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Where to find LP clamps?

Twenty years ago I remember there were clamps you could put over the spindle to secure/level a LP. I'm considering putting my turntable back into my system and I'm wondering where I can find these clamps if they're still available.

Anyone know where I might find these clamps and/or know if they really make a difference?

Thanks!
jurry
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
A good-quality, inexpensive clamp which can be used with just about any standard, non-threaded spindle is made by England's J.A. Michell. The black-colored version is a lightweight design made of non-resonant Delrin with a knurled-aluminum-knobbed collet mechanism for secure fit, and you should be able to get it from Michell dealers for around $45-$50. It made a definite sonic improvement on my 'table, most notably in image focus and transient articulation, and of course they help with less-than-perfectly-flat records. However, before clamping your records, make sure you're using a mostly flat-surfaced mat which effectively damps the platter and doesn't reflect energy back to the stylus/groove interface.
krell1's avatar
krell1
250 posts
 
I used to use the VPI Derlin clamp with the TNT I used to have. Upon getting back into analog with a MMF-7, I have been told that a "Ring-mat" without the clamp is the way to go. I would have to agree and haven't gone back to the clamp yet. I had intentions of using the clamp prior to buying another table to. Listen and enjoy the music :-)
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...so, you want to find first clamp and than match the turntable??::))

Don't go for Sota or VPI clamp that realy can only make the record placement worse than it used to be since they're too heavy.

For a proper clamping you need to very slightly couple the record to the platter or mat (I would recommend a donut-shape mat to use with clamp)

I have Michell Gyro SE turntable with Michell clamp that gives me an extra flexibility either to firmly couple the record to the platter or just place it without locking that couples it slightly or not to use it at all. I all three different situations you should realize that the sound is different.
The first described situation I use on extra bright vinyls with poor mastering. If I lock the clamp my record will be firmly coupled to the platter and there will be a significant roll-off of high freequencies with even vast sacrifice of details. If I use no clamp I get airy presentation that is very suitable for small bands. In second case unlocked Michell clamp adds a tonal control that I often use for sophisticated instrumental and electronic music which is probably 70% of my entire collection.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Marakanetz, I have to take exception IMO to your description of firm clamping as causing a 'vast sacrifice of details'. The HF attenuation you hear is the reduction of spurious resonances in the record itself, which although sometimes regarded as adding pleasant (if inaccurate) 'air' to the presentation, are not increasing transparency to recorded detail - on the contrary, they're reducing it.
sean
6,231 posts
 
I agree with Zaikesman. The same thing takes place when folks use "springy" unsupported platter mats such as the Ringmat, etc... These types of devices artificially boost the high frequencies, making a dull recording or improperly matched phono system sound more "alive" and / or "open". Under extreme test conditions, one can even measure reduced tracking ability when using unsupported platter mat's. As such, all they can do is reduce a phono system's ability to perform to full potential. Sean
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