record clamp use?

[boshk]

I have a few vinyls now which are slightly warped, not much but it draws my attention when the cartridge goes up and down (around 2mm)

Was thinking about buying a 3rd party clamp, JA Michell clamp to help settle the record onto the platter.

For those who have a TT without a supplied clamp, do you use one?

I did the research, two schools of thoughts floating around, some say it improves the sound by planting the record onto platter and keeping needle stable, other says the opposite, it puts too much stress on the paltter bearing which isnt designed for weight.

(there are some very nice TT youtube videos floating around, the gear you guys use........Clearaudio Concepts, VPI Scout, Michell gyro SE, Rega 6, so easy to get sucked into it. I'm already thinking of ways to improve my Debut Carbon)

 

[Al ears]

I have a few vinyls now which are slightly warped, not much but it draws my attention when the cartridge goes up and down (around 2mm)

Was thinking about buying a 3rd party clamp, JA Michell clamp to help settle the record onto the platter.

For those who have a TT without a supplied clamp, do you use one?

I did the research, two schools of thoughts floating around, some say it improves the sound by planting the record onto platter and keeping needle stable, other says the opposite, it puts too much stress on the paltter bearing which isnt designed for weight.

(there are some very nice TT youtube videos floating around, the gear you guys use........Clearaudio Concepts, VPI Scout, Michell gyro SE, Rega 6, so easy to get sucked into it. I'm already thinking of ways to improve my Debut Carbon)

Just for starters the LP is made out of vinyl and the plural of vinyl is vinyl, there is no such thing as vinyls.

Rant over. You may find the Michell Record Clamp is ideal in your situation as it is just that, a clamp. It is not a heavy 'puck'. The use of clamps / pucks is very much a matter of personal choice and there should be no concerns on using either on your particular turntable.

I would only question the use of a heavy puck on a suspended-type turntable, which yours isn't. You may find the Michell clamp utilised along with a decent platter mat will improve playback of your slightly warped vinyl.

 

[Henley]

A record clamp will be fine as they tend to be lightweight and grip onto the spindle. Forum posters are advising not to use a mass loaded puck as these can cause excessive load to the main bearing (in certain instances).

 

[boshk]

thanks.

Completely off topic question:

2 disc gatefold version vs standard 1 disc album, does it usually mean the 2 disc version are at 45rpm?

 

[Al ears]

thanks.

Completely off topic question:

2 disc gatefold version vs standard 1 disc album, does it usually mean the 2 disc version are at 45rpm?

This is often the case but not always. Make sure you read the details before buying.

 

[ProgRockVinyl]

i've often wondered about a clamp/puck when playing some of the lighter weight vinyl pressings to give it a bit more rigidness.

 

[drummerman]

I find using my clamp makes relatively little difference to lightly warped records (I don't have any severe ones). My Thorens and Sony being able to track them with no audible sonic degradation (and the SL7 having one built-in) . For effective clamping you would be far better off using one of the available (and very expensive) peripheral clamping rings if your platter allows to use one) - However, a centre clamp can help to tighten sound and reign in bass on certain records.

I use it perhaps 30% of the time and I would say for the money a clamp is one of the better investments you could make.

regards