What Made Me Decide To Get A Record Clamp
Curiosity, I suppose, and the greed for better sound. Are you greedy, too?
Some of the clamps available are decently priced and wouldn’t break the bank. I will not pay $200.00 or more for a record clamp, especially when I can find them for a lot cheaper.
Specs Of The Record Doctor Record Clamp
Even though I bought my clamp earlier this year (Jan 2022), it seems to have been updated already as I have the taller record clamp, as they now have a lower profile clamp that isn’t as tall and lighter in weight. I will post both sizes for those looking for specs.
This is important, too, because some turntable lids (dustcovers) cannot be shut fully with a clamp or record weight on the platter. It is not a problem when playing a record, as the lid should be up when playing a record. When you are not using the record player, the dust cover should be down to prevent dust from settling on the platter. It is also great to see a company improving upon its product to satisfy its customers.
I typically remove the clamp when I am not playing records and set it off to the side, then close the dust cover. As my dust cover does not fully close when I have the older, higher model attached to the spindle.
Newer Low Profile Clamp Specs
Height – When fully tightened on record, spindle 1.1″ high.
Weight – 5.4 oz. (153 grams)
Diameter – 3.1″
Older Higher Profile Clamp Specs
Height – When fully tightened on record spindle 1 3/4″ high
Weight – 6.9 oz (196 grams)
Diameter – 3.1″
Materials Used
From what I can tell, only four different materials are used in constructing this clamp.
- Aluminum knurled knob
- Black non-resonant phenolic body (plastic)
- Brass collet
- Black felt washer
How Does The Clamp Work?
The Record Doctor clamp fits over the spindle of your turntable then by turning the knurled nut located on the top while firmly applying pressure to hold the record more stable during playback. This allows the collet on the bottom of the clamp to lock onto the spindle securely. The nut turns clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to unscrew.
If you look at the bottom of the clamp, you will see the collet. The collet has four slits in it, and when you turn the nut clockwise, which is located on the top of the clamp, those four slits slowly come closer together until they are firmly secured to your spindle. When you turn the nut counterclockwise, the gaps in the four slits become wider, allowing the clamp to be released.
If you are familiar with using any woodworking router, it is the same thing as routers using collets to securely hold router bits in place even though they are moving at really high RPM. This is the same general design as this collet.
What A Record Clamp Will Do & Will Not Do
A record clamp will not fix warped records; it might help slightly, but it will not fix warpage, depending on what type of warp record you have. If there is a slight cup to the warped record, it will bring the record to lie flatter against the record. Thereby improving the sound quality.
A record clamp is for improving sound quality. It can help remove or eliminate micro-vibrations and allow the stylus to track in the grooves better. It stabilizes the vinyl record. A stylus is a very fine, delicate tool, and any excess vibrations can lead to distortion during playback. Also, any amount of unwanted movement causes some type of lost playback or distortion.
How Well Does It Perform?
Is it worth it? That is totally dependent upon you. There are benefits that can be gained by using a record clamp, but it will not be like buying a new set of quality speakers. The improvements will be slight but noticeable. At least, this is what I found.
If you have a warped record it might help the needle track better as well as eliminate some vibrations between the record and stylus. It might also help with rumble and feedback issues.
For around $30 bucks, it’s at least worth trying it out on your system. The Record Doctor Record Clamp is a well-built and thought-out design and is cheap enough to see, at least if you hear any improvements in your system, without severely hurting your wallet.
I don’t know about you, but I will never spend hundreds of dollars on a record clamp or record weight, I can spend that money better elsewhere.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid construction. I never see myself replacing this, as this should easily last a lifetime.
- It helps get the maximum amount of musical data from the records.
- Using a record clamp lessens the stress that is put on the turntable bearing than using a record weight. Thereby, there will be less wear and tear on your equipment.
- It can help some with types of record warp.
- Putting on the clamp and removing it is simple and easy.
- The clamp has a decent weight to it.
- I have an acrylic platter on my turntable, which is about 13/16″ inch tall, leaving roughly 1/4″ inch of spindle sticking out when a record is placed on the turntable, and the Record Doctor Clamp still grabs hold of the spindle securely.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Tightening force can be adjusted easily tightened or loosened by simply turning the knob clockwise or counterclockwise.
- In the world of outrageous audiophile prices, this is a cheap way to improve sound and playback or at least experiment using a record clamp.
Cons
- Record weights and clamps are a highly controversial topic, with some saying the excess weight or pressure can ruin your turntable bearing. It is best to reach out to your specific turntable company and ask them about using clamps or weights with your turntable before using it. Most manufacturers will gladly answer your questions.
- Problems can arise using a record clamp on an inexpensive turntable, depending on the suspension of the system.
Tips
Use both of your hands when putting on the clamp: one hand to press firmly downward and one to turn the nut. I usually push down on the black plastic part with my left hand and twist the nut with my right hand.
Contact your turntable manufacturer and ask them if it is okay to use a record clamp on the specific turntable you own, or check out their FAQ page and see if it is there.
To test the record clamp out, it is best to put on a record you know very well. A record you have driven other people nuts by listening too much to it. This way, you have a better chance of hearing slight improvements in sound quality, as you should know the record pretty darn well. Then, base your assessment on how it sounds with and without the clamp.
Other products to Check Out
I have written an article that shows definitive proof of one of the best ways to clean your stylus.
Read my post here: What Is The Best Way To Clean Stylus?
The Final Groove
This is an affordable device to try to see if it adds better sound performance to your turntable setup. Experiences will differ depending on your turntable and setup. It will help with some cupped warped records and allow them to sit firmly against the platter.
I have no buyer’s remorse for purchasing this clamp, as I experienced some improvement in sound quality. It is a well-made clamp that should easily last a lifetime.
Recent Comments