The Clamp, a world-class turntable clamp

2

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    I'm sure it's a vintage pic, he states in his comments that he no longer owned them. I remember you buying them at the time.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,994
    Anybody still in touch with him? Has he straightened out his life?

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,125
    I hope he's straightened out his life as it was a mess when I last talked to him in 2012. Some of it had to with the clamp and violated patent rights from what Joe was telling me. He seemed like a very smart guy and I bet he was a lot of fun to hang out with before the demons took over.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,469
    He never had a patent because he never applied for one.

    Skip, multiple reasons which we don't need to rehash.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,994
    It has been more than some time since he has been gone. Everybody deserves a second chance.

    Any reason he should not?

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,469
    That is not going to happen.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Looks like the same exact thing with lite differences on the outside. Sure was a lot of "fluff" in the description of it though. I wonder why he photo shopped Joe's clamp on the top pic...that's just...weird.

    Inspiredsports, yes. Cost was the number one brick wall for Joe and trying a second run at it.

    Tom

    That was the first version of the Simply Physics clamp and as you can see, its pretty much "The Clamp." The only difference is it doesn't have the knurled surface on the upper knob like the clamp. The surface of the knob is smooth. Other than that it's a blatant copy. How do I know? I bought the first version of the Simply Physics clamp off Audiogon for $45 before I found out it was a blatant copy of The Clamp. Still have it, it works quite well.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,485
    edited August 2017

    For what its worth, this lube works great with the clamp. Super Lube 21030 Synthetic Grease with PTFE.

    https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Super-Lube-Synthetic-Lubricant/dp/B00VKA1U6W/ref=sr_1_cc_6?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1502137932&sr=1-6-catcorr&keywords=Super+Lube+21030+Synthetic+Grease

    https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31-5d4dfz+L.jpgfkuii0v6guhl.png
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,426
    Quick phone camera shot of The Clamp in its new home.

    Thanks, Greg!

    s4pmplcxev4j.jpg
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,485
    agfrost wrote: »
    Quick phone camera shot of The Clamp in its new home.


    Nice! I like to yell Micro Seiki when I do my kata...lol
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,426
    I tell you, there is next to zero info about this turntable online. They must have made about 5 total. It's been berry, berry good to me though.
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,381
    edited August 2017
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    For what its worth, this lube works great with the clamp. Super Lube 21030 Synthetic Grease with PTFE.

    https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Super-Lube-Synthetic-Lubricant/dp/B00VKA1U6W/ref=sr_1_cc_6?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1502137932&sr=1-6-catcorr&keywords=Super+Lube+21030+Synthetic+Grease

    https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31-5d4dfz+L.jpgfkuii0v6guhl.png

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    SCompRacer wrote: »
    agfrost wrote: »
    Quick phone camera shot of The Clamp in its new home.


    Nice! I like to yell Micro Seiki when I do my kata...lol

    And which kata are you doing? Bassai Dai ? Hangetsu? or big tall guy like you Unsu

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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,485
    edited August 2017
    agfrost wrote: »
    I tell you, there is next to zero info about this turntable online. They must have made about 5 total. It's been berry, berry good to me though.

    They go for big bucks. Very well built. Veneer over pressboard.

    This is underside of Yamaha YP-D10 I had. Yours would look similar.

    rlm8uduuxp5y.jpg

    imupaztjmhxa.jpg


    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,485
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    It's good stuff!
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    It's good stuff!

    @lightman1 has been using it for years, however a bit different application.
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,262
    vmaxer wrote: »
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    It's good stuff!

    @lightman1 has been using it for years, however a bit different application.

    So you been camping with him too?
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    agfrost wrote: »
    Quick phone camera shot of The Clamp in its new home.

    Thanks, Greg!

    s4pmplcxev4j.jpg

    Beautiful deck! Is that a Stanton 881 cart?
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    vmaxer wrote: »
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    It's good stuff!

    @lightman1 has been using it for years, however a bit different application.

    So you been camping with him too?

    Nope, "word of mouth"
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,426
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    Beautiful deck! Is that a Stanton 881 cart?

    Thanks! A local Craiglist transaction that my wife still rues (I went for the Micro Seiki and came back with it plus several hundred LPs!)

    Good eye--the cart is a Stanton 881S. Stylus was collapsed when I acquired it (actually torn off IIRC), so I replaced it with a JICO shibata. I've been quite happy with it.
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Looks like the same exact thing with lite differences on the outside. Sure was a lot of "fluff" in the description of it though. I wonder why he photo shopped Joe's clamp on the top pic...that's just...weird.

    Inspiredsports, yes. Cost was the number one brick wall for Joe and trying a second run at it.

    Tom

    That was the first version of the Simply Physics clamp and as you can see, its pretty much "The Clamp." The only difference is it doesn't have the knurled surface on the upper knob like the clamp. The surface of the knob is smooth. Other than that it's a blatant copy. How do I know? I bought the first version of the Simply Physics clamp off Audiogon for $45 before I found out it was a blatant copy of The Clamp. Still have it, it works quite well.

    The big difference in the Version 2 vs the Clamp is the lip on side/bottom edge is much thinner on the Version 2 vs the Clamp. It's more difficult to hold the edge of the Version 2 while tightening.

    In fact if there would be any improvement in Joe's Clamp, it would be to make his side/bottom edge a little thicker as well, making it easier to grasp with the thumb and finger(s) to tighten firmly to flatten a warped record. That was the primary driver for Joe to design the Clamp with the shims. The Clamp uses it's underside lip to push the outer rim of the record against the platter, coupling the record to the platter. Rich likens it to adding torque to the sound! LOL! It works! No doubt about it, there is a noticeable improvement in the sonics.

    Carl

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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,381
    vmaxer wrote: »
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    vmaxer wrote: »
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »

    WOW Rich I have never seen that. I've used the pin point oil applicator but never knew they had a grease.

    It's good stuff!

    @lightman1 has been using it for years, however a bit different application.

    So you been camping with him too?

    Nope, "word of mouth"

    Ha ha just keep digging the hole.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,474
    I started using mine on a Technics SL-1200 MK II a few months ago and was really surprised at the improvement in sound. It took what was a fairly sloppy sounding table, that to me was good for just blasting hard rock, and greatly improved the clarity, control and noise floor.

    Pretty good for a gadget designed 30+ years ago. But it was more expensive than the turntable itself when I bought it new.
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  • kharp1
    kharp1 Posts: 3,453
    agfrost wrote: »
    Quick phone camera shot of The Clamp in its new home.

    Thanks, Greg!

    s4pmplcxev4j.jpg

    I'm jealous. Nice looking table.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    agfrost wrote: »
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    Beautiful deck! Is that a Stanton 881 cart?

    Thanks! A local Craiglist transaction that my wife still rues (I went for the Micro Seiki and came back with it plus several hundred LPs!)

    Good eye--the cart is a Stanton 881S. Stylus was collapsed when I acquired it (actually torn off IIRC), so I replaced it with a JICO shibata. I've been quite happy with it.

    That's awesome! Sounds like the wife made a great score! I've yet to try a Stanton. A 681, 881, and 981 are on my list to try. Congrats again on the beautiful setup and score on the clamp.
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    I've not dug that deep into my stash yet but believe I have 1 or 2 Stanton 681 EEE MKIII's here and probably at least 1 never-to-touch-vinyl replacement stylus. Will check
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    I have cartridge serial # L9287 in good condition (trading for $80-$100 + S&H on eBay) and a new stylus lists at $120 (these actually sell for about $55 + S&H). This cartridge has a great stylus installed, and will modify my comment the replacement I have never touched vinyl. I inspected with my loupe and can see I tested the new one, so it's probably seen an album side or two.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    inspiredsports wrote: »
    I've not dug that deep into my stash yet but believe I have 1 or 2 Stanton 681 EEE MKIII's here and probably at least 1 never-to-touch-vinyl replacement stylus. Will check

    Oh wow! Awesome! I am definitely interested if you would like to part ways with one. Thanks!
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited August 2017
    I've always felt these are amazing for the price and worth well more than their retail selling prices.

    Let's make this set of 1 cartridge with 2 great stylii (??) $125 Shipped to some happy Polk vinyl junkie. (or IM me if we are close)

    fp4lo9q865hp.jpg
    Post edited by inspiredsports on
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    Deal! PM sent!
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    I believe you will love this little jewel !!
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter