Record Weights/Disc Stabilizers
I was curious about folks' takes on record weights/disc stabilizers. Let me start by saying that I'm not as interested in a disc clamp, although I understand why some prefer them. I have a turntable (Technics SL-1210G) that can handle up to a 1kg weight so the first question--is more weight always better? Any differences found in what they are made of (outside of how that affects the weight)? Anything else I should be considering?
I hope to demo a few but wanted to narrow things down a bit if possible.
Thanks!
I use VPI's screw-down stainless/Delrin reflex clamp and periphery ring. They work great IMO - there's no better way to flatten out your records short of a vacuum platter. All the tedious set-up steps we go through with our cartridges (VTA, VTF, azimuth, overhang, alignment, etc) assume an unwarped record. IMO everything goes right out the window if you don't use a weight of some sort and something to keep the edge of the record flat against the platter. |
@wrm57 I suspected there would be some, it's all good! |
@kfscoll I had a VPI for a while and started with the clamp and moved to the center weight and periphery ring. Over time I just found it detracted from my wanting to play records. I respect anyone who wants to squeeze every ounce of performance out of their deck, but a little like record cleaning, it needs to be simple. For example, I'm not s person who would ever go through the Kirmuss method of cleaning a record, but I would put in in a Degritter and hit a button. Likewise, I'll get the initial setup right but refuse to do things like VTA on the fly for every record. To me, anything that might actually make you avoid playing a record is a negative, That's pretty much why I'm sticking with weights/stabilizers for the Technics--I want to enjoy listening to records but not fixate on the setup, so I'm in total "set and forget" mode here. |
@badgerdms I hear ya. I never mess with VTA-on-the-fly either, primarily because it's a PITA but also because changing VTA also changes VTF. I used a generic 180g record to set up my turntable and those are the settings I use with all my records. I can totally understand if you don't want to use the periphery clamp. I don't find it much of a bother, and I've never come close to damaging my cantilever when using it, so I just go for it. There are a few records I have that are just a bit too small for it to work...oh well! |
@wrm57 Great call on the Origin Live Gravity One! I'm still comparing it to the Furetech Monza, but it sure seems like the winner right now. It seems to provide a more three-dimensional image in which individual instruments in complicated passages are much easier to pick out. And everything it does seems to be for the positive with no negative side-effects. |
