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Is centerclamp like TT Weights as good as TT maker

Hi,

I bought a used Townshend Rock 7 turntable here on Audiogon.
The first version of this model has an unthreaded spindle and no
Record clamp. Newer version of same model now has different platter subplatter bearing and threaded spindle with a center clamp.

The problem is I am being quoted $1500 to replace platter subplatter bearing and for clamp

So would a nice center clamp from TT weights that is not threaded give same sonic improvement as the threaded one from TT maker? TT already sounds awesome. I concur with great review of turntable by absolute sound dec 2010 reviewer. The dealer swears record clamp makes it better in his opinion

Thanks

Mike
radioheadokplayer
armstrod
617 posts
 
Weights and clamps work differently and are made for different applications. If you're going to use a weight, you need to make sure it won't adversely affect the suspension of your Townsend. If it will, you'll need to use a low mass clamp.

David
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I have the SOTA reflex clamp which I use on my un threaded tables, it works well. As we all know, all the weights/clamps have a tendency to 'bow' the record, this is especially true of the weight type.
radioheadokplayer OP
181 posts
 
While researching center clamps, I now realized that my turntable uses a tonearm dampening trough that gets within 1.4 inches of the spindle thereby allowing for only a very small center clamp (one that is less than 2.8 inches in total diameter). Most of the clamps I see available are 3 inches or greater.

mike
cantgetnosat
17 posts
 
I have a Townshend Rock 7 and in the past did try a Rek-o-Kut clamp ($50) that was narrow enough to avoid touching the trough arm.

In the end, however, I decided that the record clamp decreased the liveliness and dynamics of the Townshend analog sound, as well as made the sound less clear and very slightly "muddied the waters."

I now play vinyl records without any record clamp.
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