I went from the VPI Classic 1 with spindle record clamp to the Classic 3 with center weight and peripheral ring weight. The Classic 1 center clamp actually works on suction. Against the aluminum platter is a 1 inch diameter rubber washer. There is also a small lip on the outside of the aluminum platter. When you place the record on the platter it contacts the rubber washer first. As you clamp down the record, the end of the record needs to meet the lip on the outside of the platter. If a record is warped, then you really need to clamp it down hard. Once it is clamped the rubber washer keeps the air from escaping through the spindle. If you have a good clamp, you can take the center clamp off and the record will stay in place due to suction. If you lift up the edge of the record with your hand, then the suction is lost and the record will resume it's shape. Therefore there is actually a layer of air under the record keeping it clamped to the aluminum platter.
On the classic 3, there is no rubber washer on the spindle. You put down the center weight, then the peripheral clamp and you are done.
Ergonomically I think the center weight with the peripheral ring is easier.
On the Classic 1, I used to rotate the record to ensure I had a seal all the way around, with the Classic 3, I don't have to do that so even though there is a separate step of adding the peripheral ring, it is easier, because it is a mindless activity. Just put on the center weight and then the peripheral ring.
As far as sound, I never switched the clamping systems to check it out. Plus the platters are different, since the Classic 1 has the ridge and the Classic three as the trough on the edge for the peripheral clamp. So in reality the clamping systems are not interchangeable because the Classic 1 is designed for the clamp (outer ring lip on platter for suction) and the Classic 3 is designed for the ring clamp (outer trough for the peripheral ring). So interchanging them on those 2 turntables is not comparing apples and apples.
On the classic 3, there is no rubber washer on the spindle. You put down the center weight, then the peripheral clamp and you are done.
Ergonomically I think the center weight with the peripheral ring is easier.
On the Classic 1, I used to rotate the record to ensure I had a seal all the way around, with the Classic 3, I don't have to do that so even though there is a separate step of adding the peripheral ring, it is easier, because it is a mindless activity. Just put on the center weight and then the peripheral ring.
As far as sound, I never switched the clamping systems to check it out. Plus the platters are different, since the Classic 1 has the ridge and the Classic three as the trough on the edge for the peripheral clamp. So in reality the clamping systems are not interchangeable because the Classic 1 is designed for the clamp (outer ring lip on platter for suction) and the Classic 3 is designed for the ring clamp (outer trough for the peripheral ring). So interchanging them on those 2 turntables is not comparing apples and apples.