Installing a VPI stainless steel ring?

I've always thought the rubber on the ring clamp was simply cosmetic. Mine have never come off in 3 years. If they seem loose, I'll bet VPI will send you free replacements.
I think also that it's ridiculous for anyone to state that the JMW arms are only so good so don't mate them with a good or expensive cartridge. I realize there are probably "better" arms out there and these guys are certainly welcome to their opinions but doesn't this sound a little like a self fulfilling statement. Mate any arm with a lower level cartridge and it won't sound as good as the "better" arm with the expensive cartridge. Would you run a race in hiking boots because you're supposedly not as good as the other runners who get to wear running shoes?

Call them, they'll definitely send you tighter rubber rings. Mine never have been too loose to stay on the ring's perimeter.

Best to place LP on platter, then ring on the LP. You have the best warp compensation next to the $1800 Air Tight machine.
If feeling lazy, you can safely place the ring on the platter and the LP on top, but you won't get the full benefit.
BTW, midbass punch is one of the benefits of the ring. Cheers,
Spencer

The Lp goes on first, then the ring is directly lowered. I've never had a problem with the rubber bands around the ring either. Regarding costs, they are manufactured by the people who make those doors which seal rooms for Bio-industies. They've got to be perfectly round and perfectly-weighted. American workers make them as well--good for America--but American workers are expensive, too.

In a previous question of yours, my first comment was,

"You should: 1. Not buy anything more."

Ahh well, your $600 purchase shows what my free advice was worth.

I could use $600. I wish I could have visited your setup, and gotten it sounding good. I would have accepted $200.
Hukk

Hi Hukk,

Yeah, it was hard to heed that advice, especially when I noticed that too many records are slightly warped and the needle is jumping up and down.

The ring works wonders in these cases.