Thoughts On Turntable Clamps And Weights

You don’t need a threaded spindle to use a clamp. The well regarded SOTA clamp is a simple reflex clamp that clamps the spindle and pulls itself against the label as you flip the clamping lever.  It’s been around for decades. I’ve use it with 5 different TTs, none of which have a threaded spindle.

I thought we were talking about the sonic benefits of weights or clamps, not their use to flatten warps. That’s an entirely different subject.

Using a clamp seems to stifle a lively sounding recording.  I know not everyone will be in my corner on this, but I prefer the livelier unclamped sound. I don't use mine anymore.

Not all weights and clamps are created equal. The contact surface with the record also matters.

As the stylus moves in the groove, it causes the record to vibrate slightly. This is enough to cause detectable distortion. Therefore this vibration should be sunk into the platter and the weight. Unfortunately, all materials reflect that vibration to some extent.

The factor that determines reflection or absorption of vibration is the speed of sound in mating materials. If the SoS is close, transmission is high, if dissimilar then transmission is low. Two materials which are very close to, or within, the range of SoS of vinyl records, are graphite and Delrin. So an interface of these is best.

I use one of each.

I should also note that an intimate contact of iron (steel) and graphite or Delrin renders the pair dead to vibration. Other metals, I don't know..

@lewm 1++ 

For turntables that are not supplied with a reflex clamp the Sota is the best. It must be used with a firm mat and a thin rubber washer over the spindle. It the mat is too soft the edges of the record will curl up. 
 

The issue here is keeping the record flat and dampened. Even small variations in pitch will ruin the effect of feeling you are at a live performance. As record elevation changes the pitch changes. Very few records are perfectly flat.