Outer Platter Record Ring Clamps

[MylesBAstor]

When they work, they are a Godsend and one almost forgets about issues with warped albums. And of course we know the effect of warped records upon the sound, etc. But every so often, there are albums that aren't quite 12-inches in diameter and the ring clamp either slips completely over the album or doesn't completely clamp the record. It's not that common but it seems three labels are especially prone to this issue: Classic Records, early 45-rpm jazz albums from Chad and lately as I've been obtained more and more, early paper thin Three Blind Mice albums. The worst is unquestionably the early TBM Dynawarp clones. So there's a double whammy going on here. Not only is the LP warped but one can't flatten it with the outer record clamp. Uggghhhh.....

Anyone played with the different record flattening devices? Never thought I'd need one but....

[Rob]

Are you asking two questions? I tried the VPI ring clamp at the dealer, something "Flinstonian" about it, i prefer vac hold down, hands down.

For dished records or semi severe pinch warps get yourself an ORB flattener, I did, best 'accessory' for the money.

[Rust]

Nah, Flintstone would be spinning up the record and shaving the edge with a box cutter.

[nc42acc]

What about us Barney Rubbles that cannot fathom or afford buying a vacuum hold down table? I guess I am just stuck in the stone ages with my VPI periphery clamp I just bought.

[MylesBAstor]

Are you asking two questions? I tried the VPI ring clamp at the dealer, something "Flinstonian" about it, i prefer vac hold down, hands down.

For dished records or semi severe pinch warps get yourself an ORB flattener, I did, best 'accessory' for the money.

From what I understand, clamps and vacuum are sonically opposite. IIRC, clamps have better low end and vacuum has better top end. But yes, vacuum would seem to be the better answer in this situation. But you have to be careful with both, perhaps vacuum more, so as to avoid damaging the B-side.

And yes, I was thinking now about an ORB flattener. So you find it really works?

[Rob]

From what I understand, clamps and vacuum are sonically opposite. IIRC, clamps have better low end and vacuum has better top end. But yes, vacuum would seem to be the better answer in this situation. But you have to be careful with both, perhaps vacuum more, so as to avoid damaging the B-side.

And yes, I was thinking now about an ORB flattener. So you find it really works?

Compare any screw down or locking center clamp and/or ring to vacuum hold down. You can do this by tapping on the vinyl in different spots with the stylus in the groove (not spinning of course) and the volume turned up. You get a damped 'thud' with vacuum because its 'clamping' with equal force across the entire record, tightly coupling it to the platter. The Versa can pull like 8Hg which is equal to ~4 pounds of clamping pressure per square inch! Tap a record with just a screw down clamp, even with the ring clamp and you get a higher pitched 'thunk' this is resonant energy being transmitted through the vinyl back up the cartridge - not good. JB developed a pliable mat made from Teflon that works beautifully and inhibits dust particles from being embedded into the vinyl. There's a guy reproducing his version of the Versa mat, I got a sample and promptly returned, it deviates too greatly from JBs ideal.

[JCOConnell]

There is a vendor advertising in the back of stereophile or absolute sound selling a warp flattening device for LPs. It is essentially two pieces of metal that the record gets clamped between and then gets heated in a special warming bag. cost is very reasonable. I just don't recall the name or brand of it. But it wasn't ORB I don't think....

[JackD201]

Lived with an outer ring clamp for a few years. I almost lost a toe on more than one occasion. I live happily with VHD now. I don't find keeping the platter and B-side clean to be much more work compared to using a ring. In fact it's a lot less work especially if you don't happen to have a resting area for the clamp anywhere near the turntable as is my situation. I also now no longer worry about accidentally hitting the cantilever of my carts. Scary with them pesky mosquito carts like the XV-1t and the Goldie S.