Clamp or weight for Technics Direct Drive?


I'm experimenting these days with a Technics SP-15 on the nice heavy Technics SH-15B2 plinth. Right now I'm running a Denon 103R in an Audio-Technica ATP-12T, and so far I like what I hear.

I'm wondering about using something to stabilize the records. I've generally used a clamp in the past, but the SP-15 has a very short spindle, and the collet on my Michell clamp doesn't reach down far enough to grab it. Is there an inexpensive clamp that would work? I could put a thinner mat on the platter, but the Technics OEM rubber mat is nice and does a great job of damping the alloy platter.

Would a record weight be preferable to a clamp? Seems like the Technics has at least some similarities to the heavier non-suspended tables that use a weight. Just not sure if the bearing in the SP-15 is stout enough to take the extra pressure.

If anyone is using a clamp or weight with their SP-10, 15, 25 or SL1200, I'd love to hear about your experience.

David
armstrod

Showing 2 responses by wwwrecords

You could get one machined pretty cheaply. I have an audio friend who is a machinist and he made me one very similar to this one. Said it took about 20 minutes.

http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/puck.html
A friend of mine machined a stainless weight for my SP25. I had used the 25 for a few months prior without any clamp or weight. Since getting the weight, I haven't played an lp without it. It brings the sound into focus and is very noticeable. The motors in the Technics SPs seem to be robust enough that I haven't had any problems mechanically at all, and I trust the bearing is doing fine also. I also use the ATP-12T arm and it seems quite good.