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VPI Record Clamps

To make a long story short my 1 piece record clamp threaded out on me, so I bought the new one with the stainless knob. Then I noticed in a Music Direct catalog Black Diamond Racing has come out with a carbon fiber clamp for $300. The guy at Music Direct talked mt into it. I tell you this thing kicks butt. If you're looking for a new clamp to replace the cheap plastic clamp that comes with the Scout or just looking for an upgrade I'd check it out. It sounds fantastic on my '19 MK IV.
alephman
rives
953 posts
 
I wouldn't quite go so far to say it kicks butt, but the difference was more than just noticable. I think the carbon fiber just damps the record better. It just sounded quieter and a bit more refined in the lower frequencies.
alephman OP
107 posts
 
It's not real fun to play with as it's one solid piece. Less background noise, quieter soundstage. I paid $300 and am keeping mine. Yes, I was using the stainless clamp, but traded it in to my dealer. Remember, if you buy the BDR and aren't impressed you have 30 days to get your money back. But I'll bet you'll keep it...
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Contrarian opinion. I had one of the earlier (two-piece) BDR clamps, found it was no better-sounding than the original from VPI, ended up selling it and going with a Boston Audio Mat I (no clamp) that really DID sound a lot better. Obviously YMMV. Dave
alephman OP
107 posts
 
The new clamp is one piece, just carved out of a hunk of carbon fiber. I heard there were some problems with the 2 piece. Anyway I like it and found it superior to the VPI stainless. I have a VPI 19 and have to have some kind of clamp.
Best,
Chris
rives
953 posts
 
I didn't even know about the one piece. Mine is the 2 piece. No problems except light scratches between the two pieces. I found it to be great. This stuff is interesting. In almost all forms of vibration control, which this is, one thing will work for one person and in a very similar, though not identical circumstance will not work for another person. Vibration control is tricky business and sometimes it perceptively makes things sound worse, even though if you objectively measured it, it would technically be improved. I know that vibration control in everything from speaker cabinets to racks to record clamps can be important. It's very interesting how different the results can be from two very similar instances.
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