2. analog
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Ring fly wheel stabilizer vs none.

As a potential serious problem can arise with the use of such a device,I thought I'd throw this out to some of you.

I have a dear friend who is upgrading(?)his VPI TNT-5/Air Tangent to the new 12.6 arm/TNT-6 Hotrod.It comes with the external ring/flywheel clamp,a fairly heavy affair.

To me,there is a REAL danger in using a device like this.Once again,WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED that the audio press has not uttered concerns about usage here!!I can't believe there are not others who sense a problem here.

As I understand it,this is placed on the platter with every play,and comes off to change records, using BOTH hands.In theory,I really like the idea.A flywheel effect and flattening out of records seems great.

The BIG problem,though,is that if you have the SLIGHTEST SLIP you stand a real chance of "Taking Out",not only the record in play(I have some irreplaceable,and valuable lp's),but an arm and cartridge as well!!I,years ago,was eating a slice of pizza,in my kitchen,and saw my new RS-1 Mid panel keel over and smash into my amp.Man did I hate that feeling,as well as my shag carpeting.Choked on my pepperoni too.Could you imagine your precious ZYX Universe without a cantilever?Or your six thousand dollar Shroder Reference,taking a karate chop from a multi-pound weight.Pampers are generally sold in isle #5!

Think about it.How many records do you handle in a year.DO THE MATH!!One slip up and "you are not a happy puppy"!A regular clamp is usually light,and can be applied with one hand,so the potential for danger is not really present,but you don't get the flywheel/flattening effect.BIG DEAL!The vacuum crowd,probably loves this one.

This is, ergonomically, a HORRIBLE idea,though I'm sure it helps the sound.

BEWARE!You won't get this kind of caution from your "PALS" in the mainstream press!They would likely lose precious privledges,like permanent loaners!!

I realize that this item is in use on only a few products,VPI and Clearaudio.Most of you probably don't own this Rung/Ring either,but it SUCKS to market something that is a REAL potential danger.

Now let's all read the latest"Analog Column" for a look at all the wonderful stuff coming our way!!
sirspeedy70680e509
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Well Sirspeedy 70680 I will agree with you.I think as long as your moving your hands and arms around the TT/arm/cart. there is always a risk of taking out your fragile cart.stylus with one false move.This can of course happen with a center clamp as well..as you could drop that too.or just being careless and not paying attention to what your hands( or wooley sweater covered forarms/elbows!) are doing. Not a good time for a brain cramp or to zone out and let the world go by.. Certainly that big ring clamp is adds to the excitement and potential danger as described.

For me though..it was purely about the sonics( or lack of) when using the ring clamp. It did nothing for my analog world to have it on. While It did flatten,press,couple,added weight, and look cool... ect...it also just plain didn't do much else for me and made it downright inconvienient to play records one after the other.I much prefer a vacuum system that I once used (AKA SOTA.) The only "upgrade" that was about equal to it's non performance capabilities was the SDI, which I also found to be useless sonically. :)Hey..I love VPI and use their products...but this is is my opinion having used this stuff!:)
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Thats SDS... not SDI...see, I hardly remember it. :)
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,220 posts
 
sirspeedy, sorry for the rude tone of my early post. Nothing you said deserved that level of hostility.
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
George,

Of course I cant speak for Sirspeedy, but it was indeed honorable and gracious of you to offer your apology. I have followed some of your threads over the years and know you are a great guy and terrific member. :)
sirspeedy70680e509 OP
1,064 posts
 
Onhwy61,I did not take any offense.Thanks,though.My sole intent was to get the few vinyl lovers left in the hobby to think,a bit.That's all.Obviously any who own,or manufacture such a product will be defensive,and there are those who will never have a problem.You don't have to be a spazz to have a slip up with a clamp.I have a friend who already has!!He has been in the hobby for over 40 years.A good track record,but ONE odious event DID occu

I won't speak to this matter any longer.Just sharing thoughts,and understand the responses.Good luck,to all!
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