The CLAMP - Official Swap Thread

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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2007
    Got it out of the mailbox this AM. I'll give a listen and post my thoughts in the next couple of days.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • miner
    miner Posts: 1,305
    edited February 2007
    Any Rega P5 users try it yet? Will it clamp to the short Rega spindles?
    [
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2007
    miner wrote:
    Any Rega P5 users try it yet? Will it clamp to the short Rega spindles?


    It should work on the Rega P5. If you can post a good picture of it I'll be able to tell by looking at. THis clamp was designed to get a tenacious grip on even the shortest of spindles. If after you place a shim and record on the spindle there is any spindle above the record surface the clamp will grab it.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    Miner,

    I have the P-25, same thing basically as the P-5. Yes, The Clamp, works just fine with the Rega spindle, I give it a hearty thumbs up, get one while you can.

    RT1
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2007
    I’d like to start out by saying that I’ve never been a fan of audio widgets and have found most of them to be nothing more than snake oil designed to separate the listener from their hard-earned coinage. Search some of my past posts and you’ll get the picture.

    Far too often there are few practical improvements to be made to tried and true music reproduction methods. Let’s face facts here folks, a turn table is a nothing more than a really old method of reproducing music. Certainly there are levels of music quality that lower end pieces of equipment simply can’t reproduce because of their design, quality of components, mass, and of course, proper set up.

    With this in mind, read on.

    I opted to get in on this little experiment because hearing is believing, or disbelieving…. right? Right! The only true measure of any piece of equipment, new fangled or geezer gear, is in the perception of the listener. Had this been a “Stack 15, circa 1963 uncirculated pennies on your speakers” kinda thing I would have passed it by without a second thought. Obviously this equipment swap is a little bit different. There’s someone’s reputation on the line and that should not be taken lightly, nor should it influence anyone’s opinion.

    I should also state that I had not read any other reviewer’s comments. I wanted to do this the right way and not let anyone else’s opinion influence my own. Yeah, I’m kinda anal I suppose…go figure.

    So, what the hell was I using to test out The Clamp? Here’s a list of my humble little system

    Anthem AVM-20 Preamp
    Outlaw Audio 7100 amp
    MusicHall MMF-2.1 Turntable
    MusicHall Phono-pac
    Grado Stylus
    Polk Audio Lsi-15’s

    I picked a few albums that I felt were good candidates for an A/B shootout. The tracks are in parenthesis.
    Foreigner – Double Vision (Hot Blooded)
    A definite improvement in the clarity of the vocals and overall soundstage. It was less of a strain to actually place the vocals within the soundstage but the instruments seemed muddy and smeared regardless of the clamp being used.

    Bad Company – Desolation Angels (Rock’n’Roll Fantasy)
    Pretty surprising results on this cut. The overall affect was pleasant to say the least. Nice change from previous listening sessions with this particular track.


    The Police – Ghost in the Machine (Invisible Sun)
    Superb improvement in not only vocals but in the overall sound quality as well. I particularly liked the improved bass notes.


    Don Henley – Building the Perfect Beast ( All She Wants To Do Is Dance)
    The biggest improvements on this track were the female back-up vocals. The harsh, almost grainy sound of their voices was replaced by a more soothing and smooth sound. The steel drums were exceptionally improved and I caught myself pushing my jaw back up to its correct position.

    Grover Washington – Winelight (Just the Two of Us)
    Hard to improve on this recording but I did note a bit more detail in the mid-ranges. Gotta love Mr. Washington’s talent!

    Yes – 90215 (Owner of a Lonely Heart)
    This is one the most technically perfect albums I’ve ever heard. The amount of forethought that went into the arrangement and placement of the instruments within the soundstage is sheer brilliance. The improvements were subtle, but audible. Increased clarity and detail.


    Pink Floyd – The Wall (Comfortably Numb)
    Possibly the greatest album of all time, and one of my favorite PF tunes. I noticed an increased level of bass and slightly brighter highs. It’s difficult for me to say that there was a dramatic improvement because this track always grabs my gut.

    Phil Collins – Face Value (In the Air Tonight)
    This album is in such poor shape that nothing short of a miracle could help it. Sounds like a Rice Crispies commercial.

    So, what’s the bottom line? The clamp can have a positive affect on many, if not all albums, provided that they are in decent condition to begin with. There’s nothing that can make and abused album sound good. Would I recommend this device to the average guy that likes a little background music, absolutely not. No offense if that’s you, but you simply won’t benefit from it.

    So who would I recommend it too? Just about anyone that truly enjoys music for what it is. I don’t see this as a gimmicky tweak; I see it as a way to improve the sound quality of the system you currently own. It’s a great addition to an entry level turntable rig or even a mid-level system. High-end folks, can’t help ya. I’d have to defer to some of the more vinyl oriented guru’s here.

    So, if there are any left in a couple of months when A/C season is in full swing I’ll buy one.

    Seems that I’ve been a bit wordy compared to some of you slackers.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2007
    Thanks Frank for a very well thought out, time consuming test and review.
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2007
    I knew it...too long. DAMNIT!
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited March 2007
    Frank Z wrote:
    I knew it...too long. DAMNIT!

    I thoroughly enjoyed your review. When it comes to audio, this is the right place to be long winded.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    candyliquor35m wrote:
    I thoroughly enjoyed your review. When it comes to audio, this is the right place to be long winded.

    AMEN!!!
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited March 2007
    Thanks! If I get my fat arse out the door tomorrow the clamp will be on it's merry little way. As much as I'd love to get one right now I simply can't. We're leaving for Moab in a couple of weeks and I can't dip into the vacation fund.

    If there's one still available in a few months I'll be all over it like flies on the crap wagon.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited March 2007
    I would like to be added to the list as well. Just got my TT from the UPS guy today, so I should have some good ear time in when it comes my way.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    strider wrote:
    I would like to be added to the list as well. Just got my TT from the UPS guy today, so I should have some good ear time in when it comes my way.

    Done!!!
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited March 2007
    Wodom,
    The instructions and the clamp are going in the mail today. The instructions will probably get there a a day or two ahead of the clamp.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited March 2007
    It's in the mail.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    Josh, please let me know that it arrived safely.


    Thanks
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited March 2007
    Me too! I insured it for $150, so it's covered if there's any problems.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    Josh did you finally get the clamp?
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited March 2007
    hearingimpared,
    Check your PM's.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • wodom1
    wodom1 Posts: 1,054
    edited March 2007
    Hey guys, sorry I never replied to this thread. I've been working some insane hours for the last week and a half. I picked the clamp up at the Post Office yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, I won't be able to try it out as it doesn't fit on my table, so I'll be forwarding it on to the next person on the list. My table doesn't extend far enough out for me to even use it with the tray open, as the piece the Clamp locks onto is directly under the cover with only about 2" of vertical clearance. Can I get the address of the next member so that I can send it over in the next few days?
    "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?


    Polk Audio LSi15
    Polk Audio LSiC
    Polk Audio FXi30
    Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080P LCD HDTV
    Sony Playstation 3
    Outlaw Model 990 Pre/Pro
    Rotel 985 MK II
    Rotel 1072 CDP
    Soundstage Vacuum II tube pre
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    wodom1 wrote:
    Hey guys, sorry I never replied to this thread. I've been working some insane hours for the last week and a half. I picked the clamp up at the Post Office yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, I won't be able to try it out as it doesn't fit on my table, so I'll be forwarding it on to the next person on the list. My table doesn't extend far enough out for me to even use it with the tray open, as the piece the Clamp locks onto is directly under the cover with only about 2" of vertical clearance. Can I get the address of the next member so that I can send it over in the next few days?

    No sweat Josh, I'm sorry it didn't work for you. I sent polrbehr a PM and copied you on it asking for his addy.
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    edited March 2007
    PMs sent to HI and wodom1.
    Looking forward to the demo.
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited March 2007
    wodom1 wrote:
    Unfortunately, I won't be able to try it out as it doesn't fit on my table....

    Sorry to hear it wouldn't work for you. In regards to your absence, I thought it was like what happened at our house when we received "The Clamp." We all sat around the table looking at it for days, saying something wonderful is going to happen.: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 March 2007
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Sorry to hear it wouldn't work for you. In regards to your absence, I thought it was like what happened at our house when we received "The Clamp." We all sat around the table looking at it for days, saying something wonderful is going to happen.:D

    WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

    What happened???:D :p
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    hearingimpared wrote:
    OK. By popular demand we are going to have a little swap for The Clamp.

    For those of you who don't know what The Clamp is, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD.


    The ground rules are simple.

    1) Post your name IN THIS THREAD if you want to participate in the swap. Then PM me with your usual information. Your name will be listed in the order it appears.

    2) When you receive The Clamp, you have THREE (3) WEEKS to play around with it. You will receive the shipping address of the next person in line to demo it. The cost of shipping it on will be on you.

    3) Post your thoughts and findings in this thread. The whole point of this swap is for you and others to be able to check it out. You might want to, but others may gain interest based on what you say. so say it...

    4) Use it as explained in the directions. If you break it, you bought it. If you do break it, let Joe know immediately, he might be able to save your turntable...

    Pretty easy, huh?

    Check it out. You will be surprised...



    THE LIST

    1) candyliquor35m (carl)

    2) Fireman32 (Dave)

    3) Frank Z

    4) wodom1

    5) Polrbehr

    6) Shoester5

    7) DarqueKnight

    8) pblanc

    9) Strider

    10)

    Wodom1, Josh, can you clear out your PM box, I'm trying to find out if you sent the clamp to Polrbehr yet. I haven't heard anything since 3/21 and I wondering if there is a problem. Polrbehr if you received the clamp or have had correspondance from Josh please let me know.

    Thanks,
    Joe
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  • wodom1
    wodom1 Posts: 1,054
    edited March 2007
    hearingimpared wrote:
    Wodom1, Josh, can you clear out your PM box, I'm trying to find out if you sent the clamp to Polrbehr yet. I haven't heard anything since 3/21 and I wondering if there is a problem. Polrbehr if you received the clamp or have had correspondance from Josh please let me know.

    Thanks,
    Joe


    I'll be sending it out tomorrow, insured for $150. Work is killing me...can I go back to college so that all I have to worry about is drinking and meeting girls?
    "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?


    Polk Audio LSi15
    Polk Audio LSiC
    Polk Audio FXi30
    Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080P LCD HDTV
    Sony Playstation 3
    Outlaw Model 990 Pre/Pro
    Rotel 985 MK II
    Rotel 1072 CDP
    Soundstage Vacuum II tube pre
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    edited March 2007
    wodom1 wrote:
    I'll be sending it out tomorrow, insured for $150. Work is killing me...can I go back to college so that all I have to worry about is drinking and meeting girls?

    No sweat here.

    Just got my TT up and running again, as a matter of fact!

    I'll be on the lookout.

    Still got my addy, wodom1?
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • wodom1
    wodom1 Posts: 1,054
    edited March 2007
    polrbehr wrote:
    No sweat here.

    Just got my TT up and running again, as a matter of fact!

    I'll be on the lookout.

    Still got my addy, wodom1?

    Yeah, I've still got your PM. Tonight is the first time I've logged on here in like a week...it's going to take me a while to catch up...
    "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?


    Polk Audio LSi15
    Polk Audio LSiC
    Polk Audio FXi30
    Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080P LCD HDTV
    Sony Playstation 3
    Outlaw Model 990 Pre/Pro
    Rotel 985 MK II
    Rotel 1072 CDP
    Soundstage Vacuum II tube pre
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    Whew . . . dude I thought you were MIA. Thanks for responding so quickly I was ready put an APB out in the Clubhouse LOL!!!
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  • wodom1
    wodom1 Posts: 1,054
    edited March 2007
    hearingimpared wrote:
    Whew . . . dude I thought you were MIA. Thanks for responding so quickly I was ready put an APB out in the Clubhouse LOL!!!


    Nah, I've been here for over five years and don't plan on going anywhere. I've been averaging 80 hour weeks for the last month so I'm just worn out.
    "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?


    Polk Audio LSi15
    Polk Audio LSiC
    Polk Audio FXi30
    Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080P LCD HDTV
    Sony Playstation 3
    Outlaw Model 990 Pre/Pro
    Rotel 985 MK II
    Rotel 1072 CDP
    Soundstage Vacuum II tube pre
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2007
    wodom1 wrote:
    Nah, I've been here for over five years and don't plan on going anywhere. I've been averaging 80 hour weeks for the last month so I'm just worn out.

    I know you've been here a long time, I wasn't worried about you skipping town I was thinking more on the lines of what Antny's going through. I've done those 80 to 100 hours stints, they really knock the heck out of you and it takes a week or two to recover if you do it for any length of time. Heck the money sucks too because all the overtime knocks you into the 45 to 50% bracket.

    Hang in there Brother this too shall pass.
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