I have one.
Usage: The ring clamp just hangs on the outer edge of the record. It is not difficult to place it -- same effort level as placing the LP on the platter.
Sound: For me, it seems to tighten up the soundstage, fix the images a little more firmly. Certainly made a difference, better in my opinion.
Design: It's an elegant alternative to the complexity of having a vacuum pump, perhaps a better solution if your record is warped. It also adds to the platter's rotating mass -- a good thing.
Cost: The sound is different. You decide if you like it. If you do like it, you decide how much you want to pay for it. Heaven knows, we have lots of expensive equipment and tweaks in our hobby. (Full disclosure -- the ring clamp came with my turntable, so I didn't pay extra for it.)
Yah, its hard to do an audition in your home. Best would be swapping out the whole turntable with an identical model that's set up with the ring clamp.
Usage: The ring clamp just hangs on the outer edge of the record. It is not difficult to place it -- same effort level as placing the LP on the platter.
Sound: For me, it seems to tighten up the soundstage, fix the images a little more firmly. Certainly made a difference, better in my opinion.
Design: It's an elegant alternative to the complexity of having a vacuum pump, perhaps a better solution if your record is warped. It also adds to the platter's rotating mass -- a good thing.
Cost: The sound is different. You decide if you like it. If you do like it, you decide how much you want to pay for it. Heaven knows, we have lots of expensive equipment and tweaks in our hobby. (Full disclosure -- the ring clamp came with my turntable, so I didn't pay extra for it.)
Yah, its hard to do an audition in your home. Best would be swapping out the whole turntable with an identical model that's set up with the ring clamp.