Dynavector 17D3 hitting clamp on VPI Scout

Perhaps I am misunderstanding you. Clamp goes on top of LP; mat goes under LP. Two different functions and different relationships to the LP.

Yes, as I recall the VPI clamp is not particularly large in diameter, so I don't quite know why you are having this problem, unless, as you say and as Elizabeth may be suggesting, the DV Karat is very wide body. I just recently set up a DV Karat for a friend and did not notice that.

Thanks for clarifying the mat issue. VPI is aware of the problem but I haven't heard anything from them yet. I'm trying to do some self-education in the meantime.

I did a bit more research and found a product--the Rek-O-Kut Disc Stabilizer--that was specifically designed for the problem of record clamps hitting the cartridge. It's a lot narrower than the VPI clamp that came with my Scout--2-5/16 inches vs. 3-1/2 inches. It's a weight and not a screw-down clamp.

I'm wondering if this product would be appropriate for my Scout. If so, would I use it in conjunction with the washer that VPI supplies for use under the record?

I really appreciate the help that you're all offering. I'm learning a lot here.

Geoff, not sure it's a problem with the clamp(s) so much as it's a problem with the wide body of the 17D3. The Michell clamp is a similar width to the VPI at 3.5"/87.5mm, which is a very common record clamp diameter.

Record weights are ok but I prefer to use the relatively lightweight clamps that Pro-Ject, Michell, VPI, and others provide. A record weight has to be heavy enough to provide the same amount of pressure as a clamp and so puts additional weight on the platter bearing. When a platter bearing is designed for a heavy weight there's no problem, but when a platter bearing is not designed for the heavier weight there can be additional wear on the bearing itself. The amount of wear may be negligible but I'd rather not find out after a thousand hour of record play that I have to replace the platter bearing.

I haven't done an exhaustive search for a lightweight clamp with a smaller diameter bell (perhaps 85mm would do it) but so far I haven't found anything. If you come up with something in your search, please post. Otherwise I think a visit to a machine shop is in order.

Tom

I did a little more research and found the KAB Record Grip Mark II, which is a clamp and not a weight, with a diameter of 3", a half-inch less than the VPI clamp. That extra space might be enough clearance for the 17D3.

Thanks again to everyone for all your help!