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Clamp or weight for Technics Direct Drive?

I'm experimenting these days with a Technics SP-15 on the nice heavy Technics SH-15B2 plinth. Right now I'm running a Denon 103R in an Audio-Technica ATP-12T, and so far I like what I hear.

I'm wondering about using something to stabilize the records. I've generally used a clamp in the past, but the SP-15 has a very short spindle, and the collet on my Michell clamp doesn't reach down far enough to grab it. Is there an inexpensive clamp that would work? I could put a thinner mat on the platter, but the Technics OEM rubber mat is nice and does a great job of damping the alloy platter.

Would a record weight be preferable to a clamp? Seems like the Technics has at least some similarities to the heavier non-suspended tables that use a weight. Just not sure if the bearing in the SP-15 is stout enough to take the extra pressure.

If anyone is using a clamp or weight with their SP-10, 15, 25 or SL1200, I'd love to hear about your experience.

David
armstrod

Showing 1 response by radicalsteve

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radicalsteve
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David

I use a heavy Audiolife sub-platter on my SP-10 Mk2 with a heavy brass record clamp. I have also used an AT-666 sub platter as well but the 5Kg Audioplatter fits and gives the SP-10 better grip and micro-dynamics to the point where I can say the performance is comparable to my Micro-Seki RX5000 - comparable, not necessarily the same. The torque on the SP-10 is so great that the start up time is still fast. I don't think there will be any issue with the bearing as the extra weight will not stress the lateral forces.
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