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Outer ring - who uses and what are your findings

Hi. 

I have been thinking about getting an outer ring to help flatten/couple/stabilize my vinyl as it rotates. 

Curious what your experiences have been. 

Thanks!

p
perkri
toddc2
11 posts
 
I use the VPI ring clamp with my Classic 3. It does seem to help flatten out slightly warped records but honestly I don't hear much of a difference with it. It's also a PITA to get installed correctly on some records as it can slip off an edge. I'm not sure if it's due to variations in record diameter, record thickness, or possibly slightly off-center drilling but whatever the cause the outer ring can wobble slightly if it's not sitting perfectly. That can't be good...so is the cure worse than the original symptom?
uberwaltz's avatar
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uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
From the sounds of things I will stick with my Mitchell center clamp and just avoid buying badly warped records!
I have none in my collection that I deem bad enough that the Mitchell does not resolve, maybe I am lucky.
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
210 posts
 
I have two systems of hold downs in my tables, one a screw on clamp on the TNT - I've avoided trying a periphery ring on that table as I believe it requires a change in platter and a $2,000 bill that probably isn't warranted by any benefit in sound. The existing set up is excellent and I'd be reluctant to give up the composite platter I have that significantly benefited the sound.

The other table, a Sota Cosmos, has vacuum hold down with a screw on clamp and it is also very effective at taming mildly warped records.

I'd be interested in doing an A/B comparison on the same table, fitted with a stock clamp with and without the ring.  What have people that have done that observed - any benefit on non-warped records, or is it just useful for the odd warped one?

melm
309 posts
 
I also have a VPI with an older acrylic-lead platter that I wouldn’t change. So I opted for a 2.5 lb. 3rd party ring. It is a TTW ring; they’re out of business now, but there's still a reasonably priced vendor..

Not only did it improve the sound and flatten disks, but I find it easier and faster to use than the old VPI clamp. Sold the VPI SS center clamp so the $ burden was eased.

I would not be without the ring clamp. Adds flywheel too.
schenk
3 posts
 

Hi , I have missed the post , so my addition might be late or redundant.


I do use a outer ring (and try to avoid using a centering spider if possible to keep the routine as simple as I can).
I must say it works to keep records with slight warp flat. But I think there is more to it then that and I have written a document on the subject, presenting my thoughts and followed up with some experiments and experiences.
I prefer to combine the outer ring with an Oracle and SME style of system; screw on clamp with a specially shaped bottom and a washer under the record.
I regard the ring as the next best next thing to vacuum holding of records, which I have to my availability on 2 of my TT's. I have sent my ring to a work shop for slight modification and when returned (taking some time still) I will also use the ring in conjunction with a vacuum platter to see what benefits may still be present.

As an aside; I am not in favor of dished platters/mats because of the variable azimuth that results from it. A clamp without a dished platter cannot, as skilled its design may be, completely flatten a severely warped record. With a straight, flat platter and mat the outer ring will help considerably in reducing warps.

If you would like to read the document on the subject I could send it. I have translated the doc into English, which is not my home language.

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