Record Weights vs Clamps: Do These Products ACTUALLY work?

Record weights and clamps divide opinion among the vinyl community. Some swear by them, others dismiss them as pure snake oil. In theory: a record weight adds extra mass to the disc, while a clamp adds additional force. The idea is to improve contact between the disc and the platter, prevent slipping, improving tracking performance, and helping control resonance. They can also (to a degree) help with mild record warps too.
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[@soundmatters]

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.

[@spectrum_archives]

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.

[@LazaroRodolfoSiamRodriguez]

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.

[@gianlusc]

My Pro-Ject 2xperience came with a threaded spindle and its clamp that screws on that. And I think it's a great solution.

[@glennlittle124]

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.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! I get the concern given the age. Glad to hear the clamp helps 🎶🎧

[@peterrech2307]

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.

[@soundmatters]

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 🎶🎧

[@carnell73]

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.

[@jmfloyd23]

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.

[@soundmatters]

I must’ve missed their weights. I’ll take another look on their website 👍🎶

[@brunohebert1351]

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...

[@soundmatters]

Agree 100%: small improvements but not a huge cost and easy enough to just stick it on. Thanks for watching and happy spinning 🎶🎧

[@faustus67]

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.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Yea, I agree it helps tighten up the sound a little. Happy spinning 🎶🎧

[@gregcarson3444]

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.

[@soundmatters]

Yea, acrylic is great, but you need the weight or clamp to get the best from it. 🎶🎧

[@BrigadoonZyphoon]

Acrylic mat or platter? You should not be getting any slippage at all. Check your alignment and get a digital scale to make sure your stylus weight is set correctly.

[@BrigadoonZyphoon]

@@soundmatters Nah m8 you're full of crap.

[@gregcarson3444]

@@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.

[@blashyrkh696]

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 :-)

[@soundmatters]

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 🎶🎧

[@MitchellHang]

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]

Sounds good; how is it on outer edge warps for bowl shaped warping when the outer edge is raised?

[@MitchellHang]

@@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.

[@marioalleyne8559]

I've been using a 500 gram weight on my belt drive Dual for years now no problems.

[@soundmatters]

I think a lot of manufacturers just like to play it safe to be honest. I’ve never had an issue either.

[@sudhirsingh-sx8lo]

And how often you changing belts

[@avgram4192]

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 :)

[@soundmatters]

👌🤘🎶🎧 nice optimizer for sure

[@Robert-tl4ey]

Good video thx!!

[@marcbegine]

Weights are for mass loaded turntables with inverted bearings (P.Ex. Pro-Ject XTension 10 - 22 Kg with a 10,3Kg platter)

[@TheWGLOVER]

Whatever they may or not do, they look so cool.

[@soundmatters]

Agree 👍 🤘🎶

[@ridirefain6606]

Had both weights and clamps, wound up keeping the clamps for reasons cited.

[@andysheldon3842]

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.

[@rich.e]

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)

[@soundmatters]

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

[@BrigadoonZyphoon]

I don't know. If you spend like anywhere between 600 to 1200 hundred dollars USD (in my neck of the woods) on a turntable, is an 18 to 26 oz. nob on the top of your record really going to make a difference? Or will your audio source, stylus and cartridge make more of a difference? The fact that any manufacturer "suggests" an added component that most people didn't even own back in the late 70's or early 80's reeks of snake oil to me personally- plus I can ask all the old people near my house who all owned record players and even they didn't own a record weight or clamp. I have many dollar store records, thrift shop finds, and bargain bin used LPs and the biggest difference I ever found was the 50/50 chance that the record had just been played too much- which is not something added components can actually fix. That was the chief problem outside of scratches or warped records and you can't see all of that till you clean them (except warps obviously you can see those but they don't always make a record sound worse). Otherwise, even on a budget turntable I have doubts about how much of an audible difference a record weight would even make. Most people do not recommend record weights, due to unforeseen design issues as well as potential warranty voiding elements when it comes to what exactly the weight thresholds are for modern turntable belt-driven motors (even direct drive motors). It isn't recommended, because its adding weight that likely wears out those components much faster than normal. I can't imagine a situation where the stylus is consistently having trouble moving through the record grooves unless you live next to a neighbor with a jackhammer. It honestly makes no sense. Most modern turntable designs and older account for the potential impact of potentially disruptive vibrations and unwelcome ones at that. Remember that the turntable shakes from unwarranted vibrations from the BOTTOM not the top. The idea that records need extra weight on them is preposterous because gravity is already working against them. Hilarious video though. Turntables have been designed almost identically so for decades as in most, if not many of them, are carbon copies of superior designs. If record weights were necessary than more companies would sell them with their own turntables.

[@Waywardification]

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..."

[@cbungaro]

I have a Rega P3 turntable, and the company recommends not using weights or clamps at all!

[@Rekmeyata]

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?

[@cbungaro]

@@Rekmeyata Really don’t know, but see slowpawstevet3676 below.

[@philiplane3533]

As usual, record a digital version from the record deck, with and without the clamp and weight and do a nul test.

[@nicola6323]

Which Technics do you have?

[@soundmatters]

SL1500c - it’s great. My main deck 🎶🎧👌

[@slowpawstevet3676]

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.

[@dimebagdave77]

✌️ thanks