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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
armstrod OP
612 posts
 
Psychicanimal,

I've done just that. I also wrote Kevin at KAB and he said he thought the Record Grip would work, but that a weight might be even better.

Was the Michell clamp you were using the Rega model for short spindles?
wwwrecords
172 posts
 
You could get one machined pretty cheaply. I have an audio friend who is a machinist and he made me one very similar to this one. Said it took about 20 minutes.

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/puck.html
moon_by_simaudio
1 posts
 
The SP-15 and SP-25 are virtually identical tables mechanically, differing mainly in their electronic control and speed precision (and of course the 78RPM capability of the SP-15). Both tables have a very high-torque motor, and their bearing is of high quality, and very durable. I use the superb clamp available from Pro-Ject (Sumiko in the USA); it is VERY heavy, and doesn't "phase" the start-up time or rotational accuracy of my SP-25 at all. You may, if you want, desire to have the brake potentiometer re-calibrated to obtain the same stop-time, now that you have the extra weight of the clamp to deal with. Furthermore, it's not really a clamp, but rather just a heavy weight, as it does not clamp onto the spindle at all; it just sits on it. It is therefore extremely practical, easy and a pleasure to use on these tables (and for those lucky SP-10 owners as well). You should have no worry whatsoever about whether your SP-15/25 is durable enough for a heavy clamp. I have obtained superb results from it.

I hope this helps.
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