At the advice from all who seem to have an LP12 I have decided to forgo any clamp. Thanks for all the input.
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J.A. Michell clamp was the lightest I identified. One problem is that you will likely need to stop your table each time you change LP sides--unless you don't mind adding ALOT of rotational torgue at each record flip. I finally decided not to buy/use a clamp. LP12 was not aurally designed for one, can damage bearings and suspension. For me, it was a momentary (month-long) obsession. If you decide to try it, I hope you'll report your results. Good luck! |
I also have the Goldmund acrylic platter. I've been through a number of clamps and damage to the suspension has always bee a concern for me. I finally settled on the little Clearaudio clamp. It's only about $20 and is quite flat, so fits under the dust cover. It stays put via friction and works well. I would say it's not a night and day difference, but for me, no clamp on the LP12 ever has been. Still, I find it increases the articulation and immediacy enough to be well worth the low price. |
I would not use a clamp with the lp-12. As mentioned you can stress the bearing and damage it. The table was not designed to be used with a clamp. If you are looking for a cheap upgrade I would get the Extreme phono donut mat. Definitely more sense of drive and immediacy without affecting the tonal balance. Also, consider taking off the bottom board and using 3M poly feet (can get at Target) to stick in the corners. When removing the bottom board I noticed a greated sense of depth. |
I don't see a viable solution to your idea. I would not recommend using a clamp such as the Michell. You have to physically push down on the clamp very hard, and then lock it into place. Doing that on an LP12 you risk bending something. On the Gyro, there are felt pads and the plinth is designed to bottom out on these pads so you don't bend anything or put the springs out of whack. Only clamp that comes into mind that may work would be one of the old monster cable clamps. This clamp is clasp activated, so it forces itself down onto the record when you release the spring tention. It is a bit heavy however. The best clamp would be a VPI HW19 clamp, but of course you'd have to get your spindle machined to accept a nut. |
I like the JA Michell clamp. http://www.needledoctor.com/JA-Michell-Record-Clamp?sc=2&category=421 It's very light, low profile, and works great. I tried the Sota clamp and aside from it being too tall to fit under my dust cover, it's pretty good. . |