Buyer's Guide - Buying a Turntable Clamp and Stabiliser or Weight

This Buyer's Guide focuses on buying a clamp or stabiliser, otherwise known as a turntable weight. Paul Rigby looks at a range of devices and explains why you might want to grab one. He also addresses the issue of using such a device to tackle warped records. There's plenty of advice here but we also want to hear your thoughts, hints and tips too, your experiences and any advice you add to the Comments section. We look forward to hearing from you.
CONTACTS:
Origin Live Gravity One: www.originlive.com/hi-fi/turn...
HRS Stabilisers: www.audioconsultants.co.uk/ch...
Oyaide Stabiliser: blackrhodium.co.uk/product/st...
AVID: www.avidhifi.com/turntable_acu...
Soundeck: sounddampedsteel.com/hifi/
Michell: www.michell-engineering.co.uk...
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[@Diatonic5th]

Great review! I've been using the Michell Clamp for the past 10 years and absolutely love it. Another advantage with a clamp is the reduction of wear on thin turntable belts. I have a Mofi Ultradeck and use the clamp to start my platter spinning before pressing the power button on. This reduces strain on the belt when trying to get a heavy platter moving from a stopped position.

[@jimbojet8728]

That’s a nice tip. Thank you

[@Renerator]

I have a question about the Michell clamp. I received mine today and upon placing it over the spindle of my REGA Planar 3, I notice that the spindle spins round and round. So the clamp sits on the record and doesn’t spin. Doesn’t this put stress on the motor?

[@Diatonic5th]

@@Renerator Michell makes a special clamp for Rega turntables that accommodates for the short spindles that Rega uses. I believe it has a large "R" directly under the Michell logo. Make sure that you have the correct clamp. The clamp should be spinning in unison with the record and platter.

[@Renerator]

@@Diatonic5th Wow! I looked at the clamp not spinning and wondered if it was supposed to be like that! I will definitely be looking for the correct clamp. Thank you for your insight!

[@svenschwingel8632]

I use a Viborg weight with an integrated spirit level for roughly 20 bucks. It helps me keep an eye on whether the turntable is leveled, it is not too heavy and therefore doesn't put too much strain on the platter bearing.

[@walterpen371]

Excellent review and very informative as usual. Here's my rant with this..If I'm going to spend a massive amount of money towards a hi end turntable, then I would expect that manufacturer to provide a fully complete kit made only for that particular product, and not to add on later. Complete communication from the manufacture to the hi end stores and then from the owner/salesman to the buyer. Total understanding of the needs of the consumer makes for a satisfied audiophile and more customers. This is how I was treated and still have my very low end stereo system from 1979.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Walter - if a brand wants to hit a price point (and they all do) then that, in itself, is an instant restriction in terms of the parts they can use and the quality of those parts. Often, accessories are the first things to be dropped from a parts list because they're seen as not essential in terms of getting the box out of the door. Many would prefer to make a better quality platter - say - than give you a clamp, etc.

[@stefaandecroo6774]

Thank you very much Paul. This is a very interesting and informative review (as always). Brilliant ! Very best wishes. 🙂 🙂 🙂

[@ajkyte]

Thank you....so informative 👍

[@Extremesam43]

Love your videos. I'm binge watching them now. I have a Denon DP300F belt drive table that advises against using clamps and weights on that table. Could cause damage to belt or motor. I have to admit, for any belt driven table I would avoid using them. For direct drive? Absolutely a go!

[@Zeppstermeister]

You can use a clamp on a belt drive (they weigh next to nothing)! Record weights on the other hand can be rather heavy, and that can be a problem for both kind of drives depending on the bearings, so then you should always check the manufacturers recommendations!

[@peterrech2307]

Hi Paul, great video, as per usual, as for de-warpers, the Vinyl Flat from the USA is a bargain priced unit that does work. I have used both the Vinyl Flat and the Furutech and they do a similar job but the Furutech is much more expensive here in Australia. Enjoy the music

[@basilandrigsby]

I’ve always found my record clamp a little dull and never been very happy with it. So I’ve just taken a (rather pricey) chance here and put the ‘Gravity One’ on my modded Pro-ject carbon turntable... I really like what it’s doing! The system appears brighter and more lifelike. The vocals stand out more, the midrange has more focus especially on busy sections. I’m really enjoying it what it appears to be doing, even to my modest system. So thank you. I’m sure at some point down the road, I’ll up the ante with a higher end turntable and I’ll move my Gravity one over to that.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Glad I could be of help :)

[@VinylLiveMusic40]

Great review , thanks a lot !

[@VinylLiveMusic40]

Thanks to your review on your website, I just ordered an Origin Live Gravity One Record Weight ! Hurry to test it :-)

[@andrewcastro2530]

Paul, you have one of my favorite albums of all time behind your left shoulder. looks like you have a good jacket on it. Good advise.

[@luton_gmanrock]

WARNING: Any Rega turntable users, if you consider the Mitchell clamp, you will need the special -R edition for Rega turntables as the normal clamp from Mitchell will not fit your spindle. I have seen many people get caught out. Great review Paul, warped records is a vinyl enthusiast's worse nightmare - a big no. I use a Tangospinner Weight clamp at 226g grams (0.5lb) for my Rega P6; any heavier and it would harm the motor over time according to Rega themselves. Also, another tip, is make sure you measure the height of a stabilizer or clamp because it may foul your turntable if you wish to put the lid down! Happy to hear the words 'stabilizer and dampening' instead of warp flattening which is just voodoo talk.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good advice there, Gary. Thanks for your comment.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

Yes why even put on a warped record. Don't buy one firstly & secondly look after them. Replace them if they manage to warp.

[@micheljenal96]

4000€ for a RECORDCLAMP?? Oh boy. There is literally no limit😂

[@katyg3873]

An audiofool and his money are easily parted.

[@brent3086]

@@katyg3873 yep

[@Audiorevue]

Absolutely correct, the prices of some turntable accessories is absolutely outrageous. But I have an idea for you. Let's say for a moment that you bought a $50,000 turntable, obviously you wouldn't because well I just don't get the impression that you would. But anyway you buy a $50,000 turntable, and you say to yourself" man I really need a clamp for this thing" are you really going to put a $20 clamp or record weight on your $50,000 turntable?

[@vinylund]

I have the Gravity One and I’m very happy…

[@chrisshelley3027]

Great review, some years ago I had a Michell clamp which you showed but it didn't work for me, I tried all manner of combinations with pressure and tightness but it just wouldn't work properly, it always muffled the music, I then bought a weight of 400 grams, this improved things quite a bit, getting a weight of that weight was a bit tricky, they were either 150 to 200 grams or 600 to 800 grams and more in some cases, those were eye wateringly highly priced too and often made from stone, this 400 gram weight I used for some time, I am now saving for a Origin Live Sovereign SE, I have a OL Enterprise Tonearm for it already and I have the Gravity One also, such a clever gadget (I honestly don't know what to call it to be honest) of course I have the platter mat and Enabler too, such small and inexpensive items that make quite a difference, I have a Resolution mk2 at the moment but within 6 months I hope to have the Sovereign SE. Origin Live and Graham Slee really rekindled my jaded view of HIFI, I've always had vinyl and never got rid of any when it went out of fashion, but I lost a lot of faith in the HIFI industry as so much of it never lived up to the hype "not even closely". Keep up the good work and thank you for being a voice of reason.

[@leonardblush2557]

In the US anyway, the $30 Record Doctor clamp is a low risk choice for someone who would like to dip their toes. It does seem to help flatten the non-flats and I think it helps a bit with those off center pressings that make the tonearm wave side to side. With most records, I would be hard pressed to hear a difference.

[@patrick1150gs]

I have always used a 20.5 oz ( 581 g ) spindle weight on my turntables, and enjoyed a noticeable sound improvement. My Pro-Ject 2Experience came with a screw clamp, which is one of the reasons I bought it. But, the spindle threads are course, so when tightening it from a barely noticeable resistance, and lets say that is at 1 o'clock, then by 2 o'clock the outer edge of the record is lifted. So, effectively dishing the record. With no mat ( the platter has a vinyl mat bonded to it ), or with a cork mat, or with a felt mat the dishing of the record is always happening with just the slightest turn of the clamp. The issue is that I have to stop the album from turning and precisely tighten the screw clamp, or when the record is spinning, it takes multiple attempts to get the clamp tight without bowing the record. If I am calm and feel like a challenge, then I use the screw clamp, but most of the time I just use the weight which never bows the record. Pro-Ject really should put finer threads on their spindles, then the proper tightness of the clamp will be much easier to find with a spinning album.

[@thespotlightkid1011]

You said about the Avid Acutus's clamp .. "your records won't sit on the platter until you've fitted this clamp to the turntable..." & "The turntable won't perform properly unless this.. (clamp) ..is on top of the spindle" But that got me instantly thinking: With records holes & spindles being an industry standard size** & records being (hopefully) flat & turntable platters also flat to support records equally & over their entire surface (**although a very few cheaper t/table's spindles have been known to have been made very slightly smaller in diameter to avoid customers freaking out about their L.P.s being quite a tight fit, only at first few plays, tho an inserted pencil's sharp end being given at first, a very light pressure twist will sort that problem if done carefully & very lightly to avoid loosing platter to rdcord dual concentricity) ...& i presume the plater of the Avid is also flat, i really dont get why those 2 statements are true. If the Avid's platter mat is hairy fibred, so as to need squashing flat (my pathetic but only guess as to why the t/table wont work without it's (amazingly designed) clamp, or If it's platter is very slightly concave to leave a gap without the clamp pushing it to fit the concave shape , i would understand it but surely it's not ...err, is it?? I wouldnt want my L.P.s clamped to a concave shape, esp' those that i only like one side of & quite a few i mostly play 1 certain side of, especially amongst the clasical section where there often is a different composer's work on each side that includes one i don't care for, there are quite a few in my 2k'ish L.P. collection that i can instantly think of. Honestly, I'm not just nit picking but the ressons behind this Avid's clamp vital cruciality to even play a clampless record does genuinely confuse me.

[@georgecvetkovski6507]

great video...bravo!

[@slowpawstevet3676]

i have collected records and used hifi for over 50 years - any dished or warped records should not be used, there are services available that can straighten mild warps. Record clamps are designed to make up for shortcomings in cheap or damaged turntables, if you think you need a clamp get the turntable repaired or buy a better one. Clamps suck the life out of a good turntable.

[@jasonlsimmons]

Nice video! The gravity one is interesting. I’ve been quite happy with my Stillpoints LP isolator. I love tweaks, so I might need to check out the HRS or Gravity.

[@tellthemborissentyou]

I have one warped record. I keep it and every time I see my Phoebe Snow record it reminds me to always check and never make that mistake again.

[@leancove9662]

I would like to know whether a lighter clamp is easier on the bearing as opposed to a heavy stabilizer,which is just a weight. Which of these two would make the reckords sound better?

[@mayankkakkar2945]

Great video, came here to find the optimal weight of stabilizers in general but learnt a lot more. One question though that I still have is to make the first choice between a 400ish GM weight ( most of stabilizers are in this weight range) vs a heavy one from Fluance (~700 GM). One I understood from the video is using a very heavy one may overdampen the dynamics but what should be the considerations from the mechanical stress on turntable motor and bearings from this perspective. Thanks!!!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

In general terms, there is no optimal weight. It really depends on the turntable and if that turntable needs a stabiliser in the first place. I know turntables that do better without a stabiliser at all, for example.

[@scottspinner1]

Very interesting

[@sem5615]

Hi, would you recommend the use of a stabilizer on a direct drive turntable? Tks

[@Fizzy44441]

Paul, Have been watching your great videos for some time now & your name & manerism reminds me of an old college classmate. Did you ever spend time at Ealing in the middle 80's?

[@paulmorris2521]

Any unrelated question a Sanyo g2611 super 1973 has come my way, all working, is it possible to upgrade the cartridge and stylus

[@philmingasson]

Hi Paul and thanx again for these great videos. I currently have an AudioTechnica AT-LP120XUSB turntable. Do you think adding a weight would be beneficial on this model ? Also, there's no way I can affor a 100+ model but there are numerous models on amazon that cost under 50EUR that would probably do the same. I dont really understand the price variation from one model to the next to be honnest. Yes some have a special construction as you show in your video but most models are just a weight and nothing more afaik. I beleive there is a lot of psychoaccoustics involved here... Thanx for you insight

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Philippe - assuming you haven't entered into mod territory just yet and this is your first venture...I think there are other priorities to aid a 120 before you need to consider a clamp or stabiliser. The cartridge, headshell, mat and feet are just a few items. As is an external phono amp if you haven't gone down that route yet.

[@mankepoot9440]

I used a core of a toroidal transformer as a weight. The consequence was that the record started to disform in the shape of a bowl. The sides came a little up, like 1mm. This was for me enough to give up on clamps etc. Soundwise there was not very much dfference.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

So how many times do you have to exchange it to get a flat one?

[@barbaradee5191]

Just use an inexpensive hokey puck. That is what I use.

[@Chiroman527]

Audiophile man, I have a Dual CS5000 since 1987. I have this item that came with it, which I never knew what it was. This item I believe may be a stabilizer.. It has a metal base with a metal thin spindle sticking out from the base. Could this be a stabilizer that Dual offered with the TT ? Thx for your advice. Very good video, by the way. Be well all.

[@Naitsabesuil]

They are alle to flat in my big hands, I almost fumbled on into my cartridge, any recommendation for higher builds? To be honest I testet in various price ranges and never heard a difference…

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

I've used Clearaudio's Cleverclamp with excellent damping on Rega tables due to its feather light weight yet solid frictional grip on the spindle. And it's inexpensive at $40 US.

[@louissilvani1389]

Gravity one sounds very interesting

[@cyhermann7147]

Fantastic thanks just wanting your advice on cleaning vinyl I was looking at buying mini pro ject vinyl cleaner what’s your view on these

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes the Pro-Ject RCM is a fine design.

[@Oily_Jimm]

Pertaining to the Warps section, i think that severity and rarity are two key factors. If the warp isn't severe enough to affect playback and it's 2nd hand or otherwise sold out i believe keeping and asking for partial refund to be the best option. As for rarity if i purchase a x/300 print for example, im more lenient with, again, playable warping. If it were a less common or standard black press that isn't sought after I'd care more.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Absolutely - putting rarity aside for now, what I was generally getting at is this: my collection features a host of vinyl with very minor warping but nothing to worry about in hifi or sonic terms and certainly nothing to trigger the inclusion of a clamp as a fix. But if you are faced with a roller-coaster vinyl then why do some users buy it in the first place? Thanks for the comment.

[@cleanersvenus]

As ever, a good advert for cd.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

TIME STAMP - to fast forward to the hardware, click: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaCzhnWwlLx3aac

[@HoomanR17]

Paul, Great video. I appreciated your talk about warped records. I have sent back warped records, most recently a USD$100 Bridget St. John that was sold as "mint" on Ebay. I kept a speakers corner warped Eta James record from Europe and kept the record because it was rare and worth it even with the warp. I will have to do a better job checking more of the new records. Here is a question that is baffling. When it comes to dampening.. there are multiple points in the chain, many which you've reviewed. For example, if you are using the AVID turntable with its "required" screw-on clamp, does a Hexmat make the sound better? Do you need to remove the clamp when you use a Hexmat, do you have to go through all the various permutations? what about the Origin Live "Cartridge Enabler" or the Hudini that's coming out from Funk Firm. When is too much damping too much and where to even start or for that matter stop?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks very much! I wouldn't use any mat on an AVID Acutus because the design is supposed to form a single entity, as it where. Anything forced in the middle of that would harm the intended sonic design. An Enabler would be fine but that's because you tend to use a third-party arm on that deck. You basically stop damping when you begin to hear the sound becoming dull. Then you back off again to that balanced area. Which is why a dealer/home demo is advised.

[@HoomanR17]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks Paul. Specifically in regards to Avid TTs in general, they all have screw on clamps. I'm researching TTs at the moment and the thought of having to unscrew the clamp when playing audiophile 45RPM records seems like an added step. Can Avid TTs be played at their peak without these clamps, perhaps with the Origin Live puck?

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I use a small rubber clamp called a PIG with my Revolver turntable which seems to work very well. I am dubious of those heavy types as I don’t want to ruin my turntable bearings but having watched this I am going to buy the Michell.

[@briang530]

Having just bought a Rega P2, I'm incredibly jealous of my father's (slightly upgraded) old Revolver Rebel. What an outstanding turntable for the price! I did manage to steal his spare pig though.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

@@briang530 back in the day the Revolver turntable was rated higher than the Rega Planer 3 which I used to have. I use mine with a Linn Ittok arm and K9 cartridge and it sounds superb, much better than the famed Pink Triangle turntable which is now just sat in my shed.

[@briang530]

@@tonyjedioftheforest1364 I'm not even a little bit surprised about that. Shame that Revolver aren't still around.

[@jamieokane989]

I have an original Roksan Xerses TT, which has the removable spindle cap to reduce direct contact with the record - is a clamp/ stabiliser of any use in this circumstance?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Jamie - when I reviewed this variant (theaudiophileman.com/xerxes-20-turntable-corus2-nima-review/) I really didn't feel that it needed one, to be honest. I assume yours would be the same. I would recommend using an Origin Live Gravity, though.

[@jj4996]

how does the x2 compare to the x2b and the P6?

[@larockdigg]

Excellent review do you have a recommendation for a REGA planer 3 .. My Michell clamp does not fit the spindle is to short . Do i need one or not ??????? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I wouldn't recommend adding a clamp or stabiliser to a Rega. The company explicitly advise against it, actually.

[@larockdigg]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks

[@Nick2842]

Hi I have a rega p3 turntable with a Hana el a project s2 preamp Maggie’s lrs with a sub and a Hegel 360, my question is which is better a origin live gravity one or a hexmat? Thx for your advice Nick in Troy, Michigan

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes. Which means both. If your budget will stretch. Either will benefit you, if not. Saying that because Rega arms are fixed (unless you want to add shims to raise the thing because of the slight thickness of the mat) then a Gravity will be less hassle.

[@Nick2842]

@@TheAudiophileMan thx I w As thing the same

[@departive]

Hi, I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with an acrylic platter (I don’t use a slip mat at the moment). I was considering the Origin Live Gravity One and the Yellow Bird Hex Mat to get better sound. Which of the two you think would give a better result in terms of sound quality? Thanks!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

What's your cartridge and phono amp?

[@departive]

@@TheAudiophileMan Hi, thanks for getting back! It has a built-in phono preamp with RCA output and the cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Red.

[@1697djh]

A record clamp does more than help warps, but also stabilises the the speed, it also helps lighter weight records should better, some LP’s should as good as a 180g quality in my experience

[@victorbloom8286]

I got 1 . Its a Stand in from Goodwill. Waiting on a New Find. .

[@bullobca]

Anyone know if the Origin Live Gravity One is available in Canada? There's a couple dealers listed on their website, but they don't seem to have it for sale. Cheers, great video. As far as having warped records, well in my case sometimes sh*t just happens....

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Go here and ask the company direct. I'm sure they will be able to help: www.originlive.com/contact-us/ And in case anyone had the wrong idea, I do have lots of minor warps in my vinyl collection. I was talking about the sorting of major warping that might trigger the wish to used a clamp in the first place.

[@haroldm4600]

@@TheAudiophileMan In my opinion your argument and entire rant misses the point and does a disservice. Minor warps are extremely common in both new and vintage vinyl. In fact, it is the exception rather than the rule to get a perfectly flat record that will make full contact with the platter with no space anywhere between the record and the platter. It is precisely these minor warps that benefit from the use of a record clamp. I use the Michell record clamp with the felt washer placed beneath the record very effectively to minimize the effect of minor warps. Your statement that only a severe warp would trigger the wish to use a record clamp in the first place is just wrong.

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

Some manufacturers actual specify that under no circumstance should one be used. Linn have always used a low power motor with a heavy platter. This is a balanced system and adding extra weight potentially upsets the system and puts extra strain on the Bearing. You will have warped records. It is impossible to have a completely flat vinyl LP. You may not see that it is warped but it will be. So it's a matter of degree.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I believe Rega says the same about its turntables. Any clamp/stabiliser needs to be applied on a case by case basis, anyway. And there's 'warped' and 'warped'. My urge to reject the initial purchase is based only upon the excessive variety. The sort of warping that leads some users to actively find a clamp to rectify. That's the sort of warping I was taking about. Minor warping can be handle by any decent turntable, all on its own.

[@richardthomas3056]

I've been passively looking at clamps and weights for about six months. I haven't really seen anything about increased wear on the motor for either belt or direct drive turntables - is this factor? I have a vintage Pioneer PL-55X (direct drive) and I'm concerned that a weight might harm the motor over time. Any thoughts on this?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Increased wear shouldn't be an issue on modern turntables with a good quality clamp or stabiliser. That said, the heaviest stabilisers have no business being on the more flimsy decks which is why I say that not all turntables even need them and, if they do, then certain turntables need certain stabilises or clamps. It's a matching game. For example, some heavier stabilisers will kill the dynamics on certain turntables, others will benefit, others don't need a stabiliser at all...but they might benefit from a clamp. There's no silver bullet on this. A demo is important.

[@wurlyone4685]

@@nanchanger Deck manufacturers presumably don't, because it could be used against the deck, ie 'that deck needs a heavy stabiliser = must be poorly made and not well isolated/inferior in the first place, so don't buy it'.

[@mattbrooking2146]

Am I missing something, aren’t all the holes on an LP the same size? So if some record players have thicker spindles or even thinner, how do they fit well? I have a Rega rp3 might give the Michelle a go!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Matt - there can be minor spindle hole size variations in vinyl but I've never seen any issues with turntables.

[@marks2254]

So if I put a Gravity- One on my Fluance RT-85, I’ll be able to hear more than a subtle difference?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, sure. Saying that, I do wonder if the cost of the Gravity could be better put to larger priorities from a turntable in your budget range.

[@brent3086]

Oh wow I better go buy myself a Shun Mook now

[@MrHfisher]

Certain pressings it helps with the detail and focus but most of the time it just neuters the bass in my experience

[@jackdanielsamarreto]

I agree with you but there’s different atmospheric s plus moving from one house to another this all takes it toll on vinyl, plus I have vinyl that’s not available no more.

[@taranagnew436]

what are the differances between Clamp and Stabiliser or Weight and what does each 1 do?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I did talk about this in the video - around the 7 minute mark onwards. Did you fall asleep? :)

[@1oldson]

i see a pro-ject clamp IT at the start, but it never got a mention. any opinions on its worth guys?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hopefully I qualify as one of those 'guys'? :) I talk more about the Pro-Ject clamp in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqK4pGqldriXnrc

[@1983mhc]

I can take my chances. Better than opened records lying in second hand stores... some of them are in hands of 100s people or more. And most do not take care of records. Scratches are not dust that can be removed.

[@StonefieldJim4]

Advice, please. I can't find a suitable clamp/weight for the Rega Planar 1 anywhere! The Michell clamps don't work, as is well-known: the Rega spindle is too short for them.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Rega officially rejects them for its turntables because it says they will adversely affect the bearing.

[@FilCrux]

@@TheAudiophileMan so, according to Rega, I shouldn't use any Clamp/Weight on my Planar P1? That's it?

[@markielinhart]

I have a vintage Nagaoka weight (complete with a ball bearing level and strobe markings). At 67 grams is it too heavy for my belt drive turntable in terms of motor wear?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Markie - what turntable are you using? Saying that, 67g isn't that heavy, about the same weight as the Gravity One featured in the video. I think you should be fine no matter what the deck.

[@markielinhart]

The Audiophile Man hi. I’m using a refurbished Sonab 67s that I’ve owned for forty odd years. It’s so quiet and accurate. The platter weighs 1.4Kg so lots of inertia. The motor is 24-pole synchronous mains voltage...

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Very nice indeed and yep, you should be fine re. the Nagaoka.

[@huddypop3491]

I mostly agree. I tried for the last few years to use a center clamp & periphery ring weight that added so much weight it stretched the belt. I’m down to just using the center twister clamp. Lesson is if your record is warped so badly that it makes you feel uneasy and going to challenge your stylus and tonearm tracking its best to just not play it and hunt down a better copy. I do see much benefit to using center clap that you screw down.

[@jkeplerk]

Any context for a restored Thorens 125 mk2 an?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I haven't tested that one, so I don't know if a clamp/stabiliser would help it overall. That said, on a slight tangent, I will be looking at Thorens upgrades in the future so keep a look out for those.

[@adamliebthal]

Any advice what to use on Technics SL1210 mkII? Price wise and effective. Not forget to mention minimal stress on the bearing and no affection on direct drive motor.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

When you say 'what to use; do you mean possible upgrades and the like?

[@adamliebthal]

@@TheAudiophileMan Yes I do, I’m trying to improve sonic quality on my two Technics turntables. The plater mats combination of cork/nitrate and leather improved a lot comparing to the DJ felt slipmat. Also thinking of eliminating the tonearm resonance. However the upgrade of turntable feet’s is next. By the way I really like your reviews/advices. 👌

[@essgee1210]

@@adamliebthal looking for recommendations for turntable weight for Technics 1210s pls

[@leeyounger2518]

I found on my technics 1200 mk2 using the Michelle clamp took all the air and and sparkle out of the top end. My records sound dull and lifeless with this clamp. Looking for an alternative

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Because clamps physically engage the bearing. From what you’re saying, the turntable is fighting it. Try a stabiliser, therefore, if you believe your deck will benefit from such an accessory. The best out there is the Origin Live.

[@leeyounger2518]

@@TheAudiophileMan Cheers, yes I see , that makes sense, also what you said in your video, does your turntable even need extra damping. The 1200 mk2 is certainly built like a tank, with the platter alone as heavy as some turntables. The reason I bought it was because we had 3 hot summer days in a row were the humidity was 90% and above. MY ENTIRE 500 + RECORD collection warped in varying ways. The pain of discovering them in this state is too insufferable to even begin to explain.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

All HiFi needs extra damping. Everything. Plus high-quality cabling, plus isolating platforms and feet plus grounding boxes plus a whole lot more. But that's a different subject and I've talked a lot about that elsewhere. And being built like a tank has absolutely nothing to do with damping. It might have something to do with throwing it against a wall. But not damping. And your vinyl experience is actually painful to read. You have my sympathies and I completely understand where you're coming from on that score.

[@leeyounger2518]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for clarifying about damping that is very useful. I will be sure to check out that specific content. Big fan of your channel and recommend you to people regularly. Cheers from across the pond

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Very nice of you, Lee. Thank you.

[@155bazza]

I have and still use one of the original Michell clamps.

[@koenraaddm2582]

Hi there, while I still watch the video I wonder what clamp to use on my old Lenco L78 cause the spindle is wider. I already bought one but to small for the spindle so of no use. Lenco and Thorens had I read later a wider spindle. Kind regards.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Do you have a budget figure?

[@koenraaddm2582]

@@TheAudiophileMan A not so expensive one that fits wider spindles. :-)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It won't be dirt cheap but I'd recommend the Origin Live model mentioned in the vid. Reason being? I'd call Origin Live *before* you buy, talk to them, advise them of your potential issue and then, because they are able to apply a more - shall we say - artisan approach to their wares, they should be able to modify one for you so at least you won't be wasting your money by taking a chance on a blind purchase.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

I had the same issue: I used a number drill open up hole for the spindle. Not sure of the brand, but it wasn’t expensive. Made of solid aluminum, couldn’t use it 45’s which is what I’m listening to now, so I can’t speak its performance.

[@rarelatinvinyl]

Does the gravity one work for 7" records? If not, which stabilizers do? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, it should be fine.

[@rarelatinvinyl]

@@TheAudiophileMan so it doesnt need an adaptor? I dont see how the gravity one holds the 7" in place without the center

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@rarelatinvinyl it’s not there to hold anything in place. It only rests on the surface. It’s there to improve sound by damping micro vibrations.

[@rarelatinvinyl]

Im so sorry but im still not understanding this, i know the stabilizer sits on top of the record to dampen the sound and it doesnt hold it like an adaptor, when i put a 7" and i use a 45 adaptor (the adaptor has a height) how does the stabilizer fit over the adaptor to clamp the record?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

When you use a 7" adaptor, it replaces the record's default spindle holder (that's called 'dinked' when the 7" is a jukebox-type release with no spindle holder). The third party adaptor sits flush with the record itself (well, it should). I know fancy adaptors do not. The stabiliser normally sits over the spindle as normal and rests on the vinyl record. If your adaptor sticks up in the air, try and swop it for one that sits 'flush'. Normally, the cheap plastic adaptors sit flush.

[@anotherOneMore7]

Help me understand. To me it seems that adding weight on the platter would slow the spinning platter down so it would no longer be 33rpm (would be 32.9 or something)

[@tiborosz1825]

My ATLP120 has quartz lock which stabilizes speed. It compensates for the weight difference.

[@anotherOneMore7]

@tiborosz1825 is that a direct drive thing? Sorry I am relatively new to turntable focus.

[@alexsush07]

Paul, thanks for the video! Please tell me what is the maximum weight of the clamp I can use in my Rega planar 1 plus, so as not to harm the motor. And will the Mitchell R clamp suit me? Thanks!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The Michell is light and should fine yes.

[@kengallacher2722]

you wonder how many of these they sell at a those prices, and how many more they would sell at a reasonable cost.

[@robc4191]

For certain items, including record clamps, the higher the price, the more desirable it is. A $20 weight does the same job as a $200 one, but the expensive one has 'snob appeal'

[@smil3493]

Very nice video. I've contacted you before because I needed some help choosing my carteridge. I have an SME 3009 not improved tonearm fitted on a Thorens td124 mk2 turtable. You suggested a Golding E3 carteridge and I bought one. Very happy with it ever since. I've been offered an SME clamp ( at least I think it's a clamp and not a stabilizer ). The first question is: would you recommend a clamp or a stabilizer for my Thorens and if yes which one? ( clamp or stabilizer ) And the second question is what do you think of the SME clamp? Thank you in advance and I'm looking forward to watch your next videos, Cheers

[@Chuek-WaiTai]

Clamp should be used, if needed. Extra weight changes the suspension setting of Thorens or Linn that is not recommended. I sometimes use clamp on my TD-166 MK II when the old LP is not flat. I apply weight / stabilizer on my high torque direct-drive turntable (Denon VL-12).

[@smil3493]

@@Chuek-WaiTai thanks for the reply. How do you determine when to use a clamp? By the way I checked and it is the SME Reflex clamp.

[@Chuek-WaiTai]

@@smil3493 When I see the LP is not flat and the tonearm goes up and down considerably, I use a clamp to see whether help 🙂

[@smil3493]

@Scott Frobel thanks you've changed my life.

[@Richbroth]

Are weights ok for a technics 1200?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

In general terms, sure.

[@D1N02]

I tried to flatten a record between two slates of granite on my stove. it came out more warped than it was.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I really wouldn't recommend anyone following this method.

[@D1N02]

@@TheAudiophileMan I made a fruit dish out of it.

[@geopapa80]

Dear Paul , sometimes we love our bent used or new records so much , we don't want to return them 😉

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I can understand that. I’d rather bent and twisted vinyl records have a good home and be loved than - say - be turned into ashtrays or novelty clocks. When I see “companies” sell such goods I have an urge to visit them in the guise of Jack Nicholson in The Shining. You can see that I have been spending to much time browsing the Internet, can’t you?

[@geopapa80]

@@TheAudiophileMan Hahaha!! That's the line! Merry Christmas !

[@paulreichel1522]

I just wonder why Linn has never strayed into the world of record clamps in decades of producing arguably the finest turntable (that will get them going!)? No issue against you Paul AND I think there are some very questionable 'physics' being claimed - when you compare the forces and velocities of turntable revolution against those exerted against a stylus tip

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

He's just not a scientist and is an enthusiast. I think if his understanding makes him happy and he is not hurting anyone then whatever works. I'm not a fan, but hey.

[@alanarakelian5021]

No vinyl is perfectly straight. If you do have any warped records (no matter the degree), the Vinyl Flat works nicely and isn't that expensive.

[@marty3888]

It's more simple to me: If you buy a record and it's warped, you return it. If buying a turntable you need a weight or clamp because if you don't the turntable will not work, you buy a different turntable.

[@clarification007]

No mention on the weight for each of them!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's why God gave us the Comments section. If there's any information you need from me and you don't see/hear it in the video then don't fret. Just ask.

[@sc0or]

A postal spending for a guy from discogs (and for me of course) is about a price of a not expensive release. So, someone needs to pay about the same price for nothing. How many people will agree on this? A ticket to a city with a big vintage store is a little bit more expensive. Thus I skipped 7 minutes of this video -) A 160-230g clamp on top of 2kg platter makes nothing to a spindle. I skipped yet more 3 minutes. I don't think vinyl sound engineers consider disk vibrations. All they wanted to say was in grooves. Everything else is related to your cartridge and loudspeakers. There cannot be "too much dumping". Cause there is no too much of sound pureness. I skipped tailing 10 minutes. Cheers

[@prismacolor]

i'm not turning away a record that costs $1.00 just because its warped, the cheap weight works good for that. btw i'm poor and all my equipment and records are used(goodwill). so when i see a record I want to hear, i get it as long as its not scratched badly. but the rich can be snobs

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's fine and by all means do whatever makes you happy. To me, though, it's not a snobby thing, it's not a money thing, it's a standards thing. When I was living on government support/benefits back in my early days, I would be picking up vinyl from car boot sales for 50p but even then I would be picky, patient and I'd try to find better quality pressings. I knew that most records would pop up again anyway. Of course, super rare copies? I'd grab those, whatever the condition :)

[@eddiecucumber5342]

Most records are warped to some degree if you observe your records carefully. Its a matter of degree.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Of course, yes. And if there's too many of those degrees, I refuse to entertain them.

[@jamesrobinson1579]

Curiosity question... I don't try to play warped records... I don't believe my records are slipping on my platter... I do understand the reduction of vibration issue. You have used the term damping multiple times in the video, and I understand but my reason for wanting a record weight (besides the fact that it's jewelry for your turntable LOL) is less to do with vibration damping concerns, and more to do with pure inertia... Adding mass to my already fairly solid acrylic platter SHOULD reduce wow and flutter even more... Assuming your drive has enough torque to spin at the correct speed, the more mass the combined platter, record, and weight carries, the more force it takes to change its speed. This is why I have no interest in a clamp, but the idea of a weight appeals to me a great deal. Am I off base here? You spend many minutes of your video explaining how the devices improve conditions I either don't have or have never noticed... but even with very good speed control, the closer you can get to zero variation the better.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi James - thanks for your post. Modern day motors shouldn't suffer from wow and flutter. Not decent quality motors on good turntables anyway. Stabilisers and clamps wouldn't have any affect on a poor quality motor causing that effect, I'm afraid. Their principle use is to affect sound quality. They're not for everyone and maybe they're not for you but if you can secure a home demo (ask a friendly dealer) then they're worth a try.

[@jamesrobinson1579]

@@TheAudiophileMan LOL I don't actually have any problem with wow and flutter... I measure it at 0.06% with my suite of test albums and an oscilloscope with a test mic... I am just all for trying to get a smaller number. Inertia is a friend to steady state, the more the rotating mass the lower the number should get... To a point of diminishing returns based on the torque that your motor can provide. 😅 In case it isn't self evident, cars are my other passion.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I've no idea what turntable you own James and I understand where you're coming from but there comes a point when the numbers are so small that it would really benefit your turntable and overall hifi experience if you switched your attention to an area that might bring larger rewards in terms of sound quality, for the time and effort spent. It's great that you're experimenting in that way and by all means invest in a clamp/stabiliser to reduce vibration and noise but, if you do not see that as an issue with your particular turntable, then maybe other areas might be worthy of your attention.

[@jamesrobinson1579]

@@TheAudiophileMan Hahaha Fair assessment. I am not actually trying to solve any problems. I am just enjoying a hobby that is slightly less expensive than my summer hobbies of power boats and BMWs. 😅 I enjoy trying to eke out fine improvements from each component after I have attacked the most granular. I have played with rolling the tubes in my phono preamp until I finally settled on my favourite combination... Towards the end of that exercise I had to spend a week with each combination then play through a cheap solid state preamp to reset my ears because I would get used to each iteration and they were mostly very pleasant... That makes choosing a "best" combination difficult without hearing what you don't like in between LOL. Last step is to back to back the "finalists". Bit of a tangent but just trying to make it apparent how low in my scale of priorities "quick fix" or "best value" falls. 🛠️

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@jamesrobinson1579 Gotcha - and fair enough. There's certainly lots to explore in the techie side of the hobby. Let me know if you find any juicy nuggets in the future.

[@robsonbass6058]

Meh. I think I'll save my money and use it on that $70,000 speaker cable.

[@ericmichaud5880]

N.

[@ionobelisk]

Good work sir! The rant about warped record could have been shorter though.

[@jonv2911]

Snilingur..

[@metroboom25289]

Buy a record flatenner

[@1697djh]

You shake hands during the pandemic? Hope you wore gloves!

[@owenlewis666]

People watch these sort of hobby videos to try and get time out from that tripe 🙄

[@mobby1212]

Collet, not grommet

[@darrenridley6144]

How can they warrant the higher priced products?...blooming heck they aren't reentering the earth's atmosphere...bloody bonkers.

[@mrupert22]

I don’t believe that in 5000 records there isn’t a single one with a slight warp.

[@carlrudd1858]

StabiliZer....

[@nwr99nwr99]

At 7:00 here endeth the lesson. A bit too preachy methinks. Chill out man! You nearly got to warp factor 10 at one point. Or is it a warped sense of humour on display? I'll sign off before I'm clamped. Keep up the good work!

[@9087125498172345]

Metal weights increase the static electricity on the record by 10 fold. There’s also absolutely zero difference in sound when using a weight vs not using one. Waste of money.

[@kurtzcol]

this guy is wacked in the head to think all your records are going to not have any sort of warp

[@TheAudiophileMan]

kurtzcol I’m talking about warping that might disrupt play, leading you to seek assistance from a third party accessory. And I assure you that my health is satisfactory.