I think I've Just Seen Absolute Proof That Audiophiles Are Insanely Gullible


I didn’t want to crap on someone’s sales thread, so I thought i’d post my amazement here. The focus of my disbelief? The "Dalby D7-Vinyl Stabilizer," which is a damn weight that screws onto the turntable spindle to hold the record securely onto the platter. Listed retail? 4000 British Pounds! (although a mag listed it at $6,800! On sale here at AudioGullible for the bargain basement price of 2500 British Pounds, or $3600 US dollars!!! Just read a few snippets of the sales ad . . .

"The D7-Vinyl Stabiliser has a sonic character that brings music to life and the ability to elevate the entire audio frequency from the veil and mechanics inherent in prerecorded music. The gains are immediate, with sweeter high frequency extension while the mid and lower registers are beautifully controlled. The soundscape is wider, higher and deeper, allowing the music to breathe more naturally."

I’m sorry, but I’m calling total BS on this. A friggin’ weight brings "music to life," "sweeter high frequency extension," "allowing the music to breathe more naturally . ." Come on. Its a modified paperweight that screws onto the platter. One can only imagine what this guy thinks about some $20K interconnects for the turntable -- the music probably writes itself! And don’t forget the amazing improvement that a $4,000 carbon fiber mat might add . . . You probably would think you were hallucinating because the music breathed so much it was oozing out of the speakers, like on some of my more memorable nights in college in the ’70’s.

Now I have never heard this amazing gift to the audiophile community, so maybe it is the audio equivalent of the Second Coming, but really? $5,800 for this? It confirms to me that there is a certain insanity/gullibility/too much money/snake oil in this so-called "hobby," (which is a hobby to customers and ridiculous business for some manufacturers). When is enough enough? What about audiophile paint, that has amazing sonic qualities to cut down reflection and make the soundstage so wide that you feel you need a new apartment? Don’t forget the audiophile couch, that is sonically neutral but promises to position your ears to "bring music to life?" OK, I’ve made my point. No offense to the seller of the snake oil, but really . . . When is enough enough?

This concludes my rant for today. :)
moto_man
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I received a "stock" clamp with my VPI Scoutmaster, but have only used it a few times. My records are flat. Even my lp's from the 70's and 80's. I've used it, but can't hear a difference. And will someone please explain to me the benefits of cable risers. 
Horror!  Only a stock VPI clamp?  How are you going to hear all of the sweetness and wildly expanded soundstage.  

Cable risers look cool.  People who come to visit and see your speaker cables on risers know that you are a real audiophile.
I see your D7 Vinyl Stabilizer and raise you 2 Shun Mook Mpingo record weights. This whole expensive record clamp, weight whatever issue has been discussed to death. Time to move it along, people. 
People who come to visit and see your speaker cables on risers know that you are a real audiophile.
Man, I learn something new here every day.  I thought real audiophiles suspended their cables from fishing line attached to the ceiling - braid for smoothness, monofilament for value and Fluorocarbon for added density.  Stunning visual effect but somewhat low WAF.