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Record Clam, yes or no

I have a Rega P5 and have replaced the glass platter with a Groovetracer acrylic platter and sub. I used a HRS record clamp and loved it with the glass platter, I chose it because of the rubber undercoating and the nice fit around the spindle, plus it is the best clam I have used. Since I replaced the glass platter, I find I like the sound better without any clamp, at all. I found the damping from the clamp too much, almost flat. So now I do not use any clamp and really enjoy the sound. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
birdmanpa
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
It depends on the clamp and the table, every combination is different, same with outer ring. Sometimes better, sometimes not.
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
Yes, I gave up on clamps about 8-10 years ago and never looked back :-)
samhar
1,034 posts
 
At this very moment, no!! A friend was over and suggested removing the clamp, thanks TC, the resulting improvements in air between instruments, expanded sound stage and "presence" have moved me into the no clamp group, until the next warped record!!!
birdmanpa OP
27 posts
 
I agree completely, Samhar, unless I find myself needing to keep a warped record down, I am through. For now anyway.
learsfool
1,206 posts
 
Rega says not to use clamps with their tables, one of the reasons being because of the extra weight. My dealer has done several tests with customers who all thought it sounded better without the clamp, and that has been my experience as well.
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