weights and clamps

RoA

Well-known member
Feb 11, 2021
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Joining the vinyl brigade again (in a very limited way) after a lengthy hiatus I have a question about the above;

I understand that a seriously heavy weight may be able to slightly flatten a warped disc though it is unlikely it will completely do this. For this a preripheral weight ring would be more effective. Both will likely have adverse effect on noise as it puts more weight on the bearing and in case of the central weight, makes contact with the spindle and thus inner platter or whatever system is employed.

Then there are very light weights, say 150 grammes or thereabout. I can't see that they have any benefits, only downsides.

Lastly there are clamps, no need to explain how they work. To me that seems the best of the worst solutions. Light weight and perhaps somewhat effective to have a slight benefit on any record undulations. Best to not use warped records in the first place.

To 'prevent' the record itself vibrating, a decent mat seems the most likely solution.

What is your experience?
 
Joining the vinyl brigade again (in a very limited way) after a lengthy hiatus I have a question about the above;

I understand that a seriously heavy weight may be able to slightly flatten a warped disc though it is unlikely it will completely do this. For this a preripheral weight ring would be more effective. Both will likely have adverse effect on noise as it puts more weight on the bearing and in case of the central weight, makes contact with the spindle and thus inner platter or whatever system is employed.

Then there are very light weights, say 150 grammes or thereabout. I can't see that they have any benefits, only downsides.

Lastly there are clamps, no need to explain how they work. To me that seems the best of the worst solutions. Light weight and perhaps somewhat effective to have a slight benefit on any record undulations. Best to not use warped records in the first place.

To 'prevent' the record itself vibrating, a decent mat seems the most likely solution.

What is your experience?
I have used both weights and clamps, unfortunately peripheral rings are only available on a limited number of turntables mostly American VPI's that have a platter designed to take said device.
Weights are no go on turntables with suspended chassis.
My current turntable comes with a threaded clamp.
Probably best for general use is the Michell Record Clamp but that relies on turntables having sufficient height of spindle to clamp on to.
If your turntable doesn't come with one fitted I would forget it as a waste of money.
Just buy records that aren't warped..... 🙂
 
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The drive system is not dimensioned with a seriously heavy clamp in mind. The bearings and the belt will not like it. And to flatten warped discs it should be really really heavy and the warps in the discs should be through the center to have any effect. Not just a few hundred grams.
 
Joining the vinyl brigade again (in a very limited way) after a lengthy hiatus I have a question about the above;

I understand that a seriously heavy weight may be able to slightly flatten a warped disc though it is unlikely it will completely do this. For this a preripheral weight ring would be more effective. Both will likely have adverse effect on noise as it puts more weight on the bearing and in case of the central weight, makes contact with the spindle and thus inner platter or whatever system is employed.

Then there are very light weights, say 150 grammes or thereabout. I can't see that they have any benefits, only downsides.

Lastly there are clamps, no need to explain how they work. To me that seems the best of the worst solutions. Light weight and perhaps somewhat effective to have a slight benefit on any record undulations. Best to not use warped records in the first place.

To 'prevent' the record itself vibrating, a decent mat seems the most likely solution.

What is your experience?
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Bill
 

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