Do Record Weights & Clamps Really Make a Difference? 

I've always felt when it comes to things like this that very seldom does adding "one thing" like a record weight make a total sonic difference. ...but rather when you combine something like adding a record weight ($40), adding some vibration pads ($20), cleaning your stylus & records (free), leveling your turntable (free), working on better speaker placement if possible in your space (free)... That $60 and bit of your time investment can all come together to enhance the playback of your records. Not to mention, honestly, they look cool lol....and watching a turntable "perform", as silly as it may sound, is one of the joys of vinyl collecting :)

I've noticed that I had a few records that refused to sit flat, and yes the weight helped that.

The very FIRST thing you always should do, especially if you have worries about vibrasjons, is to remove the dust cover!!! No weight or clamp can help with that big "sail" being up (or down)! It should always be removed from the turntable when playing! 😃👌

I have that Darkside album you show in the intro. It’s so good. Both albums are great actually. More people need to hear about them.

My Avid Diva has a clamp already „build in“ and I love this british toy very, very much! Greetings from Germany 😉

I use a U-Turn weight and have had it both on the Orbit and the SL-1210GR.

I have dumbell metal spinlock collars that fit the 7 inch adapter perfectly. Home made weight for a record.

The mass is in the center, so no effect on belt or motor. My platter weighs over 10lbs, so i doubt another 400 grams will effect the bearing.

Master sounds weights have very good feedback from customers even DJs are using them. not sure if the improvement is audible but it certainly looks good. ( Im sure Technics 1210 wont mind extra 400g on the platter)

I've tried both, and clamps are definitely the way forward they don't put strain on the motor and bearings and stop the record from slipping especially used on acrylic platters with no slip mats. Improvement in sound I've not heard anything.

Interesting topic, Mark! I have used a (Clearaudio) clamp for about four years now and actually never heard any benefit, aside from looking pretty cool. As a matter of fact, I have one copy of the Police Synchronicity album that sits flat on the platter until I clamp it on….and THEN it warps (which says more about the quality of 80’s vinyl than it does about the clamp. A few months ago I purchased a second hand outer ring periphery clamp and THAT made a significant difference. The bass is tighter and and the sound seems richer and more defined to me. The bonus is that it really makes the record sit flat on my platter, even that pesky Police album. The only problem is that it takes almost as long to take a record from its jacket and sleeve, dust it, put on the clamp, put on the ring, and let the record reach 33.3 RPM (it does make the motor work harder to reach the desired speed) as it does to actually listen to the record. And one of these days, I know that if I am careless, I am going to have a very expensive accident with my cartridge. Streaming DOES have its advantages! On a different note, is that Sigur Ros album you are playing in your video blue?!…

I've recently acquired a Micro Seiki RX-5000 from an old friend who has left us. After trying many platter mats I went with the one designed for it - Their CU-180 solid copper mat weighing several pounds. It is by far the best sounding I have tried and its weight isn't an issue since the bronze platter weighs 45 lbs. However it is very slick and smooth. Some LP's all but stop when using a carbon brush because they're turning on the smooth mat. So although I don't necessarily need one for performance, although I don't know what the results will be, I need one to hold the record in place. I'll go for a lower mass version. Unfortunately the one you use is unavailable.

They just look nice!

Yes they do make a difference...you can hear to...I made my own and heard the difference....also slipmsts change the sound as well and sound different...you're only talking about tiny changes but there is a difference...

So, my issue is the speakers in my music room have enormous bass response, so much so that I get feedback from the LP disc at volumes past 2.5 on my stereo. I'm hoping the 14 oz record weight I just bought will mitigate the feedback. It should be here tomorrow.

I always use a clamp or weight. I had read some time ago to only use a weight on direct-drive turntables and use clamps on belt-driven turntables. I have a Rek-O-Kut weight I use on my Technics SL-Q2 and a Mitchell clamp on my Rega Planar 2. I too believe they make a difference, but not a WOW factor like some people may think. I hear the bass better as it gets tighter and it softens some tinny highs.

A quick note covering this vid along with several others I've viewed this holiday weekend. One of the best components of your particular channel when reviewing, trying, etc. hardware equipment is that you have NO hyperbole IMO and simply share your personal observations in straight ahead manner. 👍 For example, as you mentioned in this vid, there's no "this product will CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND VINYL SYSTEM" or "this accessory is #1 in the world" type comments. Kudos. 💪

When it comes to suspension it would be better to use a clamp instead and it presses the record down but doesnt add the extra weight that could affect a factory suspension system and possibly the bearing -

I have tried several tweaks over many years and nothing ever changes the sound for me. When I’ve been lucky enough to afford a better TT or cartridge or pre amp then that is what makes a difference. Tweaks do not (for me).

I have used one called a Pig on my Revolver turntable for years and I do think it works.

is there a sound test between record slipping and not slipping?

Have you considered turning the volume off so those pesky vibrations from the speakers doesnt vibrate the turntable platter or stylus?

I have used a clamp and also a weight, I can't remember the make of the clamp but it was a well known brand, possibly Pro-Ject or Mitchell but I really can't be certain, whatever the make it was it clamped the record too tightly and made the sound very muddy and dull, I tried it on many records and the results were always the same, maybe it was my turntable at fault, there was no middle ground when clamping a record, following the instructions always resulted in the record being clamped too tightly, so I looked for a weight instead, knowing the difficulties with the clamp I didn't want to go too heavy, I found a weight at 400 grams eventually and bought that, I like the plain simple design and the weight does make a difference in a good way, the bass is better with a little more weight and clarity and the music is more sure footed, it's a small improvement and as I only paid £15 I'm satisfied with that, I am looking for something else however, but that's for after I get my new turntable.

I have had the same turntable since the late '70s. Never had a slipping problem. I see no need for added strain on my direct drive motor.

With a clamp or weight there should be a washer (mine is rubber) that goes over the spindle. Then place the record on the platter and add the weight or clamp. The washer under the center of the record minimizes the over-compression on the center of the record preventing a dishing effect where the outer circumference of the record lifts off the platter. Personally I would rather have a light weight clamp rather than a weight so the amount of pressure can be adjusted. VPI spindles are threaded to allow their clamps to go on this way. Not familiar with how other brands do it.

I use my clamp exclusively on records that are cupped/warped. With the clamp it will press the record flat against the platter without adding much more load on the motor or belt.

Sadly as my setup has two turntable it’s twice the cost. If it’s worth it I’ll buy it.

Myself I don't use a record weight or a clamp. For a record with a warp in it I have to wonder if a product called "Vinyl Flat" is still available.

This will effect weighted tracking force of stylus I’m not saying they are all bad there are some instances where you have to be aware that it can have a counter intuitive balance against the tone arm

What have you got to say as to light weight stabilizer instead of a clamp, of the same weight ?

I was going to answer, and offer my opinion although not from experience, from theory, and my right opinion - something Socrates said. Anyway, I had this long explanation that I had posted on a RU-vid Channel called Channel 33 RPM a year ago that revolved round the same topic; specifically the use, and benefit of a record weight! However, getting to the point for a benefit; if a record is very warped I believe a record weight is beneficial, but not for most records that are very close to flat. Anyhow, I'll simply repeat my opinion, and try to be more brief about a record weight, or even a clamp if it tends to add extra weight. Henceforth, that is the problem with most record weights as they are added to the centre on top of a vinyl record; they add more weight! This additional weight could be perceived, by auditory factors as a benefit; therefore the record weight is a Good Thing. Although as an objective, real world result it could provide a very small benefit to the the sound from vinyl. From this advantage there is a disadvantage. There is going to be a bit of stress to the bearings, and belt as you have said. Furthermore, there is a questionable stress, and load on the motor; but it could be very minimal. For a direct drive turntable I think most record weights are not going to add that much stress; maybe nothing real to worry about. However, we are considering the belt drive turntable design. From what I've learned a long time ago up to Grade 13 Drafting there is the case of Stresses, and Loads. However, I may apply such a Hudson Hi-Fi BigBen, or SmallBen, or SpaceBen Record Weight Stabilizer; the last two weight stabilizers weigh less. I haven't actually answered the question to an absolute yes, or no; but that's the way the record spins.🔉🎵🎶

they improve contact between the record and the platter, and are highly recommended

Would advise to everyone new to this to be really careful with clamps. I have a Pro-Ject ‘Clamp It’ for use with a Pro-Ject X2 turntable. When I apply any kind of tightening to my clamp, it makes my turntable sound really off and ‘ill’! Not sure about other clamps, but a massive issue with the Clamp It is that after grabbing the spindle, it then pulls downward with considerable force onto the record and platter. Pulling down so strongly causes two problems. The biggest one is that it puts extra strain through the bearings and motor structure and audibly causes the platter to spin inconsistently (hence the ill sounding effect). The second potential problem is that by pressing down so firmly at the centre it mildly bows the record, causing it to lift subtly all around the outside edge. Now you have a record that’s not truly flat, which will affect tracking/channel balance. With these issues, the more revealing your system, the more you’ll hear it. It makes more sense to avoid using such clamps, or super heavy weights/stabilisers, on expensive turntables as their motor assemblies and bearings are far more sensitive. I’d rather not damage my expensive turntable for a subtle discipline it brings to the sound. I’m really surprised more isn’t said about the hazards of clamps that pull down so strongly onto the record and platter (and motor structure). I use my Clamp It now as just a stabiliser, so I place it on the record without tightening it and this sounds far better anyway. So my advice is, get a light stabiliser/weight, made from good anti-magnetic and anti-resonant material(s). It’s job is just to engage the record to tame it, not to dominate it! Don’t get a clamp that pulls downward forcibly and don’t get a ridiculously heavy weight. A weight/stabiliser of around 100g will be just enough to tame the record without swamping it. Hope this helps.

At least the clamp is light enough not to destroy the bearing!

Could you pass a double blind test?

Nope, they can flatten records which is nice though. Only TTs with light platters somewhat wear faster with Weights, if your platter weighs 3KG then a 400gram weight wont change much.

I've seen clamps that screw onto the stud. in my opinion these are useful, but the ones that just lean on are of no use, just show off.

Clamps or weights make about as much a difference as adding a High Octave Additive to your sports cars gas tank , it does nothing .

I have both weights and clamps and do feel they make a difference.

It does make a difference, but not necessarily making the sound better though

I received my weight today, it was the 14 oz Fein (sic) and just played Stevie Ray Vaughn "the Sky Is Crying" and yes it made a HUGE difference in how loud I could play the recording. Super clear at 4.0 on the volume setting, at 3.2 it used to feedback. any louder and the cops would be here visiting LOL !

Don’t put additional weight on a turntable motor. It’s like pulling a heavy boat with a scooter. 😂

nah...I'm out. If a get a record that warped it is getting sent back. If the record is no longer available that's hard luck on me. Hard pass.

i have never use this...and will never use...

These contraptions do not improve the sound of a good quality record whatsoever. However the very expensive ones improve the audiophile’s mood. As far as the warped records are concerned- don’t put them on your turntable.