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Avid Acutus Record Clamp leaving marked "ring" on record label

I recently purchased an Avid Acutus SP and the record clamp is marking my record labels with a "ring" from the clamping down to flatten the record to the resin platter.  Are there any Acutus owners out there that have had this similar problem and how can it be fixed ?  I don't like that the labels are actually being damaged and leaving a ring because of the clamps force directly into the label.  Any help or feedback, or experiences would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks !!
elton1
7 responses Add your response
lustformusic
68 posts
 

I saw this so maybe it will help- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eszFbLtKx4

Also the use of some thin felt or similar between the clamp and the record label to reduce wear and scuffing.

czarivey
5,658 posts
 
most medicines can create more problem by fixing only one and for every problem to fix there's another medicine...
always watch what your doctor prescribes you and have a healthy life :-)
elton1 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback.  I will try something in between the clamp and label. I have watched the video and I appreciate it.  It's hard to know if I'm "over tightening" because you do want the record flat to the resin platter.  I just know now when I use the clamp, it leaves a "ring" on all my labels and I'm not happy with that.
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
My friends Acutus TT does not leave a mark.  He is very fastidious about his records and I'm sure his labels are pristine.  Is the mark a dent or a trace of a residue?  Either there is something on the clamp's face or you are tightening it too tight.
elton1 OP
2 posts
 
It's an actually indentation.  Can't necessarily feel it but you can see it.  Does your friend have the Acutus ?  The acutus clamp is different than the clamp for all the other tables, but not sure that even matters.   I may be tightening too much , but Avid did say that over time the label would be marked by the clamp and to try using a piece of thin paper as a cover .
wlutke
702 posts
 
I have a VPI clamp. I hold the bottom section of the clamp still while tightening so it doesn’t scrape the label and tighten just until the platter starts to spin. It works well - no damage or indents and it flattens the records as well as they can be.
cpreal
2 posts
 
I know this post is old, but I thought I'd add to it anyway, in case it helps anyone else. I emailed Conrad Mas directly about this issue. He said to use a thin piece of felt, cut to fit the Acutus clamp (looks like a donut). I have been using this tweak for years. It doesn't negatively affect the sound and leaves no marks on the label. You can clamp the record down as tight as you want. 
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