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VPI Scoutmaster - Rubber Washer

Hi,
On the VPI website, there is an FAQ:

Q: "My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?"

A: The rubber washer is meant to be permanently placed over the turntable's spindle below the record. This prevents "dishing" of the LP when it is clamped to the platter using the threaded VPI clamp.

My question is: Do you still use the washer if you also have the periphery ring clamp? "Dishing" wouldn't be a potential problem anymore.

In fact, it looks to me like the record "dishes" DOWNWARD with both the rubber washer and outer ring clamp in use. I think I should remove the washer. Anyone out there have any opinions, stories, ideas, etc.?

Thanks.

Tom
tfkaudio

Showing 3 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Well, 2 vote for the rubber washer and 2 vote against. Anyone want to break the tie?

Cheers.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
Thank you, Cincy Bob.

I couldn't find anything on the website in the FAQ section, but then I decided to look at the online manual for the HRX table, which comes standard with the outer clamp. (There is no mention of outer ring clamp issues in the Scoutmaster manual, because it's not a standard item.)
Sure enough, in the HRX manual, it says:

"Place the record on the platter and drop on the record spindle weight. NO WASHER IS USED UNDER THE RECORD IN THIS SYSTEM. Take the ring clamp and lower it onto the record rim, keeping it level all around. (etc...)"

I was pretty sure the washer needed to be removed after noticing the downward "dishing" and also noticing that the music always sounded better about 1/3 into the record.

Cheers.
tfkaudio OP
591 posts
 
I don't have the stainless steel clamp. Also, I did try removing the washer and the table didn't sound as good. I put it back. It's possible that, after removing the washer, I'll need to recalibrate VTF, VTA, and azimuth, and that is why it didn't sound as good.

Tom
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