps. How does it sound?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Fuzztone, excellent. You are right it is start up and the pully spinning a little that wears the belt. With some motors like the one I now have in my Sota also brake the pulley so strongly when you turn them of that you get the same type of wear.

Another nice thing about clamps that grip is they are useful in removing the platter from it's bearing. You just pull straight up.
rockyboris
40 posts
 
Thanks MC for the Origin Live recommendation I bought both the mat and clamp, Wow the vocals improved, the lows are tight and the highs have expanded. 
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