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Clamp or weight for Technics Direct Drive?

I'm experimenting these days with a Technics SP-15 on the nice heavy Technics SH-15B2 plinth. Right now I'm running a Denon 103R in an Audio-Technica ATP-12T, and so far I like what I hear.

I'm wondering about using something to stabilize the records. I've generally used a clamp in the past, but the SP-15 has a very short spindle, and the collet on my Michell clamp doesn't reach down far enough to grab it. Is there an inexpensive clamp that would work? I could put a thinner mat on the platter, but the Technics OEM rubber mat is nice and does a great job of damping the alloy platter.

Would a record weight be preferable to a clamp? Seems like the Technics has at least some similarities to the heavier non-suspended tables that use a weight. Just not sure if the bearing in the SP-15 is stout enough to take the extra pressure.

If anyone is using a clamp or weight with their SP-10, 15, 25 or SL1200, I'd love to hear about your experience.

David
armstrod
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
My JA Michel record clamp wore out yesterday morning. I had been looking at the HRS clamp but it looks way too heavy for a 1200.

Fortunately I found this NOS clamp this morning:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220105797204&rd=1&rd=1

Looks like it was designed with DD decks in mind.

***
armstrod OP
612 posts
 
Psychicanimal,

Taunting me with your one-off eBay find? :-)

Actually, that's exactly what I'm looking for, but your vendor doesn't appear to be offering any more and a search reveals no sign of the OEM.

The HRS clamp is interesting; it weighs about 10 oz. Do you think this is more weight than a Technics bearing can take? That's one of my questions. Also, the HRS is $195, pretty spendy for this application.

I've also found that there is a Rega version of the Michell clamp, specifically made for the short spindle Regas. Is this the version you were using on your 1200? How well did it work?

David
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I use a Michell clamp on my SP-10 MK II which has a thick mat. There is plenty of grip. Perhaps I have a longer spindle. It fits plenty tight.
wwwrecords
172 posts
 
A friend of mine machined a stainless weight for my SP25. I had used the 25 for a few months prior without any clamp or weight. Since getting the weight, I haven't played an lp without it. It brings the sound into focus and is very noticeable. The motors in the Technics SPs seem to be robust enough that I haven't had any problems mechanically at all, and I trust the bearing is doing fine also. I also use the ATP-12T arm and it seems quite good.
radicalsteve's avatar
radicalsteve
146 posts
 
David

I use a heavy Audiolife sub-platter on my SP-10 Mk2 with a heavy brass record clamp. I have also used an AT-666 sub platter as well but the 5Kg Audioplatter fits and gives the SP-10 better grip and micro-dynamics to the point where I can say the performance is comparable to my Micro-Seki RX5000 - comparable, not necessarily the same. The torque on the SP-10 is so great that the start up time is still fast. I don't think there will be any issue with the bearing as the extra weight will not stress the lateral forces.
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