Would this record clamp be worth trying?

nadams
nadams Posts: 5,877
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Curious to try a record clamp, just wondering if I should even bother spending money on this... http://www.needledoctor.com/KAB-USA-Record-Grip
Ludicrous gibs!
Post edited by nadams on
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    If I were to buy a clamp it would be this one.

    http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=36249


    The KAB is not really a clamp and acts more like a weight and is not adjustable to take out warps.

    I've no affiliation with Clearaudio but if you do buy their clamp I'll send you some shims that are used with my clamp. They will help with warp removal and force the record to make more intimate contact with the platter.
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited March 2009
    As a test, I wasn't looking to spend that much money. I don't have that much in my entire TT setup right now, including the new cartridge/needle :)

    But, if there's no redeeming quality of that KAB clamp, there's no point in wasting my money there, either. I'd like the greatest possibility to hear some improvement.
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    nadams wrote: »
    As a test, I wasn't looking to spend that much money. I don't have that much in my entire TT setup right now, including the new cartridge/needle :)

    But, if there's no redeeming quality of that KAB clamp, there's no point in wasting my money there, either. I'd like the greatest possibility to hear some improvement.

    The Clearaudio will give you that improvement.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2009
    Don't waste your money on the KAB, friend of mine got one with the recent TT purchase. It sucked the bass right out. TT sounded better with out it. Then we tested with my new Clearaudio Twist clamp Joe recommended and WOW. Definate immediate no questions asked improvement over not using a clamp. He is going to toss the KAB and has ordered a the clearaudio.
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited March 2009
    Don't waste your money on the KAB Clamp, Noah. I've got it and it's not worth it. You can try mine if you'd like.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • Dagoods
    Dagoods Posts: 32
    edited March 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    Don't waste your money on the KAB, friend of mine got one with the recent TT purchase. It sucked the bass right out. TT sounded better with out it. Then we tested with my new Clearaudio Twist clamp Joe recommended and WOW. Definate immediate no questions asked improvement over not using a clamp. He is going to toss the KAB and has ordered a the clearaudio.

    What he said is 100% correct! I just ordered the Clearaudio Twister clamp today. The difference is amazing. Since the KAB has a bubble level built into it the only good purpose I can see for it is to level the turntable. I am glad it was free with the table. I would have been very disappointed had I purchased it.

    I am glad my friend got it first so I could try it out.:D
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited March 2009
    strider wrote: »
    Don't waste your money on the KAB Clamp, Noah. I've got it and it's not worth it. You can try mine if you'd like.

    Any chance you'd be interested in coming up to the gathering that I'm planning in June? We could all try it out...
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited March 2009
    nadams wrote: »
    Any chance you'd be interested in coming up to the gathering that I'm planning in June? We could all try it out...

    Much as I'd like to say yes, I seriously doubt it. At that point, God willing, I'll have a one month old and a wife who won't be to understanding of my need to get out and have fun.

    We might be able to do a good ol Polkie relay, though. I'm gonna try my best to make the event at HQ on 4/6. If someones gonna be at your place and there, I may give it to them to get to you.

    Or I could mail it to you. Can't imagine it would cost more then a couple bucks.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited March 2009
    Well, I wouldn't want you to be without it for a long time, so if you wanted to box it up and ship, I'd be happy to pay shipping both ways.
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2009
    Joe, that Clearaudio clamp pretty much looks like yours (how it works, components). Are they paying you enough royalties?? ;)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,244
    edited March 2009
    Is there a bid difference in sound quality from a clamp style as apposed to the weight clamp.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Joe, that Clearaudio clamp pretty much looks like yours (how it works, components). Are they paying you enough royalties?? ;)

    Yeah they pretty much got my basic design all the way down to the brass collet.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Is there a bid difference in sound quality from a clamp style as apposed to the weight clamp.

    Weight clamps just stabilize the record. A clamp stabilizes and reduces or illiminates warps and depending on the materials used will dampen stylus & airborne vibrations and energy.
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