Record clamp on RP6

[jcarruthers]

Today I finally got around to modding the record clamp I bought as it was too tight to fit — the spindle on my subplatter is every so slightly large — records generally don't have a problem though they do generally push on rather than just drop.

I am not sure I like the result of using the clamp or not — seems to be less "musical"?

As ever, maybe I am imagining it.

James

 

[CJSF]

Today I finally got around to modding the record clamp I bought as it was too tight to fit — the spindle on my subplatter is every so slightly large — records generally don't have a problem though they do generally push on rather than just drop.

I am not sure I like the result of using the clamp or not — seems to be less "musical"?

As ever, maybe I am imagining it.

James

James, is the clamp you are using the 'heavy mass type' or the lighter 'press and turn a nurled knob' type? Don a fair bit of 'practical' reserch a while back on clamps. My findings were the 'heavy mass' type were less 'musical' . . . I described it as smearing the music, the lighter Michell press and screw type are IMHO far supreior on my much modified P5.

CJSF

 

[jcarruthers]

CJSF,

It's the Michell press and screw. I haven't had the chance to listen to it again since I posted.

On reflection I think it does sound better — more controlled.

James

 

[floyd droid]

Today I finally got around to modding the record clamp I bought as it was too tight to fit — the spindle on my subplatter is every so slightly large — records generally don't have a problem though they do generally push on rather than just drop.

Reads to me like you didnt buy the Rega specific Mich clamp , or did you ?.

 

[jcarruthers]

Yup, I did — but I don't have a standard Rega sub platter.

 

[CJSF]

CJSF,

It's the Michell press and screw. I haven't had the chance to listen to it again since I posted.

On reflection I think it does sound better — more controlled.

James

Yep, thats it, 'control', I did go as far as using the rubber 'PIG' clamp which was the best of all. However, I'm not sure they are avaliable these days, mine is very old and would have needed replacement quickly, its also not so good on a hard surface at keeping the record firmly in place. I use a 3mm acrylic platter mat, it was fine with the felt mat, but the 'felt mat' has a tad less 'control' compared with the hard acrylic on my modified P5.

CJSF

 

[floyd droid]

Yup, I did — but I don't have a standard Rega sub platter.

Ah I can see that now. I tend not to read sigs , does it show

 

[jcarruthers]

So I summise— the clamp has added some control and detail— and taken away a little of the excitement— so now it feels like my Dynavector is a little too laid back?

We are talking single figure percentages here—

 

[Al ears]

I always found 10x5's to be 'forward' and even a tad 'bright' but I guess everyone has a different degree of definition for this and it would also depend on partnering equipment.
+1 for the Dino by the way or, if you can stretch a bit more look for a second-hand Tom Evans MicroGroove.

 

[CJSF]

So I summise— the clamp has added some control and detail— and taken away a little of the excitement— so now it feels like my Dynavector is a little too laid back?

We are talking single figure percentages here—

. . . 'control and detail = less excitment' ??????? . . . perhap the set up should be looked at. Examin 'VTA and stylus down force', there is no doubt with out a 2mm shim under the back of a Rega arm, a 10x5 will be running very back end down?

CJSF

 

[stevebrock]

Well a reasonably long term 10x5 user here on an RP6 I would say it is very forward IMHO I got a Nagaoka MP110 for a spare recently and stuck it on the RP6 and it's a lot mellower than the 10x5 and it's still on my arm - the elicit being open and forward hasn't helped the 10x5s case - however on some recordings I like the 10x5 but on others the MP110 s suited better !

 

[floyd droid]

Dino phono , that will put some sparkle up its jacksie. Although I've never heard anyone say a 10x5 is laid back , or even a 'little' laid back.

 

[CJSF]

So I summise— the clamp has added some control and detail— and taken away a little of the excitement— so now it feels like my Dynavector is a little too laid back?

We are talking single figure percentages here—

Taking it a little further, I would sugest the record clamp with its extra control, taking away the excitment (read confusion?) is showing you that the cartridge needs re-setting up? Lift the back of the arm, I would also suspect a slight reduction in stylus pressure, unfortunatly that will require a good honest ear, delicate touch and/or a 'proper' digital stylus ballance to be sure of getting it right. You have spent £1000 on the TT/catridge, a little bit more effort and £30-£40's seems a very small amount in comparison to get it right?

CJSF

 

[jcarruthers]

Hi CJSF,

I've been listening to it more — and I have got used to it more. I think overall it sounds better with than without.

I have the Michell Engineering VTA adjuster so can adjust to my hearts content — I also have a digital balance (though technically not a -stylus- balance, it seems to work with repeatable results)

I'll have a play at setting it all up again.

James

 

[CJSF]

Hi CJSF,

I've been listening to it more — and I have got used to it more. I think overall it sounds better with than without.

I have the Michell Engineering VTA adjuster so can adjust to my hearts content — I also have a digital balance (though technically not a -stylus- balance, it seems to work with repeatable results)

I'll have a play at setting it all up again.

James

VTA adjuster is good . . . digital ballance too. At this level, for me, It get down to 10th and 100ths of a gram. I have no curent experiance of the 10x5 but cartridges I have tried that have a recomendation of 2grs (assuming 10x5 is about 2g's) all seem to settled between1.8 and 1.9'ish, in other words, a tad less seems to ad some life to the music in my system but only when the VTA is righ? Back to honest ears . . .

The most usfull item after a digital ballance is my home made VTA slip guages, it means I can return to known paramiters and compare, against known stylus down force, you can home in to the best compromise.

CJSF

 

[jerry klinger]

10x5 on a Rega t/t seems to work nicely with the new Fono MM to my ears. With the old one and an inbuilt phono stage I had it sounded too bright.

 

[stevebrock]

Jerry,
I've had the Aria on demo with, found vocals improved massively over the elicit r phono stage, how do you find the dyn 20x? Forward? Thoughts please