Turntable clamps - worth it? recommendations?

pglbook

I am debating getting a turntable clamp for my Thorens TD 160 turntable as I have read they can make a sonic improvement and also can help stabilize slightly warped records.

For those that have experience with turntable clamps,

Do clamps make a noticeable difference?
Would it be worth it for me to get one?
If so, can you recommend a good clamp (under $100)?

ZLTFUL

No experience with clamps but do have some with weights (the difference is, the weight simply "sits" on the spindle and presses the record flat while the clamp uses a mechanical clamp to hold onto the spindle while keeping the record flat)

This is what I use on my Kenwood KD-550.
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-At618-Disc-Stabilizer/dp/B00008B5DZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422545508&sr=8-1&keywords=Audio+Technica+AT618

Solid weight, rubber lip to protect the record labels and cheap.

As for improving sound, definitely.
Bass is more solid, mid a bit more open and highs are definitely clearer.

Worth is such a subjective thing but I really do think that this $47 investment was the best bang for the buck improvement I made to my TT.

[Deleted User]

The idea behind any record clamp or weight (when you use a record weight the problem is it might upset the type of turntable suspension you have if it depends on a certain mass and spring relationship) is to effectively couple the slight mechanical vibrations produced by the stylus riding in the record groove to the heavier platter material. These vibrations, if not dispersed to the platter, could cause the stylus to add these unwanted sounds to the recorded information. Think of the sound produced by a child roller skating on a giant sheet of suspended plastic. You would hear not only the sound of the skates themselves but also the sound of the plastic vibrating adding a hollow quality. Now the same situation but place the plastic sheet on a concrete surface. Much less of the unsupported plastic producing sound and consequently an easier time hearing just the skate producing sound.
If you can, without turning your turntable's platter on, lower your tonearm to a nonmoving record's surface and set your playing volume to a moderate level. Then use a pencil to lightly tap on the record's surface near the edge of the record and at the "dead wax" at the end of the record (not on the grooved area) and listen to what you hear through your system. You should hear a single "donk" or thump without any hollow or echoing quality. A record clamp should give a well damped "dead" or leaden character to the tapping, just the sound of the tap no other extraneous sounds added.
Any time you can eliminate unwanted vibrations the sound gets better.
Cheers, Ken

polrbehr

This is what I have used for years - http://www.needledoctor.com/Clearaudio-Twister
It's very well made, solid and heavy and really locks down on the spindle. I bought one based on my demo time with The Clamp (see below), a custom-made marvel I regret not having purchased when I had a chance. It will improve the sound of most albums, even new ones that are perfectly flat.

It was the closest thing to The Clamp I could find (search for it here, there was a LOT of info on it), but sad to say 4 or 5 years ago it could be had for $100 even; I guess a resurgence in vinyl caused the demand to go up? Still, if you're serious about your vinyl I would say it's a good investment. Only thing is I don't believe they work as well on direct-drive TTs?

voltz

I got a nice heavy weight for like $60 but can not seem to find it again for sale. I like it and been using one for awhile also music hall has a nice decoupling mat I use and like...
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Hall-MAT-Decoupling-Turntable/dp/B004JO79RK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422571689&sr=8-1&keywords=music+hall+mat

many accessories for TT's out there. but which is really needed?

pumpkinman

With a TD 160 you don't want a weight. Here's a clamp that doesn't cost to much to try.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-6924-clearaudio-clever-clamp.aspx

pumpkinman

Another choice

http://www.needledoctor.com/JA-Michell-Record-Clamp

voltz

^^^^^
here is a little video about that one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT_4oSL4VgQ

[Deleted User]

I went ahead and got the below and it has worked well so far.
Had it for about two months.

pumpkinman wrote: »

With a TD 160 you don't want a weight. Here's a clamp that doesn't cost to much to try.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-6924-clearaudio-clever-clamp.aspx

pongshi

As a vinyl junkie, I thank you all for the comments. After looking at these clamps and doing some reading of various reviews, I ordered a J.A. Michell clamp. Should help me play a few of my not so flat garage sale finds. Thanks again folks.

mhardy6647

pumpkinman wrote: »

With a TD 160 you don't want a weight. Here's a clamp that doesn't cost to much to try.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-6924-clearaudio-clever-clamp.aspx

(FWIW) I concur -- since the TD-160 is a suspended table.
The Clever Clamp is (again, FWIW) what I use -- with the rationalization that it couldn't hoit.

pglbook

Thanks for all of the feedback! It is much appreciated. I will go ahead and get one of the recommendations in the near future and let you know what I think!

It looks like the Clever Clamp may win out due to value and positive comments here.

And thanks for letting me know a weight wouldn't be good for the TD-160.

Enjoy the Super Bowl weekend!

voltz

Hey Pete

glad you brought this up, I learn a bit myself as I figured just a little weight and everything was good. but I like the clamp idea better now and my try the Michell one.
Enjoy your Superbowl weekend too!

thsmith

Too bad H9 does not come around, The Clearaudio Twister is what I use and the closest to the THE CLAMP.

george daniel

Can you say CLAMP ten times real fast

gce

I use The Clever Clamp, it came with my TT. Light weight and holds the LP down to the platter.

[Deleted User]

Good, I'm glad it was helpful. You can also use that technique to check for excessive feedback between the speaker's output and the turntable's vibration isolation. As well as changes between different turntable mats, listening for the character of the "thunk" you hear.

polrbehr

Long after my demo was over, I was fortunate enough to have Joe send me a set of the 3 delrin washers he made for use with his The Clamp. The washers are of varying thickness, you select one based on the severity of the warp of the record. The washers, coupled with the clamp, do make a noticeable difference in stylus>record contact, and most importantly, sound. The Michell clamp uses a felt washer, it seems to work too.

I wish there were some more members left who own/have tried The Clamp that would chime in about the benefit of using one. I can't believe that the Twister clamp has gone up $50 in price from what I paid only a couple of years ago...

pongshi

Just wanted to let you know, that my Michell clamp came in last night and I think it works great, but do not over-tighten when you use it. I am currently playing one of my pretty warped Pink Floyd DSOTM LPs that was previously too warped to play. Though it is still not flat with the clamp, it is now playable and I am loving it. I will probably not use the clamp on all my LPs, but my warped ones will get the Michell.
Thanks for the thread. I may try the clear-audio twist for the bedroom, but I have to say I really like the Michell clamp, so I may decide to purchase another one. I got my clamp off ebay and it's the all black model.

DaveHo

I have the Michell also, but don't like it & rarely use it. I find that using it on unwarped records can give the music a bit of a gritty texture. On warped LPs, I need to tighten it fairly tight in order to compress the inner felt ring or the clamp will slide up as it's playing. Of course it then becomes a PITA to get it off.

pongshi

DaveHo wrote: »

I have the Michell also, but don't like it & rarely use it. I find that using it on unwarped records can give the music a bit of a gritty texture. On warped LPs, I need to tighten it fairly tight in order to compress the inner felt ring or the clamp will slide up as it's playing. Of course it then becomes a PITA to get it off.

Agree with the comments on tightening. I use the clamp on my Dual 1229 single spindle. The first time I used it, I over-tightened it and couldn't get the clamp off my Dual spindle. I had to remove the clamp and spindle off my Dual together and then had to use vice-grips to hold the spindle while I removed the clamp. Luckily, I didn't trash my spindle. I tighten now until I just feel a little resistance, then about a sixteenth of a turn. Please folks be careful not to over-tighten.