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Weight, Clamp or stabilizer?

I have a vintage Pioneer PL-560 Direct-Drive Automatic Turntable purchased around 1980. 
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-560.shtml
I'm trying to get it to produce the best sound its capable of.  I plan to order a set of SVS subwoofer feet to replace the worn feet (I have an SVS subwoofer and removed its feet and temporarily placed them on the TT base with good results).  I read an article about TT tweaks.  A few things they suggested were an upgraded mat, clamp and isolation feet.  Thing is since the TT is a direct drive I don't know how much extra weight it can take (if any), and the spindle is about 7/8 inches tall so I don't know if that's enough for a clamp.  The original rubber mat it came with is in great shape. Do I need to replace it, too? I'm willing to invest in tweaks to improve this turntable, but not interested in replacing it.
mewsickbuff

Showing 4 responses by mewsickbuff

mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
Thanks everyone. That’s a lot of information to process. Since my turntable is almost 40 years old there’s a chance a weight could be detrimental to its bearing so I’m going to pass. I’ve changed out all master sleeves, cleaned my records, and have an anti-static brush.
@ big_greg the Pioneer feet are very nice looking but out of stock and as mentioned earlier, I tried the SVS feet and heard a positive improvement.
@ chakster, I have the Shure m97xe high-performance magnetic phono cartridge. I’ve found it revealing when the album is. This is my 2nd. Bought a new one after wearing out the 1st because to my ears, it was worth it.
Still wondering about other opinions on the rubber mat.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
I have the Shure m97xe high-performance magnetic phono cartridge. The arm is the original arm. I found instructions for cartridge and my specific turntable's arm setup online in the operating instruction manual, rare and detailed.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
@hifigem, that $1K periphery outer ring clamp is way out of my budget. I can be happy hearing what my modest setup has to offer without it. But for those who can afford it, I'm sure they'll be happy you shared the info.
mewsickbuff OP
233 posts
 
I bought an acrylic matt, but can't tell it's full impact yet but could hear it's more detailed than my original rubber matt. Instead of the SVS subwoofer feet, I've opted for a set of 4 Isoacoustics Orea bronze as replacement feet.

http://www.isoacoustics.com/orea-bronze/
Hopefully they'll be here next week.
@elliotbnewcombjr are you saying I should pass on the clamp and weight because they may damage the TT's 7 lb platter? Any other advice or  recommendations on what to use instead?
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