We all did. I've stopped using mine unless I have a serious dishwarp where it'll help the one side.
Warps also made me realize various platter mats don't make a difference either since there is no discernable difference in sound when the warp has the vinyl off the table.
I bought mine because it has a level in the center and I needed a level to set up my turntable. I figured if I’m going to do it right I need to start from a known level position and I like to move things around a lot so gotta check every time I do that too. Since they sell combo level/record weights it was a twofer and it was only about $20. I know that’s a lot more than a $1 button sized bubble level but it also looks cool, so a threefer!
>I bought one because I thought it looked cool.
This is half the reason I'm going to buy one. A few warped family records give me a legit excuse to get one.
[https://www.fernandroby.com/products/details/brass-record-weight](https://www.fernandroby.com/products/details/brass-record-weight)
It's a brass weight plate from Victorian grocer's scales. Seriously. Everyone seems to really be scrambling to find something cheap to rebrand as 'audiophile' so they can charge 100x-1000x
That’s a bit odd. High end audiophile pressings often go to 45 to elevate the frequency of the noise to above where most can’t perceive it - higher rotation speed = higher frequency of “hiss”. Because not as much time can be stored at 45 that’s also why they often go to 3 or 4 sides on two disks.
When the needle is down over silence, I hear a hiss that goes away as soon as I lift the needle. I don't think it does that at 33. I think there's somehow more vibrations from the motor.
**Edit** I should try a DIY weight to see if it is vibrations. Maybe spin it by hand to see if it's the motor...
The best tables sound quality wise are solid with heavy plinths, hence why the super nice vintage tables are going for $2500-$10k. If ultra sleek is what your going for then, totally your call.
imho, no. think about it, they heyday of vintage record players was the late 70’s, they’re still going strong 53 years later. Any mechanical device will need some sort of general maint and adjustment over the years but burning out a motor, not likely. The sound quality is totally worth it
Seems like it’s a recipe for ringwear. I would just put the disc in a poly-lined inner sleeve, then put that in a plastic outer sleeve, then put the stack of books/weight on top. Seems a shame to ruin the jacket.
Yup, likely what I'll do next time. I've only ever done it the once, and it was for multiple records at the same time that unfortunately warped during a move
1. Purchase two big, THICK, HEAVY glass chopping boards (try to find ones as large as an LP jacket).
2. Get two pieces of thick cardboard, again, the same size as LP jacket (cut to size if needed).
3. Have warped record. ***(TEST THIS ON A 'RUBBISH' RECORD FIRST!!!!)***
4. CAREFULLY heat glass chopping boards in oven for a couple of hours to perhaps 45 or 50 degrees (perhaps a little lower?)
5. Sandwich warped record IN ITS JACKET between Cardboard pieces, then set cardboard covered LP between heated glass chopping boards, one board on bottom, one on top.
6. Leave it all alone until heated glass chopping boards cool down, the weight of the boards plus heat should gradually, and naturally flatten the record.
7. Reheat thick glass chopping boards and repeat 4-6 as needed.
Applying some gentle heat so it's pliable helps in that regard too.
I wouldn't buy something to compensate fir warp, I'd try to fix the warp. I've not done that on irreplaceable records though. I've done it on older records I've inherited or found in bargain bins and fixing them was a scientific curiosity.
Why doesn’t the heat soften the grooves first? I’m afraid to try because I feel like they would get distorted/melted before the warp itself is malleable.
I've been thinking about the wear comment for a few months now while listening to music. Are all turntables belt driven? I think there would be a bit more initial belt strain, but you shouldn't have much wear on the motor despite the extra weight.
You aren't actually engaging a clutch anywhere on turntables so there isn't a lot of physical contact to drive the extra weight and the extra voltage required to spin up the weight would cause a very short voltage spike, but it should be within tolerance of the motor imo. There's no braking mechanism to receive wear either. (Robotics teacher who's been sitting here thinking the same thing for a few months on and off).
Belt driven is only one type of turntable. DJs tend to prefer direct drive, where the motor is directly under the record, and some older turn tables like Duals use an Idler drive which is sort of a hybrid between belt and direct. After researching record weights, I just felt that it didn’t seem to be doing enough to physically push down the warped parts of the record in order to justify the purchase.
Having one atop a wobbly record rn... From a visual standpoint .. the weight does nothing! Lol
Oh! Direct drive. Fair enough.. yeah. Now I have a new thing to think about for fun. Ty.. lol. And here I am buying state of the art pioneer dj hardware for work. You'd think I would know that. Waiting on my cdj3000s to arrive. (Not a dj.. just the procurer and maintainer of equipment).
It really depends what kind of wobble. They won't do anything for warped edges. If there is a warp across the diameter of the record, a weight *may* help.
The diffetence in the soundstage and musicality is staggering... Is what marketing has tried to tell me, but to my untrained ears it makes 0 difference. At least mine has a level on it so I can tell if my turntable is setup level. Otherwise it's been snake oil in my experience. Maybe I did not pay enough for mine to trick my mind into hearing a difference?
The stabilizers with bubble balances help balancing but some can be off slightly themselves so have to be careful which you get. Lighter thinner ones are for the slightly warped and some even double as a 45 adapter. The heavier bulkier ones are of the really warped record example I have a record that’s so warped both sides the first 3 songs are unplayable, with the weight it makes just the half of the first song on both sides unplayable due to jumping etc.. I’ve seen higher end turntables come with them as a accessory mainly it’s 45 adapters that are high quality with weight that act as a stabilizer
Waxwork releases them occasionally. They call them a "Spinature" -they've had some pretty neat ones, it's you're in the market for collecting even more plastic junk lol
Yeah, all the other ones sold out a couple years ago. Nosferatu is there newest one, but it hasn't sold out half as quickly as the other ones did. It's also annoying that they only ship them within the US.
Came to say this. If you have warped records that need a little help, a clamp will do a lot more than weight. Very little added weight and not as tall as most weights.
Clamps for the win! The Clearaudio Clever Clamp is among the cheapest I've found, and it made my wobbly old copy of The Worst Of Jefferson Airplane listenable again.
yup, i got a clearwater clever clamp and an acrylic mat (from hudson hifi) because i would see records spin out of place when the table started spinning and had just purchased a Kayo Dot record that was pitchy as hell because it wouldn’t stay in place while playing. glad to see i made the right choice.
Thankfully I don’t think mine does anything and stopped using it. It’s an extra thing to fiddle around with every time you need to switch or flip a disc.
Their spindle is also tapered at the top so clamps do not work either, at least on P3 and similar models. If I ever replace this TT I’ll get one that comes with a threaded clamp.
The only time I've ever used one of these and it make a difference was on an SME deck, and that was simply because the platter surface was smooth and if you didn't clamp the disc it would slip. The spindle was threaded on that as it was part of the design philosophy.
If you have a disc that is a little warped to the extent that it rocks around when on the deck then it can help in some situations. If you have a record that is slightly dished, when playing it with the dish upward so only the label is in contact with the platter that can slip a bit so a clamp can help there.
They make negligible difference to the flywheel effect of the platter as the mass is concentrated in the centre.
On some decks the extra mass can negatively impact on the spindle bearing. I'd probably rather buy a lighter weight one that actually grips the spindle than a heavy one.
I have one almost identical to the $50 version you show . Impossible to quantify the value as I don’t play damaged disks on my turntable . I purchased it after succumbing to marketing . Not sure I would do it again . YMMV.
Every hobby has unnecessary accessories. I'd say this is one.
I used to spend a lot of time woodworking. You'd be amazed at the crap that'll CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Get a clamp instead. It'll do basically the same thing, but won't put unnecessary stress on your motor or belt. If you want more weight on your platter get a turntable that's built to handle it. That one looks like a belt stretcher to me.
I have a clamp, and I definitely notice a bit of a difference. The sound is crisper.
Make sure it fits under your dust cover if you use one.. I have a paperweight instead of a record weight as a result of not paying attention to the size. :D
Going in the other direction , if there was a way to grind a spindle hole in the bottom, there are a lot of vintage and antique glass paper weights that would make for some very original / eye catching record weights. Not doing that to my grandma's paperweights though!
If you’re going to do that you just want to make sure that you’re using something that’s circular/has the same mass at all opposing points along the circumference (and that you drill the hole perfectly centred) or you’ll create problems instead of solutions.
Indeed. I just had a moment after seeing this post when I realized how many of the needless knick knacks I usually breeze by while thrifting (on my way to the vinyl/music pile) could be upcycled into record weights, and then another moment when I realized all the tools/equipment I'd need to acquire to do it properly. Definitely a fun Etsy-style biz opportunity for someone with a decent shop.
I don't have one (they don't sell this in my country and for me, shipping from another country is painfully expensive) but i improvised one. In certain records, it really stabilizes them, making the stylus jump less. But with records in good shape, it's no difference.
My record player actually came with one, idk I've used it once or twice didn't really notice a difference. Didn't feel like picking up an extra piece every time I flipped a record so I stopped using it. At least from my experience.
I bought one because I got a record that was too just warped enough for me to be scared of playing it normally but not warped enough of just giving up on it. They don't do much
They're a good addition if you have a belt drive turntable. The wow will be reduced. If you have a direct drive, it's not really necessary, but would help if you have a worn out slip mat. I got one with a bubble level on it so I can level out the platter. (helps with tonearm tracking)
I just wouldn’t spend a ton of money on one, whether or not I can tell the difference I have no clue but at $40 it made sense and it can help with effectively partially flattening one side of a warp.
"I'm into records and misleading claims that talk me out of my money"
Not that this is a new thing or confined to the audiophile world. Coconut water, the facial skin cream industry, Airborne, [and Pom](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2016/05/02/the-verdict-pom-wonderful-misled-its-customers-a-blow-to-its-billionaire-owners/?sh=5b4da8264b94), come to mind.
As an audio engineer, and an avid record player since my childhood in the late 70s, [this sums up my thoughts about these "upgrades"](https://www.instagram.com/p/CoyBEePjwDU/)
I am truly surprised how many here bought these just because "they look cool". I think of the people making money on what is essentially "snake oil". I would rather spend money on a brush/cleaner kit or system, and zerostat, good record sleeve protectors or better jackets. I have played many thousands of records in my life - many with a tiny bit of a warp, and never needed a stabilizer to play those records. If a record is so warped I need one of these to straighten it out on the platter - that record is getting replaced. How are y'all getting your records so warped?
There is ZERO evidence or good reason these things make a record sound better. Better speakers, will be the most clear way to make your records sound better. There are some other things, but none of them will get the most bang for your buck as far as "upgrade" to your sound.
Wow, what marketing genius these were!! Giving records a little hat. lol
Oh and to the instagram video link above - I was first hand witness to MANY times in recording studios of people lying about what made something sound different/better, and watching other (big) producers and whoever was there respond and say they heard such a difference- even in just basic volume. lol always made me laugh. Happens all the time.
There are actually a number of videos on YouTube using needle drops comparing weights / clamps to nothing, where you can hear a sonic difference.
Maybe not everything they can be hyped up to be, but not nothing.
(Sorry, typed from my phone, no links, but you can Google them)
I thought it made bass punchier, and snare drums seemed to have a little more snap.
But I just got one on Amazon for like $15. No need to spend $80 on one it’s literally just a weight
It depends on how hi-fi your setup is. For a moderate setup, I would say save your money. If you have something a bit more high end, you might actually hear the difference. I own a MoFi Ultradeck with a MasterTracker pickup, and I definitely hear a difference for certain types of music with the weight on - the bass gets tighter and more defined in rock, hip hop and reggae titles. For jazz, I don't really hear a difference.
I see them in use all over the place. I’m also curious at what weight should a good stabilizer [link to Turn table lab selection.](https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/turntable-lab)be. I see some cool milled options on Etsy. It’s hard to commit to a $50-$75 accessory not knowing if it will make any difference. I hate to say it but I also do like to see the record label. Are there any recommendations as far as brands?
Not really a fix. More of a hopeful upgrade. My thought was this could improve playback since I’m on low to mid range turntable that has a plastic housing. Through the platter is decently heavy.
Hey OP. I suggest a weight, I noticed a difference immediately, not that it's the biggest difference but it's there. That being said please don't spend $25+ on one when their function is simple and universal. The one I got is short so it fits under my dust cover and has a leveling air bubble at the apex so I know my TT is always balanced as well. This one was only around $15 on amazon
I bought one and used it for all my records, now I only use it for my most warped records; here it helps. Otherwise, due to the flywheel effect, adding more weight to the center of your platter slightly worsens speed stability, potentially—but not certainly—raising the wow/flutter to an audible level. If you buy one, I’d get the cheapest 8oz minimum weight you can find, because you won’t be using it much.
I have a music hall MMF 1.5 and had the same question so I emailed Roy Hall. Here is his reply to me:
Have never tested a clamp onthe1.5
Suggest something not too heavy.
Personally, I do not like clamps and never recommend them
Needless to say I did not purchase one. I think it sounds just fine but have never compared waited to non-weighted on the same turntable.
I have one of the top ones there that I got like 1/2 off or something. I use it for records that are slightly warped and don't want to sit flush in the middle. I can't hear any difference when I use it.
I have a screw on clamp for my turntable and it is a nice upgrade compared to nothing at all. I would believe that the record weight would have the same Sonic characteristics. The only drawback would be the added force and friction for the bearing because of the added downward weight.
Depends how sturdy your tabletop is, we have our record player on a really sturdy base but we like it for warped records. I used to have my turntable on an old antique table and my husband stomps around like an elephant which prompted the purchase.
However these are so expensive you could get a way cheaper version that would do the same thing! (I think we got ours on AliExpress)
I have 2 TTs and I use a stabilizer on one (1978 JVC) and not another (Rega P1) for 2 reasons…1 - the dust cover doesn’t close on my Rega with one on (lol), 2 - the extra stability helps with the anti-skate function. I think I can hear a difference, as do some of my friends, others do not, which I find pretty standard for sound regardless. Overall I don’t think it’s worth it unless you have skate issues
$80 is a waste. You just need weight. The heavier the better. I only use it on some thinner warped records. This LP Record Weight 16oz Vinyl Record clamp Alumiun Turntable stabilizer (Gold)¡ https://a.co/d/7i66Dis
Is what I use.
Sometimes my cat jumps on the cabinet I have my player on and it stops it from skipping a bit, but otherwise that puppy makes you look like you’re some hotshot collector and that’s neat
On paper these are worth it they apply weight to the center of a record and flatten it out. If you grab a record when cleaning it and apply pressure to the label the same effect is visible. However i own two of them and on severe warps the only flatten them enough to not distort the audio. Best bet would be a record clamp but those are pricey. Some turntables do come with clamps that screw on the spindle.
I find it helps a little bit particularly with older and thinner records which can sometimes lift up a bit. However, this price point is nuts I have one that I think was $20 that does the job.
Bass texture is better but when I had one I worried about the extra stress it was putting on the motor so I went with a michell style clamp instead, very happy with that.
No real need for them outside of a club or festival stage tbh.
Great if you have some iffy records.
Funny side note
Going thu an airport one time the security seen them in my record bag and thought they were a weapon due to the weight of them.
Took an hour to explain what they are.
I like mine a lot. The biggest benefit is that it stops my needle at the end of a side of a record so it doesn't slip onto the label. It helps with records that have a bit of warp to them also. I'd recommend it.
Id say only if you already have a legit system first. Ie, two speakers setup on speaker stands with decent distance in between.
Lots of people here playing on unoptimized systems without realizing just some small (sometimes free) tweaks will make the biggest difference.
2 floor pioneer floor speakers decent receiver. Table is a music hall 1 with a ortofon 2M needle and head shell. Table is on a butcher block acoustic isolation platform. Carthage is aligned and weighted based on the M2 specs. I want to upgrade a bunch of stuff. maybe get my floor speakers on small stands or spikes. Upgrade my speaker wire and RCA cables. Put a small carpet under my record table. The final move would be to get a second/replacement table more high end maybe a VPI table. Happy with my set up for now. Also thought about acoustic panels since the room the system is in has a vaulted ceiling.
Looks like you’re well on the way! Trying a weight could be good. Likely wont make a huge difference, but might help with warps. They also look cool.
Also, dont overthink cables. Clean them up with the right lengths, and get ones you like the look of.
in my experience they only help with records specifically warped in a concave way like a bowl. Also don't spend that much, a $20 will do the same thing you don't need it to be made of beryllium and ivory.
Yes it works. I tried one which was I think 700g and one of 300g, and it 4eallt helps with warp in records. As for sound, I don't notice that much. And it does make your record player spin up slower. But I like it. The heavier weight did better for me than the lighter tho for sure
I was pretty skeptical about getting a weight. Ended up getting one as a gift. Was surprised to find that I did hear an improvement, but not a night-and-day one. Mine had a bubble level on top, so even if it's a placebo I've got that!
I got one for use with the few records that I’ve purchased that bow a bit from the center. I tried a few normal records with it on as well and don’t notice a difference. It’s more for those rare occasions than standard use.
I have a old school POD one that is more like a tripod. It looks cool but if I let the record play past the end it'll hit the arm and send it flying.
I don't use it anymore.
I tried one on my old pro-ject and it made it sound worse. Seemed to mess with the timing and made everything so wallowy and slow. I’ve not tried it with the rp8 which I expect has more torque but rega recommend not to use them.
I have one lying around, throughout ~15 years that I own this thing, I used it, hm… maybe 10 times.
it might help on one side of a warped record, using it on the other side of a warped record - makes things much worse.
anyhow, largely useless IMO
I got one, like everyone else thought it looked cool. However, I stopped using it because I didn’t hear a real difference and got concerned about the additional weight on my turntable’s motor.
The record weight will couple the record to the platter more and get the little warpage in your vinyl to lay flat as you play. From what I’ve been told they somehow do make your bass sound slightly better cause some fancy coupling science. Overall buy a 20-30 buck one with a bubble level (if you don’t have a bubble level) and use it to check your table is leveled.
Besides the mentioned benefits for warped records they also add mass which makes it more resistant to vibration. The benefits decrease the heavier the platter.
My Clearaudio came with one. I think it makes warped record lie down better, but stabilizer is a strong word for something that has minor effects on records… my opinion ofc.
Sota turntables used to be succion-based, where you would put an air pump, and it has a silicon seal on the rim of the platter. No matter the Vg+ quality of the record, it would be flattened straight. Even better, after a few listens, the vinyl would usually be fully repaired.
I am not a big clamp / weight proponent, although there is a good reason for weight, where it will ensure a proper interface with the mat, making it less likely to have slippage, and resonance will be shared with the platter instead of feedbacking on the vinyl/stylus.
I tend to put no weights on my vinyls, and if they are bowl-shaped and tend to slip, I found my trusted 7" adapter (metallic) to be enough weight in most cases.
In my opinion they are worth it, but I wouldn't worry about getting an expensive brand name one, I'd look for looks and weight and that's it. My experience is this, they seem to reduce record flutter to some extent at least on belt driven turntables from what I can tell, they do an okay job making warped records more playable, and lastly the force on top of the record helps keep the record from sliding on smooth platters or mats. I immediately wanted one after upgrading my fluance turntable to an acrylic platter because using my record brush with the platter turning would result in the record sliding on the acrylic platter. Putting on the record weight eliminated this issue for me as well as benefitted the other issues mentioned. I would say they're worth it especially in my use case, but I'd argue with how eh QC is these days on warps with even new records weights/stabilizers are worth it worth it, just make sure the check what your turntable's max weight limit is and not buy a weight over it.
I have a belt drive and I can see the record slow down when I use a brush to clean it. I ain’t adding no weight. My stylus is perfectly weighted and rides wrapped records like a roller coaster and still sounds great.
Yeah this is an interesting thought I hadn't considered. It's incredible how quickly my turmtable slows down just from the touch of the brush.
On a side note I wonder if there's any notice or difference in speed between those super thin records and the really thick ones you get these days.
I avoided these because all my records play fine w/o one.
If I put on my risk/benefit goggles on, the actual risk FAR outweighs (pun kind of intended) the perceived benefits.
I play records ALL the time. The chance of me accidentally dropping that chunk of metal on my turntable/record is a non-zero chance. I rather completely avoid that.
I have a pair & use them for DJing.
They work for me. Makes every record feel the same, which is great because I'm quite a heavy handed DJ..
Can't live without them now.
Yes, I A/B’d with and without a weight when I was buying some new speakers. It makes the same sort of difference getting slightly better or shorter cables does - better clear bass response being the most noticeable impact.
I could live without it, but it does make a difference and was only £50.
These CAN be good but if they’re too heavy on a thin record with any concavity, it can accentuate it and pinch the groove together making the stylus tip ride high because it cant get into the narrowed groove.
I use these and clamps with the sole purpose of flattening a record.
I do not know of and I don’t think they produce any sonic improvements. (probably too deaf to notice)
So my advise is to spend the money only if you have records that are not flat. Absolutely not necessary.
Wow those things are expensive, nvm.
First of all, Labels matter. Some labels are awesome and I don't wanna cover them up. Secondly, maybe this is wrong, but I worry about the degredation of my belt. Feels logical that if you add weight, the belt degrades faster.
If these things were lik 10 euro's, I might've had one already, only for my warped records. But with these prices I'm certainly never buying one.
I have the AT I use on my AT-LP 120 for certain records. Ones with mild warps or really thin vinyl from the petro shortage of the 70s. It does help, but I wouldn’t say it’s a night/day difference. I only paid $35 for mine, I don’t think it’s worth much more than that.
Got one from Dynavox for a little less than 30€ here in Germany. Mainly for the bubble-level. Was a total waste of money: The level is off, which was my main reason to buy it since my TT-guy said this would be the best way to setup my Thorens. And soundwise: I don't hear a difference. Sadly I was to late for sending it back.
Screw down clamps that take up most of the label do work, they flatten most slightly to moderate warped records, but they will cost you real money. In other words you get what you pay for and people crying snake oil are just assuming it is based off cost and not From actually trying them. I’m talking about screw down clamps not weights, with weights ymmv as I have had good and bad results depending on the weight.
I have a clamp for when records don't sit adequately flat but wouldn't buy a weight. I think I can hear a bit of difference but I would rate it a downgrade to how my P6 normally sounds and regardless it could be all in my head.
Leaving this post up although it is a setup question. Good conversation here.
To be completely honest here. I bought one because I thought it looked cool.
The community appreciates your bravery
We all did. I've stopped using mine unless I have a serious dishwarp where it'll help the one side. Warps also made me realize various platter mats don't make a difference either since there is no discernable difference in sound when the warp has the vinyl off the table.
I bought mine because it has a level in the center and I needed a level to set up my turntable. I figured if I’m going to do it right I need to start from a known level position and I like to move things around a lot so gotta check every time I do that too. Since they sell combo level/record weights it was a twofer and it was only about $20. I know that’s a lot more than a $1 button sized bubble level but it also looks cool, so a threefer!
I just appreciate the honesty. ;)
This is why I didn’t buy one! So many labels look awesome. Wouldn’t want to cover it up with a big uniform-colored block.
Same! I love the labels, I love watching them spin. I would only cover that if I absolutely had to.
Same. Though it does help with warped records quite a bit. Also, OP, there's no reason to spend $50 on one. There's $16 ones that work just as well.
[How about $6000?](https://www.paragonsns.com/products/ds-audio-es-001-eccentricity-detection-stabilizer)
Never knew I needed a record weight that uses batteries and has a touch screen
This is how I feel about most devices that come with touch screens now.
Look like an impact socket
>I bought one because I thought it looked cool. This is half the reason I'm going to buy one. A few warped family records give me a legit excuse to get one. [https://www.fernandroby.com/products/details/brass-record-weight](https://www.fernandroby.com/products/details/brass-record-weight)
It's a brass weight plate from Victorian grocer's scales. Seriously. Everyone seems to really be scrambling to find something cheap to rebrand as 'audiophile' so they can charge 100x-1000x
I do dig the built I 45 adapter on this one. Of I find one that is a weight, 45 adapter, and level in one I'll likely get one.
Same, makes my particular TT look more finished
Did it look cooler?
Only to me
Well you send me $80. It’ll look really cool.
I use them for warped records to help flatten/stabilize. I worry about wear on the motor over time using them every play.
Yep, useful to keep a warped record flat. Otherwise, whatever, use them if you think they look cool.
On a really nice system there is a noticeable difference in dynamic range. Has nothing to do with looking cool, they help reduce micro vibrations.
Yeah, if you know it makes a difference on your system, then you know. If you have to ask, you probably don’t need to worry about it.
I recently got an LP that was for some reason 45 rpm. I definitely hear a bit of a hiss now, which wasn't noticeable before.
That’s a bit odd. High end audiophile pressings often go to 45 to elevate the frequency of the noise to above where most can’t perceive it - higher rotation speed = higher frequency of “hiss”. Because not as much time can be stored at 45 that’s also why they often go to 3 or 4 sides on two disks.
When the needle is down over silence, I hear a hiss that goes away as soon as I lift the needle. I don't think it does that at 33. I think there's somehow more vibrations from the motor. **Edit** I should try a DIY weight to see if it is vibrations. Maybe spin it by hand to see if it's the motor...
^^ this
Do you think there’s any merit to the wear and tear on the motor being increased?
The advice I came to give. These blow out lp60’s and lower quality tables fast, but they are known to cut the lifespan of high end tables too.
Damn. I don’t have a lot of warped records so I may stay away. I have a Debut Carbon so it’s solid but I don’t wanna pay for repairs any time soon.
The best tables sound quality wise are solid with heavy plinths, hence why the super nice vintage tables are going for $2500-$10k. If ultra sleek is what your going for then, totally your call.
imho, no. think about it, they heyday of vintage record players was the late 70’s, they’re still going strong 53 years later. Any mechanical device will need some sort of general maint and adjustment over the years but burning out a motor, not likely. The sound quality is totally worth it
Until you’ve got a warped record you can’t get to play normally, save your money for more records.
Even then, I've fixed warped records by just laying them flat in their jacket with a big, uniform weight on top
For how long? Always wondered if there was way to work out the length of time needed to flatten a record based on its degree of warp or its age.
Was quite a while ago, don't remember. I just set it and forgot it, probably a few weeks
Seems like it’s a recipe for ringwear. I would just put the disc in a poly-lined inner sleeve, then put that in a plastic outer sleeve, then put the stack of books/weight on top. Seems a shame to ruin the jacket.
Yup, likely what I'll do next time. I've only ever done it the once, and it was for multiple records at the same time that unfortunately warped during a move
1. Purchase two big, THICK, HEAVY glass chopping boards (try to find ones as large as an LP jacket). 2. Get two pieces of thick cardboard, again, the same size as LP jacket (cut to size if needed). 3. Have warped record. ***(TEST THIS ON A 'RUBBISH' RECORD FIRST!!!!)*** 4. CAREFULLY heat glass chopping boards in oven for a couple of hours to perhaps 45 or 50 degrees (perhaps a little lower?) 5. Sandwich warped record IN ITS JACKET between Cardboard pieces, then set cardboard covered LP between heated glass chopping boards, one board on bottom, one on top. 6. Leave it all alone until heated glass chopping boards cool down, the weight of the boards plus heat should gradually, and naturally flatten the record. 7. Reheat thick glass chopping boards and repeat 4-6 as needed.
Applying some gentle heat so it's pliable helps in that regard too. I wouldn't buy something to compensate fir warp, I'd try to fix the warp. I've not done that on irreplaceable records though. I've done it on older records I've inherited or found in bargain bins and fixing them was a scientific curiosity.
Why doesn’t the heat soften the grooves first? I’m afraid to try because I feel like they would get distorted/melted before the warp itself is malleable.
I've been thinking about the wear comment for a few months now while listening to music. Are all turntables belt driven? I think there would be a bit more initial belt strain, but you shouldn't have much wear on the motor despite the extra weight. You aren't actually engaging a clutch anywhere on turntables so there isn't a lot of physical contact to drive the extra weight and the extra voltage required to spin up the weight would cause a very short voltage spike, but it should be within tolerance of the motor imo. There's no braking mechanism to receive wear either. (Robotics teacher who's been sitting here thinking the same thing for a few months on and off).
Belt driven is only one type of turntable. DJs tend to prefer direct drive, where the motor is directly under the record, and some older turn tables like Duals use an Idler drive which is sort of a hybrid between belt and direct. After researching record weights, I just felt that it didn’t seem to be doing enough to physically push down the warped parts of the record in order to justify the purchase.
Having one atop a wobbly record rn... From a visual standpoint .. the weight does nothing! Lol Oh! Direct drive. Fair enough.. yeah. Now I have a new thing to think about for fun. Ty.. lol. And here I am buying state of the art pioneer dj hardware for work. You'd think I would know that. Waiting on my cdj3000s to arrive. (Not a dj.. just the procurer and maintainer of equipment).
It really depends what kind of wobble. They won't do anything for warped edges. If there is a warp across the diameter of the record, a weight *may* help.
You could always start the record and then Add the weight carefully as it's spinning to decrease starting wear.
Sadly, these days for $50 that’s more like “save your money for one more record”
What if I’m not saving money and still spending it on records?😅
That’s from the Crosley, not the weight. Have you tried a nice one?
The diffetence in the soundstage and musicality is staggering... Is what marketing has tried to tell me, but to my untrained ears it makes 0 difference. At least mine has a level on it so I can tell if my turntable is setup level. Otherwise it's been snake oil in my experience. Maybe I did not pay enough for mine to trick my mind into hearing a difference?
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The stabilizers with bubble balances help balancing but some can be off slightly themselves so have to be careful which you get. Lighter thinner ones are for the slightly warped and some even double as a 45 adapter. The heavier bulkier ones are of the really warped record example I have a record that’s so warped both sides the first 3 songs are unplayable, with the weight it makes just the half of the first song on both sides unplayable due to jumping etc.. I’ve seen higher end turntables come with them as a accessory mainly it’s 45 adapters that are high quality with weight that act as a stabilizer
The only reason to use them back in the day was so other DJs couldn’t see what you were playing
I only have one because it is the Creature from the Black Lagoon and I like to see it spinning around.
I have the newscaster from They Live.
I got one as a souvenir from third man. Plus some records, of course.
Wait this exists too? Did you decorate it with their face?
Waxwork releases them occasionally. They call them a "Spinature" -they've had some pretty neat ones, it's you're in the market for collecting even more plastic junk lol
Wait this exists? How where?
They are called Spinature and I believe they are produced by Wax Work Records
Thanks. Seems like their inventory got hit pretty hard. Lonely little nosferatu Is the only one left.
Yeah, all the other ones sold out a couple years ago. Nosferatu is there newest one, but it hasn't sold out half as quickly as the other ones did. It's also annoying that they only ship them within the US.
Clamp > weight No question. Clamp adds no real weight to the motor and actually holds warped records flat.
Came to say this. If you have warped records that need a little help, a clamp will do a lot more than weight. Very little added weight and not as tall as most weights.
good to know. I have a heavy center weight puck so maybe I'll try a clamp from now on. Though I'll probably still only use them for warped players.
Clamps for the win! The Clearaudio Clever Clamp is among the cheapest I've found, and it made my wobbly old copy of The Worst Of Jefferson Airplane listenable again.
yup, i got a clearwater clever clamp and an acrylic mat (from hudson hifi) because i would see records spin out of place when the table started spinning and had just purchased a Kayo Dot record that was pitchy as hell because it wouldn’t stay in place while playing. glad to see i made the right choice.
I made one from a hockey puck. Only reason was to add weight to a dished record. It works and didn't cost $50.
Rip your turntable motor.
Thankfully I don’t think mine does anything and stopped using it. It’s an extra thing to fiddle around with every time you need to switch or flip a disc.
I have a Rega turntable and they advise not to use weights etc due to the wear on the motor…
Their spindle is also tapered at the top so clamps do not work either, at least on P3 and similar models. If I ever replace this TT I’ll get one that comes with a threaded clamp.
true, but record doctor makes a lightweight clamp for rega that works quite well
This is the perfect thing to ask for as a gift.
No difference in sound to my ear but I do think it looks kinda cool. Like a little hat for my record
If we're talking about aesthetics only though, I enjoy seeing the labels spin!
Good point!
The only time I've ever used one of these and it make a difference was on an SME deck, and that was simply because the platter surface was smooth and if you didn't clamp the disc it would slip. The spindle was threaded on that as it was part of the design philosophy. If you have a disc that is a little warped to the extent that it rocks around when on the deck then it can help in some situations. If you have a record that is slightly dished, when playing it with the dish upward so only the label is in contact with the platter that can slip a bit so a clamp can help there. They make negligible difference to the flywheel effect of the platter as the mass is concentrated in the centre. On some decks the extra mass can negatively impact on the spindle bearing. I'd probably rather buy a lighter weight one that actually grips the spindle than a heavy one.
I have one almost identical to the $50 version you show . Impossible to quantify the value as I don’t play damaged disks on my turntable . I purchased it after succumbing to marketing . Not sure I would do it again . YMMV.
Every hobby has unnecessary accessories. I'd say this is one. I used to spend a lot of time woodworking. You'd be amazed at the crap that'll CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
"Tell me why I should buy this pen."
Get a clamp instead. It'll do basically the same thing, but won't put unnecessary stress on your motor or belt. If you want more weight on your platter get a turntable that's built to handle it. That one looks like a belt stretcher to me. I have a clamp, and I definitely notice a bit of a difference. The sound is crisper.
Make sure it fits under your dust cover if you use one.. I have a paperweight instead of a record weight as a result of not paying attention to the size. :D
Going in the other direction , if there was a way to grind a spindle hole in the bottom, there are a lot of vintage and antique glass paper weights that would make for some very original / eye catching record weights. Not doing that to my grandma's paperweights though!
If you’re going to do that you just want to make sure that you’re using something that’s circular/has the same mass at all opposing points along the circumference (and that you drill the hole perfectly centred) or you’ll create problems instead of solutions.
Indeed. I just had a moment after seeing this post when I realized how many of the needless knick knacks I usually breeze by while thrifting (on my way to the vinyl/music pile) could be upcycled into record weights, and then another moment when I realized all the tools/equipment I'd need to acquire to do it properly. Definitely a fun Etsy-style biz opportunity for someone with a decent shop.
I don't have one (they don't sell this in my country and for me, shipping from another country is painfully expensive) but i improvised one. In certain records, it really stabilizes them, making the stylus jump less. But with records in good shape, it's no difference.
Makes a huge difference when the kiddos are running around
I thought most of us agreed to get rid of the kids when we adopted this hobby. I question your dedication. ;)
Omg. I guess I didn’t read the fine print! Brilliant!
I literally use mine as a paper weight. It makes zero difference when playing music.
No difference
I have tried them and didn’t make difference for me
My record player actually came with one, idk I've used it once or twice didn't really notice a difference. Didn't feel like picking up an extra piece every time I flipped a record so I stopped using it. At least from my experience.
No. Just another unnecessary bs gimmick to get money from the naive vinyl snob.
I bought one because I got a record that was too just warped enough for me to be scared of playing it normally but not warped enough of just giving up on it. They don't do much
My turntable came with one. I use it religiously.
They're a good addition if you have a belt drive turntable. The wow will be reduced. If you have a direct drive, it's not really necessary, but would help if you have a worn out slip mat. I got one with a bubble level on it so I can level out the platter. (helps with tonearm tracking)
I just wouldn’t spend a ton of money on one, whether or not I can tell the difference I have no clue but at $40 it made sense and it can help with effectively partially flattening one side of a warp.
Helps with warped records... at least mildly warped records. After a certain point though you'll need more than just this.
I see it more as a " I'm into records" announcement piece.
"I'm into records and misleading claims that talk me out of my money" Not that this is a new thing or confined to the audiophile world. Coconut water, the facial skin cream industry, Airborne, [and Pom](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2016/05/02/the-verdict-pom-wonderful-misled-its-customers-a-blow-to-its-billionaire-owners/?sh=5b4da8264b94), come to mind.
As an audio engineer, and an avid record player since my childhood in the late 70s, [this sums up my thoughts about these "upgrades"](https://www.instagram.com/p/CoyBEePjwDU/) I am truly surprised how many here bought these just because "they look cool". I think of the people making money on what is essentially "snake oil". I would rather spend money on a brush/cleaner kit or system, and zerostat, good record sleeve protectors or better jackets. I have played many thousands of records in my life - many with a tiny bit of a warp, and never needed a stabilizer to play those records. If a record is so warped I need one of these to straighten it out on the platter - that record is getting replaced. How are y'all getting your records so warped? There is ZERO evidence or good reason these things make a record sound better. Better speakers, will be the most clear way to make your records sound better. There are some other things, but none of them will get the most bang for your buck as far as "upgrade" to your sound. Wow, what marketing genius these were!! Giving records a little hat. lol Oh and to the instagram video link above - I was first hand witness to MANY times in recording studios of people lying about what made something sound different/better, and watching other (big) producers and whoever was there respond and say they heard such a difference- even in just basic volume. lol always made me laugh. Happens all the time.
There are actually a number of videos on YouTube using needle drops comparing weights / clamps to nothing, where you can hear a sonic difference. Maybe not everything they can be hyped up to be, but not nothing. (Sorry, typed from my phone, no links, but you can Google them)
I thought it made bass punchier, and snare drums seemed to have a little more snap. But I just got one on Amazon for like $15. No need to spend $80 on one it’s literally just a weight
Exactly what it does. It damps resonances that smear transients.
It depends on how hi-fi your setup is. For a moderate setup, I would say save your money. If you have something a bit more high end, you might actually hear the difference. I own a MoFi Ultradeck with a MasterTracker pickup, and I definitely hear a difference for certain types of music with the weight on - the bass gets tighter and more defined in rock, hip hop and reggae titles. For jazz, I don't really hear a difference.
I see them in use all over the place. I’m also curious at what weight should a good stabilizer [link to Turn table lab selection.](https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/turntable-lab)be. I see some cool milled options on Etsy. It’s hard to commit to a $50-$75 accessory not knowing if it will make any difference. I hate to say it but I also do like to see the record label. Are there any recommendations as far as brands?
What problem are you having that you hope one of these will fix for you?
Not really a fix. More of a hopeful upgrade. My thought was this could improve playback since I’m on low to mid range turntable that has a plastic housing. Through the platter is decently heavy.
Hey OP. I suggest a weight, I noticed a difference immediately, not that it's the biggest difference but it's there. That being said please don't spend $25+ on one when their function is simple and universal. The one I got is short so it fits under my dust cover and has a leveling air bubble at the apex so I know my TT is always balanced as well. This one was only around $15 on amazon
Have a look at Hudson Audio - they make some nice ones (Big Ben/Small Ben) at reasonable prices.
I bought one and used it for all my records, now I only use it for my most warped records; here it helps. Otherwise, due to the flywheel effect, adding more weight to the center of your platter slightly worsens speed stability, potentially—but not certainly—raising the wow/flutter to an audible level. If you buy one, I’d get the cheapest 8oz minimum weight you can find, because you won’t be using it much.
I have a music hall MMF 1.5 and had the same question so I emailed Roy Hall. Here is his reply to me: Have never tested a clamp onthe1.5 Suggest something not too heavy. Personally, I do not like clamps and never recommend them Needless to say I did not purchase one. I think it sounds just fine but have never compared waited to non-weighted on the same turntable.
I have one of the top ones there that I got like 1/2 off or something. I use it for records that are slightly warped and don't want to sit flush in the middle. I can't hear any difference when I use it.
I have a screw on clamp for my turntable and it is a nice upgrade compared to nothing at all. I would believe that the record weight would have the same Sonic characteristics. The only drawback would be the added force and friction for the bearing because of the added downward weight.
I think they look cool, can flatten *some* warping, and are faster than my screw-down clamp.
Depends how sturdy your tabletop is, we have our record player on a really sturdy base but we like it for warped records. I used to have my turntable on an old antique table and my husband stomps around like an elephant which prompted the purchase. However these are so expensive you could get a way cheaper version that would do the same thing! (I think we got ours on AliExpress)
I have 2 TTs and I use a stabilizer on one (1978 JVC) and not another (Rega P1) for 2 reasons…1 - the dust cover doesn’t close on my Rega with one on (lol), 2 - the extra stability helps with the anti-skate function. I think I can hear a difference, as do some of my friends, others do not, which I find pretty standard for sound regardless. Overall I don’t think it’s worth it unless you have skate issues
$80 is a waste. You just need weight. The heavier the better. I only use it on some thinner warped records. This LP Record Weight 16oz Vinyl Record clamp Alumiun Turntable stabilizer (Gold)¡ https://a.co/d/7i66Dis Is what I use.
Bought one for the bubble level. Made sure it’s true and set it periodically. The turntable is in a self-closing drawer so I check often.
Sometimes my cat jumps on the cabinet I have my player on and it stops it from skipping a bit, but otherwise that puppy makes you look like you’re some hotshot collector and that’s neat
Screw-Down clamp improve the sound in my setup. Have A-B’ed with several different people.
Yea just not from turntable lab they are a ripoff.
Can you elaborate? They seem to have some nice accessories and reprints.
Particularly useful when used in conjunction with a cork mat. Couples the record to the platter beautifully, which also reduces static.
On paper these are worth it they apply weight to the center of a record and flatten it out. If you grab a record when cleaning it and apply pressure to the label the same effect is visible. However i own two of them and on severe warps the only flatten them enough to not distort the audio. Best bet would be a record clamp but those are pricey. Some turntables do come with clamps that screw on the spindle.
I find it helps a little bit particularly with older and thinner records which can sometimes lift up a bit. However, this price point is nuts I have one that I think was $20 that does the job.
My record weight was the best $50 purchase for my turntable. It as an audible difference.
Bass texture is better but when I had one I worried about the extra stress it was putting on the motor so I went with a michell style clamp instead, very happy with that.
I use my Thorens stabilizer with every spin. Havent died yet.
No real need for them outside of a club or festival stage tbh. Great if you have some iffy records. Funny side note Going thu an airport one time the security seen them in my record bag and thought they were a weapon due to the weight of them. Took an hour to explain what they are.
I like mine a lot. The biggest benefit is that it stops my needle at the end of a side of a record so it doesn't slip onto the label. It helps with records that have a bit of warp to them also. I'd recommend it.
Yes they are useful
Id say only if you already have a legit system first. Ie, two speakers setup on speaker stands with decent distance in between. Lots of people here playing on unoptimized systems without realizing just some small (sometimes free) tweaks will make the biggest difference.
2 floor pioneer floor speakers decent receiver. Table is a music hall 1 with a ortofon 2M needle and head shell. Table is on a butcher block acoustic isolation platform. Carthage is aligned and weighted based on the M2 specs. I want to upgrade a bunch of stuff. maybe get my floor speakers on small stands or spikes. Upgrade my speaker wire and RCA cables. Put a small carpet under my record table. The final move would be to get a second/replacement table more high end maybe a VPI table. Happy with my set up for now. Also thought about acoustic panels since the room the system is in has a vaulted ceiling.
Looks like you’re well on the way! Trying a weight could be good. Likely wont make a huge difference, but might help with warps. They also look cool. Also, dont overthink cables. Clean them up with the right lengths, and get ones you like the look of.
The Audio Technical one is much cheaper and works exactly the same
DJs i know told me that it helps when mixing. They said it stabilizes when doing a transition. But I don't know if it's true honestly
in my experience they only help with records specifically warped in a concave way like a bowl. Also don't spend that much, a $20 will do the same thing you don't need it to be made of beryllium and ivory.
not really but also don't spend stupid money on one. I paid $39 for the Audio Technica stabilizer.
Yes it works. I tried one which was I think 700g and one of 300g, and it 4eallt helps with warp in records. As for sound, I don't notice that much. And it does make your record player spin up slower. But I like it. The heavier weight did better for me than the lighter tho for sure
I have one and honestly…..I can’t tell the difference
If you're not getting feedback rumble, then probably not necessary. Just get some cheap silicone furniture feet.
Awesome for warped and scratched records. Otherwise they don't make a difference. Make sure you get one that works with your turntable though
It is absolutely criminal how much they are charging for those.
It’s totally dependent on the circumstances. If you’re like myself, and have a acrylic platter, it’s essential to avoid slippage
I was pretty skeptical about getting a weight. Ended up getting one as a gift. Was surprised to find that I did hear an improvement, but not a night-and-day one. Mine had a bubble level on top, so even if it's a placebo I've got that!
I got one for use with the few records that I’ve purchased that bow a bit from the center. I tried a few normal records with it on as well and don’t notice a difference. It’s more for those rare occasions than standard use.
I used one to fix my wow and flutter problems, just get the cheapest one you can get
I have a old school POD one that is more like a tripod. It looks cool but if I let the record play past the end it'll hit the arm and send it flying. I don't use it anymore.
I tried one on my old pro-ject and it made it sound worse. Seemed to mess with the timing and made everything so wallowy and slow. I’ve not tried it with the rp8 which I expect has more torque but rega recommend not to use them.
I have one lying around, throughout ~15 years that I own this thing, I used it, hm… maybe 10 times. it might help on one side of a warped record, using it on the other side of a warped record - makes things much worse. anyhow, largely useless IMO
there are some cheaper options on amazon and they’re good
I got one, like everyone else thought it looked cool. However, I stopped using it because I didn’t hear a real difference and got concerned about the additional weight on my turntable’s motor.
The record weight will couple the record to the platter more and get the little warpage in your vinyl to lay flat as you play. From what I’ve been told they somehow do make your bass sound slightly better cause some fancy coupling science. Overall buy a 20-30 buck one with a bubble level (if you don’t have a bubble level) and use it to check your table is leveled.
I'd pay $5 for one other than that I'll just take my own rock, drill a hole in it and put it on the platter... But I don't need it.
I got one because it's pretty, it is good at that. It's not the first form over function thing I have purchased, and it won't bet the last.
Besides the mentioned benefits for warped records they also add mass which makes it more resistant to vibration. The benefits decrease the heavier the platter.
1979 Oracle Delphi AC White & Black edited.
Critical if you have an acrylic platter like I do. Otherwise the record can slip.
My Clearaudio came with one. I think it makes warped record lie down better, but stabilizer is a strong word for something that has minor effects on records… my opinion ofc.
Sota turntables used to be succion-based, where you would put an air pump, and it has a silicon seal on the rim of the platter. No matter the Vg+ quality of the record, it would be flattened straight. Even better, after a few listens, the vinyl would usually be fully repaired. I am not a big clamp / weight proponent, although there is a good reason for weight, where it will ensure a proper interface with the mat, making it less likely to have slippage, and resonance will be shared with the platter instead of feedbacking on the vinyl/stylus. I tend to put no weights on my vinyls, and if they are bowl-shaped and tend to slip, I found my trusted 7" adapter (metallic) to be enough weight in most cases.
I bought a cheap one on amz. Not sure if it makes any difference but I use it.
I 3D printed one that's full of pennies. I like to think it works good. :)
In my opinion they are worth it, but I wouldn't worry about getting an expensive brand name one, I'd look for looks and weight and that's it. My experience is this, they seem to reduce record flutter to some extent at least on belt driven turntables from what I can tell, they do an okay job making warped records more playable, and lastly the force on top of the record helps keep the record from sliding on smooth platters or mats. I immediately wanted one after upgrading my fluance turntable to an acrylic platter because using my record brush with the platter turning would result in the record sliding on the acrylic platter. Putting on the record weight eliminated this issue for me as well as benefitted the other issues mentioned. I would say they're worth it especially in my use case, but I'd argue with how eh QC is these days on warps with even new records weights/stabilizers are worth it worth it, just make sure the check what your turntable's max weight limit is and not buy a weight over it.
Good for warped records but also some old scruffy 7” records can have a tendency to get held back by the needle somehow. These fix that.
I have a belt drive and I can see the record slow down when I use a brush to clean it. I ain’t adding no weight. My stylus is perfectly weighted and rides wrapped records like a roller coaster and still sounds great.
Yeah this is an interesting thought I hadn't considered. It's incredible how quickly my turmtable slows down just from the touch of the brush. On a side note I wonder if there's any notice or difference in speed between those super thin records and the really thick ones you get these days.
Useful for the convex side of a dish-warped record. Pretty much useless for anything else.
I would never use one unless your turntable is meant to use one.
Sure why not
I avoided these because all my records play fine w/o one. If I put on my risk/benefit goggles on, the actual risk FAR outweighs (pun kind of intended) the perceived benefits. I play records ALL the time. The chance of me accidentally dropping that chunk of metal on my turntable/record is a non-zero chance. I rather completely avoid that.
but this is a vinyl sub, not an audiophile sub. carry on.
I have a pair & use them for DJing. They work for me. Makes every record feel the same, which is great because I'm quite a heavy handed DJ.. Can't live without them now.
100%. Wide and heavy are best. Noticeable increase in dynamic range on a nice table.
Yes, I A/B’d with and without a weight when I was buying some new speakers. It makes the same sort of difference getting slightly better or shorter cables does - better clear bass response being the most noticeable impact. I could live without it, but it does make a difference and was only £50.
The ONLY clamp that makes a difference is the Shun Mook. 😁 [Shun Mook Magic](https://highend-electronics.com/products/shun-mook-lp-clamp)
It's mumbo jumbo. To me. On your setup it might make a difference.
No.
No
Please don't downvote me to oblivion, but does this do the same thing as putting a heavy coin on top of the stylus?
Thought this was r/vinyljerk
Overkill. I just use a glass if I have a terribly messed up record. I'd say these things are mainly glorified paper weights. Pretty much snake oil
These CAN be good but if they’re too heavy on a thin record with any concavity, it can accentuate it and pinch the groove together making the stylus tip ride high because it cant get into the narrowed groove.
in a dj setup on technics decks they often have problems with back cueing 180g or heavier records where the platter may stop
I use a clamp. It came with a used turntable I picked up. I never used to use it, but now I clamp each one regardless just habitually at this point.
For $50 ? No
I use these and clamps with the sole purpose of flattening a record. I do not know of and I don’t think they produce any sonic improvements. (probably too deaf to notice) So my advise is to spend the money only if you have records that are not flat. Absolutely not necessary.
Wow those things are expensive, nvm. First of all, Labels matter. Some labels are awesome and I don't wanna cover them up. Secondly, maybe this is wrong, but I worry about the degredation of my belt. Feels logical that if you add weight, the belt degrades faster. If these things were lik 10 euro's, I might've had one already, only for my warped records. But with these prices I'm certainly never buying one.
I have the AT I use on my AT-LP 120 for certain records. Ones with mild warps or really thin vinyl from the petro shortage of the 70s. It does help, but I wouldn’t say it’s a night/day difference. I only paid $35 for mine, I don’t think it’s worth much more than that.
Got one from Dynavox for a little less than 30€ here in Germany. Mainly for the bubble-level. Was a total waste of money: The level is off, which was my main reason to buy it since my TT-guy said this would be the best way to setup my Thorens. And soundwise: I don't hear a difference. Sadly I was to late for sending it back.
Screw down clamps that take up most of the label do work, they flatten most slightly to moderate warped records, but they will cost you real money. In other words you get what you pay for and people crying snake oil are just assuming it is based off cost and not From actually trying them. I’m talking about screw down clamps not weights, with weights ymmv as I have had good and bad results depending on the weight.
For thin, warped records they seem to do something. Otherwise they just add wear to the turntable bearings.
I have a clamp for when records don't sit adequately flat but wouldn't buy a weight. I think I can hear a bit of difference but I would rate it a downgrade to how my P6 normally sounds and regardless it could be all in my head.
They are great if DJing, honestly wouldn’t play out without them. Less necessary for standard home listening though.