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To ring or not to ring?

Own a VPI Classic 3 with the heavyweight clamp (as well as the screw on clamp), but didn't spring for the periphery ring in order to hold down costs. My lps are in good condition; so, not sure I need a ring for the sole purpose of flattening warped lps. I can always switch to the screw on clamp if I ever come across one. But some reviews attribute sonic improvements to the rings. IMHO the VPI ring is very pricey. TT Weights offers a couple cheaper alternatives. Question is - even if I don't have any warped lps, would I glean sonic benefits from using a ring? And if so, does it really matter which ring I purchase?
rockyboy
taxdog
1 posts
 
I am a Scoutmaster user and am very pleased with the ring. I think it reduces noise floor, gives a greater sense of weight to the music, adds to speed stability.
Somebody abI've asked about convenience. Yes, it is a little extra trouble, but I just put it over my head, around my neck, while changing albums. Another option is to just put it on the platter before putting the record on. Just leave it there. Get maybe 80-90% of the benefit with none of the hassle.
When used over top of the record, it really is incredible to watch the cart tracking absolutely flawlessly. No movement whatsoever except moving steadily across the record. Very cool.
Net net, I think it is a great upgrade.
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Just took delivery of a VPI ring that I found on Audiogon. Seems to improve the sound on all records, even flat ones. Highly recommended. Aaah - I feel my Classic 3 is now complete!
lewm
13,006 posts
 
Johnny Cash. Where are you when we need you? (Ring of Fire.)
I have a peripheral ring made 30 years ago by Kenwood for use with the L07D. I use the ring only to improve the inertial mass of the platter; I place it UNDER the lip of the LP, rather than OVER. Puts the stylus in less jeopardy that way.

This is one of the eternal controversies in audio: flatten the LP like a pancake with vacuum or a peripheral ring vs float the LP off the mat entirely, a la the Resonator tt mat and Transcriptors' turntable platters. Each side believes completely in its preferred approach. I am an agnostic.
richardkrebs
422 posts
 
Lewm
Can you share with us what you hear when the ring is used as intended?
Thanks
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Lewm,

I believe firmly in both approaches, since each has its merits. ;-)

If one has a noisy TT bearing or motor, isolating the LP from them will benefit the sound.

OTOH, stylus/groove interactions generate energies that travel through the vinyl, bounce around and ultimately muddy the sound. Coupling the vinyl to a platter which can sink some of this energy away will also benefit the sound.

Doing both on the same rig at the same time seems impossible, so which is better will come down to the essential charactersistics of the rig. If its motor and bearing are really quiet, coupling may be best. If they're noisy, not so much.
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