Record Weights vs Clamps: Do These Products ACTUALLY work?

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Record weights and clamps divide opinion among the vinyl community. Some swear by them, others dismiss them as pure snake oil. In theory: a record weight adds extra mass to the disc, while a clamp adds additional force. The idea is to improve contact between the disc and the platter, prevent slipping, improving tracking performance, and helping control resonance. They can also (to a degree) help with mild record warps too.
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Пікірлер: 42

  • @soundmatters
    @soundmatters19 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.

  • @LazaroRodolfoSiamRodriguez
    @LazaroRodolfoSiamRodriguez26 күн бұрын

    Exactly, as others have noticed, Pro-Ject sells multiple weights. I just ordered the Puck for my X1; I bought the black one so that it matches my turntable. But yes, they have different looks and weights.

  • @gregcarson3444
    @gregcarson344421 күн бұрын

    I have an acrylic platter which I love, but there is some slippage on some records, so I use a weight to help that out.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    21 күн бұрын

    Yea, acrylic is great, but you need the weight or clamp to get the best from it. 🎶🎧

  • @Robert-tl4ey
    @Robert-tl4ey26 күн бұрын

    Good video thx!!

  • @gianlusc
    @gianlusc25 күн бұрын

    My Pro-Ject 2xperience came with a threaded spindle and its clamp that screws on that. And I think it's a great solution.

  • @glennlittle124
    @glennlittle12426 күн бұрын

    Great video! I have an older Technics( Sl-Q300) from the early to mid 80s, so I chose a clamp. Didn't want to put any unnecessary strain on the motor given it's age. I have definitely noticed the difference in wobble of some of my records with minor warps.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching! I get the concern given the age. Glad to hear the clamp helps 🎶🎧

  • @peterrech2307
    @peterrech230723 күн бұрын

    Hi Marc, I have a two motor, belt drive Logic Gemini turntable that I only use clamps on. I have three clamps, full plastic Michell clone which works well, an aluminum screw down clamp that works well but the one I use mostly is the EON TRI-POD clamp. Also, a clamp can work on both sides of a dish warped record by putting a small fibre washer on the spindle under the record when playing the bowl dish warp upwards then putting the clamp down onto the record pushing the warp onto the platter/platter mat. Enjoy the music.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    Sorry for the delay in my reply here Peter. Thanks for watching and your comments. That’s an interesting tip on the bowl warps; I’ll have to give that a try! Happy listening 🎶🎧

  • @carnell73
    @carnell7326 күн бұрын

    Pro-Ject does/did in fact make a weight. I have one for my Debut Carbon. It comes in a nice wooden case with their logo etched on it.

  • @jmfloyd23

    @jmfloyd23

    26 күн бұрын

    I have the pro-ject record puck with the wooden case. I use it on my RPM 3 Debut Carbon table. Works well in my opinion.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    I must’ve missed their weights. I’ll take another look on their website 👍🎶

  • @blashyrkh6967
    @blashyrkh696719 күн бұрын

    I have the Oyaide BR12 mat, which is conical in shape (1° angle). So i need a min. 300g weight to flatten the record to the surface. Works perfect, every waved record is flat and has maximum contact with the mat. This helps a lot against static charge! Always had problems with espacially one cartridge, the Denon DL 110. No problems any more since i have this mat - and with this mat a weight (or good holding clamp) is a must - otherwise the record only touches the edge of the mat. Works on my belt driven player as well as on my DD. So you see, i have a good reason for using a weight - and yes, it looks cool :-)

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    That’s an interesting mat, I wonder if that affects azimuth to any degree. A different take on outer warps for sure though! Thanks for sharing 🎶🎧

  • @andysheldon3842
    @andysheldon384223 күн бұрын

    Project clamp it for me. Simple physics means more strain on motors and beits if using a weight especially at start up. Clamps every time in my opinion.

  • @brunohebert1351
    @brunohebert135126 күн бұрын

    I have a record weight (from Turntable Labs I think), I use it every time. Yes, for warp records, it works better on one side but I use it because I feel it sounds better, especially in the bass range. I have tried multiple times, playing a record with and without the weight, and sometimes it's better other it's negligible. but since I have it it cost me nothing to put it every time. My weight is a bit heavy (500g maybe) but I don't worry as all my turntables are direct drive so no issues there. All in all it's a nice addition to a system, but it's like you said an improvement not a revolution. Consider one if your turntable can support it and it's not a crazy price, I think I paid $20-25 for mine. If not, you should be fine without except if the record is not flat, but that's another story...

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    26 күн бұрын

    Agree 100%: small improvements but not a huge cost and easy enough to just stick it on. Thanks for watching and happy spinning 🎶🎧

  • @faustus67
    @faustus6726 күн бұрын

    Interesting video - thanks! My turntable is designed for and comes with a fairly heavy clamp. I was surprised how much it does make for the bottom end especially. The bass is much tighter with the clamp on. And it does help with warping a bit. As you said, depends on how warped and record is and what the shape of the warp is.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching and your comment. Yea, I agree it helps tighten up the sound a little. Happy spinning 🎶🎧

  • @MitchellHang
    @MitchellHang25 күн бұрын

    I have an Audio-Technica AT618a Disc Stabilizer and it has done wonders to some of my more warped records in my collection. I rarely play music without it.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    Sounds good; how is it on outer edge warps for bowl shaped warping when the outer edge is raised?

  • @MitchellHang

    @MitchellHang

    16 күн бұрын

    @@soundmatters Unfortunately it doesn't do much, so you'll probably need a Hail Mary for some of the warped records to play properly. I got a copy of Yes's 90125 that played fine on Side 1, but Side 2 had a warp that made it harder for the stylus to track.

  • @marioalleyne8559
    @marioalleyne855926 күн бұрын

    I've been using a 500 gram weight on my belt drive Dual for years now no problems.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    26 күн бұрын

    I think a lot of manufacturers just like to play it safe to be honest. I’ve never had an issue either.

  • @sudhirsingh-sx8lo

    @sudhirsingh-sx8lo

    21 күн бұрын

    And how often you changing belts

  • @TheWGLOVER
    @TheWGLOVER24 күн бұрын

    Whatever they may or not do, they look so cool.

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    21 күн бұрын

    Agree 👍 🤘🎶

  • @ridirefain6606
    @ridirefain660626 күн бұрын

    Had both weights and clamps, wound up keeping the clamps for reasons cited.

  • @avgram4192
    @avgram419222 күн бұрын

    Doesnt matter is it DD or BD turntable as long as bearings and/or suspension can handle added mass. Personally, i always use it regardless of which TT with no issues, only minor improvements :)

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    21 күн бұрын

    👌🤘🎶🎧 nice optimizer for sure

  • @rich.e
    @rich.e25 күн бұрын

    Tried a couple of clamps (Michell, Clearaudio) on different decks but try as I might, I've discerned no difference in sound. I'd go with whatever the deck manufacturer recommends. Interested in the record flattening device though - might make an interesting video? (apologies if you've already done one, Mark)

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    16 күн бұрын

    I’m thinking of buying the vinyl flat for review; we shall see! Thanks for your contribution on this topic. Apologies for my slower than normal reply

  • @marcbegine
    @marcbegine25 күн бұрын

    Weights are for mass loaded turntables with inverted bearings (P.Ex. Pro-Ject XTension 10 - 22 Kg with a 10,3Kg platter)

  • @philiplane3533
    @philiplane353326 күн бұрын

    As usual, record a digital version from the record deck, with and without the clamp and weight and do a nul test.

  • @dimebagdave77
    @dimebagdave7726 күн бұрын

    ✌️ thanks

  • @cbungaro
    @cbungaro25 күн бұрын

    I have a Rega P3 turntable, and the company recommends not using weights or clamps at all!

  • @Rekmeyata

    @Rekmeyata

    21 күн бұрын

    The question is why? Is Rega admitting that their motors are not strong enough to handle the weight for a prolonged period of time, or is there another reason?

  • @cbungaro

    @cbungaro

    21 күн бұрын

    @@Rekmeyata Really don’t know, but see slowpawstevet3676 below.

  • @nicola6323
    @nicola632319 күн бұрын

    Which Technics do you have?

  • @soundmatters

    @soundmatters

    18 күн бұрын

    SL1500c - it’s great. My main deck 🎶🎧👌

  • @slowpawstevet3676
    @slowpawstevet367626 күн бұрын

    clamps and weights are designed to make up for shortcomings in the design of any turntable, usually the cheaper ones, should only be used when the manufacturer recommends it, NEVER on an LP12 !! if a record is warped, throw it away or get it fixed.

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