Neat Little Gadget

13

Comments

  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Libertyc wrote:
    Oh yea - The CES...Can't wait. I MAY NEVER COME HOME!!

    We will test the Sony table out when I get home. Maybe Santa will bring me the MMF9! Need you help setting everything up.

    Merry Christmas.

    You got it Brother I love setting up tables/tonearms/cartridges. . .hey we can review Michael Fremer's 21 century vinyl while we are setting up.:D

    Merry Christmas Billy
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  • Polk65
    Polk65 Posts: 1,405
    edited December 2006
    hearingimpared wrote:
    IMHO I think even the most inexpensive turntables benefit greatly in sonic reproduction with a record clamp.

    I have found that a thick dished delrin or acrylic platter with a "reflex" clamp works best. These clamps usually employ a shim under the record and with the downward force created by the clamp couples the record firmly to the platter (with really well designed clamps a vacuum is formed) and takes out the warps as well as drains vibrations into the platter. Well designed clamps drains the stylus energy & vibrations through the clamp down into the spindle where they die out harmlessly.

    You posted this awhile ago and for some reason it stuck to me like glue. As with all advice here it's better enjoyed the second time. I'm back in the groove and would like to take it up a notch. Put me in for "The Clamp".
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Boy you guys are pikers. I moved into the new house today and in the mailbox was a check from Fredv for a new clamp. . . funny thing. . . it came from Fred's in California, his bank is in NEWARK California. . . I thought it a little ironic.

    I'll get that clamp out to Saturday or Monday Fred.

    Thank you,

    Joe
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  • fredv
    fredv Posts: 923
    edited December 2006
    It was a pleasure and surprise to talk to you Joe. Snail mail sometimes isn't as slow as we would think :-) I think I need a decent vinyl cleaner now .....

    -fredv-
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  • wodom1
    wodom1 Posts: 1,054
    edited December 2006
    Libertyc wrote:
    Oh yea - The CES...Can't wait. I MAY NEVER COME HOME!!

    We will test the Sony table out when I get home. Maybe Santa will bring me the MMF9! Need you help setting everything up.

    Merry Christmas.

    Post the results of your clamp test with your TT. I'm curious to see if it would work with my setup.
    "I got into the music business thinking it was really radical, that it wasn't really a business at all, that it was a lot of people being artistic and creative. Not true, and it made me very depressed."

    Thom Yorke of Radiohead

    SOPA. Bow down before me, ****. Want a cookie?


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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    amulford wrote:
    If you want to start a swap, I'll manage it. But my Clamp ain't leaving my grubby little paws...


    Ant,

    Lets start the demo/swap. . . you manage it I'll get the little bugger ready.

    Thanks,
    Joe
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited January 2007
    Say oooh la la, the check is in the mail.

    RT1
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    I'll be lookin for it Bro!
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited January 2007
    Hearing....after reading your "clamp" story, I wouldn't mind trying one out. Put me on the list please, thanks.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited January 2007
    There is a swap in progress. Sign up for it HERE
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited January 2007
    hearingimpared wrote:
    We tested the crap out of this bad boy and it did everything I wanted it to do. It dampened airborne vibrations, it drained and dampened stylus vibrations, it flattened out even the most warped of records, wow and flutter seemed to be reduced, etc etc etc. Let's face it the damned thing just plain worked!!!!

    The foregoing summarizes my experience with Joe's clamp today. I was most interested in its ability to stabilize warped LPs, but it delivered the other benefits listed, and very noticably.

    The only issue I had was with my Bluenote table's spindle OD and the shim hole ID on all three shims. I forced the medium thickness shim down on the spindle for my initial test and it was a a 10-minute chore to remove it. I reamed all three shim holes with a couple of twists with a 5/16" HS drill bit, hand held. They now slide snuggly down the spindle and snuggly back off.

    A test record I've been holding back for this clamp (Audioslave, Out of Exile) has severe warp on LP one of two. So much so, in fact, that I had only attempted to play the first cut once because it bottomed the cartridge to the record surface. The clamp, using the medium thickness shim with my Boston Audio Design graphite Mat 1 (recessed label area), removed all but a slight bit of warp on the lead-in. The track played flawlessly.

    On LPs with no warp issues, I used the thinnest shim with marked improvement in overall dynamics and reduced surface noise--perhaps even a fuzz better track separation. This was a pleasant surprise because my setup already sounded excellent, IMO.

    I'm impressed with Joe's design. I can't imagine that I would not have a loyal following in today's vinyl market. Good stuff!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    BlueMDPicker wrote:
    The foregoing summarizes my experience with Joe's clamp today. I was most interested in its ability to stabilize warped LPs, but it delivered the other benefits listed, and very noticably.

    The only issue I had was with my Bluenote table's spindle OD and the shim hole ID on all three shims. I forced the medium thickness shim down on the spindle for my initial test and it was a a 10-minute chore to remove it. I reamed all three shim holes with a couple of twists with a 5/16" HS drill bit, hand held. They now slide snuggly down the spindle and snuggly back off.

    A test record I've been holding back for this clamp (Audioslave, Out of Exile) has severe warp on LP one of two. So much so, in fact, that I had only attempted to play the first cut once because it bottomed the cartridge to the record surface. The clamp, using the medium thickness shim with my Boston Audio Design graphite Mat 1 (recessed label area), removed all but a slight bit of warp on the lead-in. The track played flawlessly.

    On LPs with no warp issues, I used the thinnest shim with marked improvement in overall dynamics and reduced surface noise--perhaps even a fuzz better track separation. This was a pleasant surprise because my setup already sounded excellent, IMO.

    I'm impressed with Joe's design. I can't imagine that I would not have a loyal following in today's vinyl market. Good stuff!

    Thanks for the write up Mike. . . I purposely made the shim holes a tad tight. Delrin especially in thin pieces can stretch and distort. I was showing Antny today how the clamp worked on my VPI and I had to screw the shim on and off. It will losen up after a few uses. Anyhow I am really glad that it works well for you.

    That lead in warp is a funny thing. My VPI platter stops short of the lead in and every warped record I place on it, the lead in bead has a little bump left over but as soon as that stylus hits the first track it is flat as an ironing board.

    I had to realign my cartridge when I started using The Clamp because the clamp that came with the HW19 Mk II was worthless so I had to set up the azimuth using a record instead of a mirror the vertical alignment was off. Try checking your azimuth with the clamp engaged. You may find that it needs to be adjusted and if so you will hear even better stereo separation.

    Thanks again,
    Joe
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  • fredv
    fredv Posts: 923
    edited January 2007
    I too played with the clamp on my lowly vinyl set up - make up from a 40 yrs old Eico ST-70 tube integrated (has 47k and 100k MM input but the 40 years old parts!!), 30 years old Technics SL-1700 DD TT and the equally old cheap shure M75E, and a pair of Dalhquist DQ-12.

    While the clamp doesn't flatten the warped records completely (the lead-in, same as Mike's experience), it flattens enough to allow me to reduce the style pressure for some badly warped records!! That translated to the sonic improvement of the reduction/elimination of the noise caused by the warped records, kind of like rythmic whopping noise when the stylus travels up and down the slope in each rotation.

    My take is that, this clamp is a definitely keeper, and it will improve the vinyl experience even the gears are less than specular. If I ever decide to invest more $$ into the vinyl gears, the clamp will be always there.

    Attached are 2 pics of my cheap set up, it really sounds better than it looks ;)

    -fredv-
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited January 2007
    Initial impressions...

    I haven't played a warped record yet so I can't speak to that.

    However, there is a noticeable reduction in background noise that I had pretty much resigned to as the norm. Awesome. This is particularly noticeable in quiet passages. Detail at both ends of the spectrum seem slightly improved as does channel seperation. So far, so good!

    My only issues are, same as Mike, the shims are snug and so far have been a chore, however, I trust they will losen up. Same with the clamp itself. It's a two hand job to get it screwed on/off properly. Minor issues.

    So far, I'm VERY impressed.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    amulford wrote:
    If you want to start a swap, I'll manage it. But my Clamp ain't leaving my grubby little paws...

    Dude you need to get that back to me so I can adjust it and get that collet polished up looking like gold. Thanks for the call earlier.
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited January 2007
    Got the clamp today and had no problems putting it on. All I can say is stone dead silence which let me hear nothing but the music.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    candyliquor35m wrote:
    Got the clamp today and had no problems putting it on. All I can say is stone dead silence which let me hear nothing but the music.

    Great, I can't wait to hear your further impressions.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2007
    Joe, the clamp arrived today! Man, this thing is so impressive in hand! High marks!!!!! Thanks bud!
    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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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Joe, the clamp arrived today! Man, this thing is so impressive in hand! High marks!!!!! Thanks bud!

    Very cool Rich, thanks. Wait till you get the hang of it you will really love it.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2007
    Lots of changes going on here so I am unable to do an A/B with Da Clamp. My TT upgrade arrives Friday but it needs some work before retiring the Rega. I also received a new phono pre amp Wednesday and need some seat time with it. I have another 9" rack section on the way from VTI :eek: and need to fill it with lead so the TT can be set up properly on the rack.

    My Modwright Sony 9100ES arrives tamale so everything else will just have to take a back seat.
    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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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Lots of changes going on here so I am unable to do an A/B with Da Clamp. My TT upgrade arrives Friday but it needs some work before retiring the Rega. I also received a new phono pre amp Wednesday and need some seat time with it. I have another 9" rack section on the way from VTI :eek: and need to fill it with lead so the TT can be set up properly on the rack.

    My Modwright Sony 9100ES arrives tamale so everything else will just have to take a back seat.

    Rich I am just like you. I've had so many upgrades and tweaks and new equipment and software come through my front door that it will be months before I get to try them all. The diffucult thing is to let it stop where I am right now because if I don't I think my wife is going go crazy glue my jewels to my left leg.:eek: :p
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited January 2007
    Well, getting them glued is better than losing them.....

    I usually schedule my upgrades better but deals came up and I just had to. So don't look to me for discipline or restraint.:D
    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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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Well, getting them glued is better than losing them.....

    I usually schedule my upgrades better but deals came up and I just had to. So don't look to me for discipline or restraint.:D

    I still have to look up those two words in the dictionary to find out what they mean.:D :p
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Well, getting them glued is better than losing them.....

    I usually schedule my upgrades better but deals came up and I just had to. So don't look to me for discipline or restraint.:D

    You don't understand I dress to the right!!!!
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  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited January 2007
    Hi,
    I recieved the clamp from Hearingimpared about a week ago. It is a beautiful thing. It looks and feels like a solid and well built tool. I used it on my crazy glue modified Denon tt. You know they make a solvent for that glue. Sounds like you need it. Lps now are quieter and more dynamic. Without the clamp if you tap on the lp it sounds higher and louder than with the clamp. When you start an lp the click to find the groove is very quiet. I finally had a few days off to spin some lps. The pink floyd never sounded better. Now I want a better head amp. Better hide the super glue. Thanks Hearingimpared for the quality tool to better the vinyl side of things.
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    bikerboy wrote:
    Hi,
    I recieved the clamp from Hearingimpared about a week ago. It is a beautiful thing. It looks and feels like a solid and well built tool. I used it on my crazy glue modified Denon tt. You know they make a solvent for that glue. Sounds like you need it. Lps now are quieter and more dynamic. Without the clamp if you tap on the lp it sounds higher and louder than with the clamp. When you start an lp the click to find the groove is very quiet. I finally had a few days off to spin some lps. The pink floyd never sounded better. Now I want a better head amp. Better hide the super glue. Thanks Hearingimpared for the quality tool to better the vinyl side of things.

    Thank you Jeff. I am glad that it is working for you and you are enjoying it. The more you use it and become familiar with it and your record collection the more you will love it.
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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited January 2007
    Well I got to give the clamp a good demo today. Joe you make a great product man. It gets rid of all of the backround niose and records that did not sound too good are now sounding great. The difference in the sound was unbelievable. Every record now sounds 10 times better with this baby on it. Joe I will be buying one from you one i get some extra funds together. Hats off to Joe.

    Dave
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2007
    Fireman32 wrote:
    Well I got to give the clamp a good demo today. Joe you make a great product man. It gets rid of all of the backround niose and records that did not sound too good are now sounding great. The difference in the sound was unbelievable. Every record now sounds 10 times better with this baby on it. Joe I will be buying one from you one i get some extra funds together. Hats off to Joe.

    Dave

    Thanks Brother, I am humbled by your appreciation of what it does.
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited February 2007
    Got my clamp from Joe today. I'm healed. Hallelujah, hallelujah :D
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited July 2007
    H.I., if you have any left, I'll take one. PM me w/ details. TXS!
    ~ 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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