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VPI Scoutmaster - Rubber Washer

Hi,
On the VPI website, there is an FAQ:

Q: "My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?"

A: The rubber washer is meant to be permanently placed over the turntable's spindle below the record. This prevents "dishing" of the LP when it is clamped to the platter using the threaded VPI clamp.

My question is: Do you still use the washer if you also have the periphery ring clamp? "Dishing" wouldn't be a potential problem anymore.

In fact, it looks to me like the record "dishes" DOWNWARD with both the rubber washer and outer ring clamp in use. I think I should remove the washer. Anyone out there have any opinions, stories, ideas, etc.?

Thanks.

Tom
tfkaudio
cincy_bob
270 posts
 
Tom, I asked the same question you are asking when I recently upgraded my Mk. 3.5 TNT to the Mk. 6 design. VPI indicated that the rubber washer was designed for use with their center clamps and advised that the washer should not be used with the HRX center and periphery ring weights. I believe this advice is also posted somewhere within the VPI web site.
justubes
47 posts
 
Ditch the rubber washer if you are using the outside ring clamp. I have the SuperScout Master with both the outside and the center clamp with no rubber washer underneath the vinyl. These two heavy weight clamps are IMHO are the biggest upgrade from the Scout to the SuperScout Master. I have spun vinyl that I would not normally place on a regular table because of warping with great success.
wires
22 posts
 
If you are using the screw down clamp (as well as the periphery ring) then you still should use thye washer. The dishing is caused only at the center of the record being pushed downward. I hope this makes sense.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Well, 2 vote for the rubber washer and 2 vote against. Anyone want to break the tie?

Cheers.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Thank you, Cincy Bob.

I couldn't find anything on the website in the FAQ section, but then I decided to look at the online manual for the HRX table, which comes standard with the outer clamp. (There is no mention of outer ring clamp issues in the Scoutmaster manual, because it's not a standard item.)
Sure enough, in the HRX manual, it says:

"Place the record on the platter and drop on the record spindle weight. NO WASHER IS USED UNDER THE RECORD IN THIS SYSTEM. Take the ring clamp and lower it onto the record rim, keeping it level all around. (etc...)"

I was pretty sure the washer needed to be removed after noticing the downward "dishing" and also noticing that the music always sounded better about 1/3 into the record.

Cheers.
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