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I use a clamp on my Michell Gyro and I find it reduces the treble thereby allowing the bass to sound 'clearer' without it sounding to bottom heavy or muddy. I tried it on various albums, old and new, doing A and B tests and I now use it all the time as I prefer the sound.
Exactly, as others have noticed, Pro-Ject sells multiple weights. I just ordered the Puck for my X1; I bought the black one so that it matches my turntable. But yes, they have different looks and weights.
@BrigadoonZyphoon Yeah guess I should have been more clear, my bad, the slippage happens when cleaning the record on the acrylic platter, and mostly on vinyls that have that bow dish shape.
As a collector of all things related to the Ninja Tune label, I bought a turntable weight with the Ninja logo from Master Sounds (UK) back in 2017. I didn't think I would use it a lot, but I actually do, especially when playing old, light weight records.
Great video! I have an older Technics( Sl-Q300) from the early to mid 80s, so I chose a clamp. Didn't want to put any unnecessary strain on the motor given it's age. I have definitely noticed the difference in wobble of some of my records with minor warps.
Hi Marc, I have a two motor, belt drive Logic Gemini turntable that I only use clamps on. I have three clamps, full plastic Michell clone which works well, an aluminum screw down clamp that works well but the one I use mostly is the EON TRI-POD clamp. Also, a clamp can work on both sides of a dish warped record by putting a small fibre washer on the spindle under the record when playing the bowl dish warp upwards then putting the clamp down onto the record pushing the warp onto the platter/platter mat. Enjoy the music.
Sorry for the delay in my reply here Peter. Thanks for watching and your comments. That’s an interesting tip on the bowl warps; I’ll have to give that a try! Happy listening 🎶🎧
I have a record weight (from Turntable Labs I think), I use it every time. Yes, for warp records, it works better on one side but I use it because I feel it sounds better, especially in the bass range. I have tried multiple times, playing a record with and without the weight, and sometimes it's better other it's negligible. but since I have it it cost me nothing to put it every time. My weight is a bit heavy (500g maybe) but I don't worry as all my turntables are direct drive so no issues there. All in all it's a nice addition to a system, but it's like you said an improvement not a revolution. Consider one if your turntable can support it and it's not a crazy price, I think I paid $20-25 for mine. If not, you should be fine without except if the record is not flat, but that's another story...
Interesting video - thanks! My turntable is designed for and comes with a fairly heavy clamp. I was surprised how much it does make for the bottom end especially. The bass is much tighter with the clamp on. And it does help with warping a bit. As you said, depends on how warped and record is and what the shape of the warp is.
I'm not pretty confident in these kind of devices, but I opted for the Clamp It designed by Pro-Ject specifically for Debut series. I hope a reasonable improvement but I'm not sure if it will be enough noticiable. Anyway, I reject to put an extra weight consisting in 300 - 500 gr. Depending on the turntable, it can be very stressing for the engine.
I have an Audio-Technica AT618a Disc Stabilizer and it has done wonders to some of my more warped records in my collection. I rarely play music without it.
@@soundmatters Unfortunately it doesn't do much, so you'll probably need a Hail Mary for some of the warped records to play properly. I got a copy of Yes's 90125 that played fine on Side 1, but Side 2 had a warp that made it harder for the stylus to track.
I have the Oyaide BR12 mat, which is conical in shape (1° angle). So i need a min. 300g weight to flatten the record to the surface. Works perfect, every waved record is flat and has maximum contact with the mat. This helps a lot against static charge! Always had problems with espacially one cartridge, the Denon DL 110. No problems any more since i have this mat - and with this mat a weight (or good holding clamp) is a must - otherwise the record only touches the edge of the mat. Works on my belt driven player as well as on my DD. So you see, i have a good reason for using a weight - and yes, it looks cool :-)
Tried a couple of clamps (Michell, Clearaudio) on different decks but try as I might, I've discerned no difference in sound. I'd go with whatever the deck manufacturer recommends. Interested in the record flattening device though - might make an interesting video? (apologies if you've already done one, Mark)
Doesnt matter is it DD or BD turntable as long as bearings and/or suspension can handle added mass. Personally, i always use it regardless of which TT with no issues, only minor improvements :)
The question is why? Is Rega admitting that their motors are not strong enough to handle the weight for a prolonged period of time, or is there another reason?
Project clamp it for me. Simple physics means more strain on motors and beits if using a weight especially at start up. Clamps every time in my opinion.
If record is warped turntable or cartridge really isn't...you do look there but you can't fix nothing...that's why clamp or weight is for...for warped records to kinda flatten record as best as it can. I can't see someone go " huh my record is warped...maybe if I have another turntable or cartridge the warp will go away..."
clamps and weights are designed to make up for shortcomings in the design of any turntable, usually the cheaper ones, should only be used when the manufacturer recommends it, NEVER on an LP12 !! if a record is warped, throw it away or get it fixed.
Do These Products ACTUALLY work? Did you actually find out or is it just "You think they work". Measurements or some scientific research would have been cool.
Doesnt make a difference that you can hear as can be done by blindfold test. as far as wow & flutter and anything else do the same blindfold test, wont be any measureable difference that you can hear.
Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.
Very informative video! I am new to records and turntables, and I learned a ton watching this video
I use a clamp on my Michell Gyro and I find it reduces the treble thereby allowing the bass to sound 'clearer' without it sounding to bottom heavy or muddy. I tried it on various albums, old and new, doing A and B tests and I now use it all the time as I prefer the sound.
Best turntable sound upgrade by far (if possible) - acrylic platter !! - An acrylic mat if platter change not possible...
Exactly, as others have noticed, Pro-Ject sells multiple weights. I just ordered the Puck for my X1; I bought the black one so that it matches my turntable. But yes, they have different looks and weights.
I have an acrylic platter which I love, but there is some slippage on some records, so I use a weight to help that out.
Yea, acrylic is great, but you need the weight or clamp to get the best from it. 🎶🎧
@BrigadoonZyphoon Yeah guess I should have been more clear, my bad, the slippage happens when cleaning the record on the acrylic platter, and mostly on vinyls that have that bow dish shape.
As a collector of all things related to the Ninja Tune label, I bought a turntable weight with the Ninja logo from Master Sounds (UK) back in 2017. I didn't think I would use it a lot, but I actually do, especially when playing old, light weight records.
Great video! I have an older Technics( Sl-Q300) from the early to mid 80s, so I chose a clamp. Didn't want to put any unnecessary strain on the motor given it's age. I have definitely noticed the difference in wobble of some of my records with minor warps.
Thanks for watching! I get the concern given the age. Glad to hear the clamp helps 🎶🎧
My Pro-Ject 2xperience came with a threaded spindle and its clamp that screws on that. And I think it's a great solution.
Hi Marc, I have a two motor, belt drive Logic Gemini turntable that I only use clamps on. I have three clamps, full plastic Michell clone which works well, an aluminum screw down clamp that works well but the one I use mostly is the EON TRI-POD clamp. Also, a clamp can work on both sides of a dish warped record by putting a small fibre washer on the spindle under the record when playing the bowl dish warp upwards then putting the clamp down onto the record pushing the warp onto the platter/platter mat. Enjoy the music.
Sorry for the delay in my reply here Peter. Thanks for watching and your comments. That’s an interesting tip on the bowl warps; I’ll have to give that a try! Happy listening 🎶🎧
I have a record weight (from Turntable Labs I think), I use it every time. Yes, for warp records, it works better on one side but I use it because I feel it sounds better, especially in the bass range. I have tried multiple times, playing a record with and without the weight, and sometimes it's better other it's negligible. but since I have it it cost me nothing to put it every time.
My weight is a bit heavy (500g maybe) but I don't worry as all my turntables are direct drive so no issues there.
All in all it's a nice addition to a system, but it's like you said an improvement not a revolution.
Consider one if your turntable can support it and it's not a crazy price, I think I paid $20-25 for mine.
If not, you should be fine without except if the record is not flat, but that's another story...
Agree 100%: small improvements but not a huge cost and easy enough to just stick it on. Thanks for watching and happy spinning 🎶🎧
except more stress on the bearing it wasnt desinged for.
Pro-Ject does/did in fact make a weight. I have one for my Debut Carbon. It comes in a nice wooden case with their logo etched on it.
I have the pro-ject record puck with the wooden case. I use it on my RPM 3 Debut Carbon table. Works well in my opinion.
I must’ve missed their weights. I’ll take another look on their website 👍🎶
Interesting video - thanks! My turntable is designed for and comes with a fairly heavy clamp. I was surprised how much it does make for the bottom end especially. The bass is much tighter with the clamp on. And it does help with warping a bit. As you said, depends on how warped and record is and what the shape of the warp is.
Thanks for watching and your comment. Yea, I agree it helps tighten up the sound a little. Happy spinning 🎶🎧
I'm not pretty confident in these kind of devices, but I opted for the Clamp It designed by Pro-Ject specifically for Debut series. I hope a reasonable improvement but I'm not sure if it will be enough noticiable.
Anyway, I reject to put an extra weight consisting in 300 - 500 gr. Depending on the turntable, it can be very stressing for the engine.
Whatever they may or not do, they look so cool.
Agree 👍 🤘🎶
I have an Audio-Technica AT618a Disc Stabilizer and it has done wonders to some of my more warped records in my collection. I rarely play music without it.
Sounds good; how is it on outer edge warps for bowl shaped warping when the outer edge is raised?
@@soundmatters Unfortunately it doesn't do much, so you'll probably need a Hail Mary for some of the warped records to play properly. I got a copy of Yes's 90125 that played fine on Side 1, but Side 2 had a warp that made it harder for the stylus to track.
I have the Oyaide BR12 mat, which is conical in shape (1° angle). So i need a min. 300g weight to flatten the record to the surface. Works perfect, every waved record is flat and has maximum contact with the mat. This helps a lot against static charge! Always had problems with espacially one cartridge, the Denon DL 110. No problems any more since i have this mat - and with this mat a weight (or good holding clamp) is a must - otherwise the record only touches the edge of the mat. Works on my belt driven player as well as on my DD.
So you see, i have a good reason for using a weight - and yes, it looks cool :-)
That’s an interesting mat, I wonder if that affects azimuth to any degree. A different take on outer warps for sure though! Thanks for sharing 🎶🎧
Tried a couple of clamps (Michell, Clearaudio) on different decks but try as I might, I've discerned no difference in sound.
I'd go with whatever the deck manufacturer recommends.
Interested in the record flattening device though - might make an interesting video? (apologies if you've already done one, Mark)
I’m thinking of buying the vinyl flat for review; we shall see! Thanks for your contribution on this topic. Apologies for my slower than normal reply
Good video thx!!
Had both weights and clamps, wound up keeping the clamps for reasons cited.
I've been using a 500 gram weight on my belt drive Dual for years now no problems.
I think a lot of manufacturers just like to play it safe to be honest. I’ve never had an issue either.
And how often you changing belts
Weights are for mass loaded turntables with inverted bearings (P.Ex. Pro-Ject XTension 10 - 22 Kg with a 10,3Kg platter)
Doesnt matter is it DD or BD turntable as long as bearings and/or suspension can handle added mass. Personally, i always use it regardless of which TT with no issues, only minor improvements :)
👌🤘🎶🎧 nice optimizer for sure
I have a Rega P3 turntable, and the company recommends not using weights or clamps at all!
The question is why? Is Rega admitting that their motors are not strong enough to handle the weight for a prolonged period of time, or is there another reason?
@@Rekmeyata Really don’t know, but see slowpawstevet3676 below.
Project clamp it for me. Simple physics means more strain on motors and beits if using a weight especially at start up.
Clamps every time in my opinion.
As usual, record a digital version from the record deck, with and without the clamp and weight and do a nul test.
Which Technics do you have?
SL1500c - it’s great. My main deck 🎶🎧👌
If record is warped turntable or cartridge really isn't...you do look there but you can't fix nothing...that's why clamp or weight is for...for warped records to kinda flatten record as best as it can.
I can't see someone go " huh my record is warped...maybe if I have another turntable or cartridge the warp will go away..."
✌️ thanks
clamps and weights are designed to make up for shortcomings in the design of any turntable, usually the cheaper ones, should only be used when the manufacturer recommends it, NEVER on an LP12 !! if a record is warped, throw it away or get it fixed.
If my record is slipping……
Then I’m trippin!
Do These Products ACTUALLY work? Did you actually find out or is it just "You think they work". Measurements or some scientific research would have been cool.
Doesnt make a difference that you can hear as can be done by blindfold test. as far as wow & flutter and anything else do the same blindfold test, wont be any measureable difference that you can hear.