VPI Scoutmaster - Rubber Washer

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.

Well, 2 vote for the rubber washer and 2 vote against. Anyone want to break the tie?

Cheers.

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.

Tom, the rubber washer's purpose is to keep the record from dishing when using the threaded clamp.

But once you upgrade to the periphery ring, dishing is no longer a problem. And since the platter is perfectly flat, having a washer under the center of your record while a heavy ring pulls down on the outer rim of your record would cause a reverse dish effect.

Don't use the washer when using the periphery ring. And as far as the center clamp goes just use the stainless steel one when using the ring.

Your threaded clamp and washer is for the most part no longer necessary once you make this up-grade.

I don't have the stainless steel clamp. Also, I did try removing the washer and the table didn't sound as good. I put it back. It's possible that, after removing the washer, I'll need to recalibrate VTF, VTA, and azimuth, and that is why it didn't sound as good.

Tom