High or low-mass record weights/clamps: which is best?

[sq225917]

{Discussion moved from The Gallery, here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...629#post363629 }


I've got a much earlier version of this currently sat round mine and it ticks all the boxes for me. I've always been loathe to use the Kuzma weight/clamp. it just doesn't make any sense to me, a brand goes to all that trouble to manufacture the quietest bearing they can for a deck, then they go and spoil it by loading the bearing with several hundred grams of weight for a clamp- when its clamping force, not weight that is really needed.

Don't me started on after-market record weights, they are just the height of stupidity, especially as you can press the record down without adding a load of mass by other means.

[Marco]

Hi Simon,

Don't me started on after-market record weights, they are just the height of stupidity, especially as you can press the record down without adding a load of mass by other means.

In essence, I agree.

However, bear in mind that added mass is less of an issue for some T/Ts, than others, particularly 'battleship build' direct-drives (and no, I'm not talking here about the SL-1200), which have suitably massive, uber-engineered bearings and shed-loads of torque, thus rendering them completely unperturbed by the presence of ANY 'bad-ass' record weight!

Marco.

[chris@panteg]

High mass record weight for suspended belt drive TT's NO

High mass record weight for solid Direct Drive TT's YES

It's not so much the weight/stress on the bearing with the former , but the extra weight on the suspension that's a real problem surely ?

[Marco]

High mass record weight for suspended belt drive TT's NO

High mass record weight for solid Direct Drive TT's YES

Quite; it's a simple formula (although, also add idlers, high-mass string and tape-drive T/Ts, into the 'YES' category), but unfortunately some daftees insist on there being a universal record clamp/weight solution for all types of T/Ts!

It simply t'aint so...

Marco.

[Clive]

High mass record weight for suspended belt drive TT's NO

High mass record weight for solid Direct Drive TT's YES

It's not so much the weight/stress on the bearing with the former , but the extra weight on the suspension that's a real problem surely ?

Likewise idlers with massive bearings.

Also what about the mat? If the mat has a series of points supporting the record I can see that a little pressure to ensure correct seating is a good thing but too much pressure would likely nullify the benefits of the pointy support. As Marco says, no universal solution.

[chris@panteg]

Quite; it's a simple formula (although, also add idlers, high-mass string and tape-drive T/Ts, into the 'YES' category), but unfortunately some daftees insist on there being a universal record clamp/weight solution for all types of T/Ts!

It simply t'aint so...

Marco.

Agree .

[chris@panteg]

Likewise idlers with massive bearings.

Also what about the mat? If the mat has a series of points supporting the record I can see that a little pressure to ensure correct seating is a good thing but too much pressure would likely nullify the benefits of the pointy support. As Marco says, no universal solution.

Sorry , yes I should add idlers .

[Marco]

Likewise idlers with massive bearings.

Also what about the mat? If the mat has a series of points supporting the record I can see that a little pressure to ensure correct seating is a good thing but too much pressure would likely nullify the benefits of the pointy support. As Marco says, no universal solution.

Yup, too many variables to consider.

However, let's get back on topic and await piccies of Mark's fab new clamp

Marco.

[Clive]

Indeed, I'm sure it'll be optimised for his nipply mat

[Marco]

Oh yes, I don't doubt that

Marco.