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Screw-down reflex clamps vs. record weights

Recently we have seen more and more 'record weights' on the market. These are normally lightweight(300-400gr)and simply sit on the record. They do not appear to give priority to bonding the record to the platter.
Two outstanding record weights of this type are the Kuzma Ebony Record Weight and the HiFi Tuning VRO ('vinyl resonance optimiser') - there is a review of this(for those who read German) at www.fairaudio.de.
It appears that these clamps, rather than channelling disc resonances away through the spindle and main bearing and/or optimising contact between the record and the platter surface, seek to absorb them directly (i.e. into the clamp itself).
The Kuzma Ebony is a particularly interesting case since it has been introduced by a company that supplies screw-down reflex clamps as standard on its high-end turntables.
My question is: has anybody had any experience of these clamps - probably 'vinyl resonance tuners' is a more appropriate term - on their turntables as replacements for screw-down reflex clamps? Clearly as a way of dealing with warped or dished records they will not be of much use, but it may be that they do a better job of damping the disc.
I would be particularly interested to hear of experiences involving SME turntables (whose platters incidentally are covered with a bonded layer of 'Isodamp' damping material).
Thanks,
Peter
pgtaylor
dover
1,165 posts
 
Pryso - or up from the bottom for screw adjustment
wrm57
629 posts
 
The Michell Orbe, which comes with a threaded spindle and a screw-down clamp, has a slightly-raised disc at the spindle for just the kind of leverage Dover is talking about.

FWIW, after listening through the weekend, I'm sticking with the Orsonic clamp instead of the Oyaide weight. More open, natural, and detailed on my Lenco. I'm guessing that my earlier preference for the weight was the result of resonance coming through my stand that the mass of the weight helped to offset. With the Minus-K added, that resonance is gone and the band-aid of the added mass no longer is needed. Anyway, I prefer the clamp now.

This thread has been helpful. Thanks.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
I've had excellent results with the Basis clamp. However the patter design on any 'table is crucial for optimal results. Plus the LP itself plays a role. Sometimes you are better off using an O-ring on the spindle to help dish the LP, other times that does not work so well.

If the platter pad does not have damping qualities of its own you may not get the same results... thus without the platter/turntable information included with comments about the clamp or weight the results will be unreliable.

I've been playing with the Stillpionts recently. It has its own sound and is better than nothing at all, but I've not been able to get it into the same realm as the Basis clamp so far.

I use our own Atma-Sphere 'table.
tonywinsc
583 posts
 
For clarification, I want to point out that the washer used with the Sota Reflex Clamp is made of felt. When I bought my Sota tt and clamp many years ago, it came with two or three of these felt washers. As mentioned, the washer makes a big difference in coupling the record to the platter with the reflex clamp. As far as I can tell my platter is flat, except for the slight relief near the spindle that is about the same diameter as the record label. The Sota reflex clamp flattens the record out to the outer edge with the felt washer under the record. Without the felt washer, I think the record would dish when applying the reflex clamp.
I have a couple of records with funny warps that make the outer edge roll up on one side when I clamp them down, but they are coupled to the platter the rest of the way in. I experimented years ago with and without the clamp. I don't remember hearing a big difference, but I use it everytime because many records will not lay perfectly flat on the platter without it.
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
My Kuzma XL and factory clamp does use a spindle washer but I am not using it with the Stillpoints weight. I am continuing to experiment, but lost power most of last week due to the hurricane. We are now back up and running.
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