Schroeder vs. Triplanar VII Sonic Differences

Rgordonpf,

I would be annoyed by the kind of care needed to set down a periphery clamp without accidentally swinging into the cartridge cantilever.

But, there is no inconvenience or danger whatsoever from the skirt on a vacuum holdown. The skirt does not come up over the side of the record. Rather, it seals against the outer groove part of the UNDERSIDE of the record. I have a Basis vacuum table. Once adjusted, it requires no more effort other than to flip the on/off switch. That is less effort than screwing down the center clamp on most tables.

Sorry,as I'm not trying to diminish anyone's product satisfaction.The fact is,that once we DO decide on a product,even with some operational quirks,we,as the person who spent our money,become very adept at operating it correctly.I have had vacuum systems for over twenty years,and never had my stylus drop anywhere,other than on the LP groove.But I don't let my audio pals operate my stuff,just in case.

Best!

BTW Thom,the Air Tangent,that my pal owned,replaced the E.T.-2.At that time,four of my friends ran that arm.They all loved it!!AMOF a good portion of "The Mercury LP Series" reviewed in TAS was reviewed with the E.T.

The Air Tangent was an upgrade,though,in performance.But it was not a big leap in performance,originally.Just about as you described!!Until there was the addition of a new compressor,which really stiffened the bearing.Two people I know went that route,and did cartwheels afterwards!!Literally,the addition of a "dentist office compressor",and bought from some retiring orthodontist in Brooklyn.Originally,we laughed at this,but were clearly proven too quick to judge.This did significantly improve the bass response of the Air Tangent.However when it would cycle in,you thought someone was running a motor boat engine,in the next room.My friend had it sandwitched between king size pillows!Amazing how we go to some lengths,for our passion,and I know of nobody more passionate about vinyl replay than my friend."Ya godda luv the guy"!

Best!

Thanks for the comments, Speedy.

In reply to Downunder's question, I lived with my Merrill Periphery Clamp for 9 years - beginning when in my mid-30's. More recently, I evaluated one made by Sound Engineering. Bob B. was very interested in becoming an OEM supplier for me.

The danger is real, and I would not put my stamp of approval on either of these products. When I speak of paying attention to cantilever health, I am referring to what I call "boundary conditions".

When you are wide awake and functioning at your best, you typically don't have accidents.

I would hope however that everyone reading this has had those magical listening experiences - late at night when you fall off into a trance.

It's when we are in those elusive states of consciousness that we should not have to shift back into 100% real-world consciousness in order to play the other side.

To my way of thinking, this hobby is all about space and time travel - to a magical place where the recording was made.

Shifting your mental state has the same (or worse) effect on the musical experience as does poor fidelity.

The last thing I want on my conscience is for someone to trash a Koetsu or ZYX because of a periphery clamp.

None of this is intended to discourage those who see no problem with its use. It does, however add another step to the act of playing a record. As I mentioned earlier, what one person calls ritual, another calls drudgery. This is an individual determination.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

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Thom,
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Have you had any positive/negative experiences with using "Record Flattener's" on LP's. Are they worth the effort /cost ?
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Thanks,
Larry
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