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

{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.

Hi Simon,

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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.

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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.

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 ?

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Originally Posted by chris@panteg

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

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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 ?

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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.

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Originally Posted by Marco

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.

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Agree .

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Originally Posted by Clive

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.

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Sorry , yes I should add idlers .

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Originally Posted by Clive

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.

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Yup, too many variables to consider.

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

Marco.

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

Oh yes, I don't doubt that :)

Marco.