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

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We have analysis paralysis here. Let the ears decide. Try both and whichever sounds better becomes the preferred option. Specs are great if you're measuring ALL the pertinent parameters; maybe there's more going on than just rumble. It could be that extra mass has unforeseen benefits and that an important metric has been overlooked.

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Exactly! If I like what I'm hearing from a system, and have assessed the efficacy of something (such as a record weight), using my own ears and judgement, I couldn't give a flying fook what measurements say to the contrary, particularly when they're obviously NOT telling the full story!!!

Measuring anything else but ALL pertinent parameters, when assessing something, is simply a recipe for a flawed analysis.

Marco.

Marco, do you know how much your record weight weighs - if not, could you weigh it for me please (kitchen scales) - thanks :).

358g, dude.

How did you get on with the recordings, btw? PM me your findings :)

Marco.

Cool, thanks - that's actually pretty light, I thought it would be a lot heavier. Have you tried a heavier one? If so, what did you find? On reflection, I think that I should have asked this question earlier as it seems we were rather arguing over nothing, as I assumed that 'heavy' meant more like a kilogramme.

Got on well with the recordings - the biggest issue was that the Internet has been down at my house most of the day and I needed it to check something - will PM (or email) you tomorrow with the details and my recordings.

Hi Mark,

Yup, I know that's pretty light. So far, I've not found a heavy record weight that benefits the SL-1200/1210 (all have sounded notably worse), although Martin likes the Stillpoints. I will compare it with the Bruil (what I'm currently using) next time I'm at his place, and will report the results.

I think the confusion has arisen in my stating that I've heard good results with high-mass record weights (500g+) on vintage T/Ts, such as Thorens TD124s, Goldring G99s, Garrard 401s, etc, so they *can* work well in certain applications.

Marco.

P.S No worries about the recordings - cool :)

Yeah - I measured it today and the one I am using has an effective mass of 750g.

Whoa! Although, like you said before, it doesn't behave like a high-mass weight...

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Whoa! Although, like you said before, it doesn't behave like a high-mass weight...

Marco.

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"Effective" mass...

Yeah, exactly :)

Marco.

Yes, that's right - it loads the record label with 750g but only actually weighs 79g.

I'll measure one of my previous designs tomorrow.