Michell clamp too tight for Spacedeck?

I suggest you take a look at the Bren1 record clamp.
It's really an unthreaded weight. I am the manufacturer
and have sold to many Nottingham owners. Of course you may feel I'm bias so check out my feedback on Agon, Ebay and Amazon

Here are the measurements of these clamp's spindle holes:

Michell: 7.12mm
Acoustic Signature: 7.05mm
Basis Audio: 7.28mm

I recommend you take a look at the Basis clamp. Its overall diameter is about the same as the Michell clamp, but the spindle hole is wider. I'm not sure if the specs are the same for the new clamps since the one I have is about 2 years old.

You may want to contact Nottingham and ask for the spindle diameter of your turntable's platter.

The Michell clamp is too tight. Anyway I sold it away.
Any recommendations for a clamp with the Mystic Mat on the Spacedeck?

Dkzzzz,

Over the last 3 years, I've tried, and still own most of, the following mats:

1. Ringmat XLR Record Support
2. Ringmat Anniversary Record Support
3. Funk Firm Achromat Universal Record Mat 3mm & 5mm
4. Rega Colored Turntable Mat
5. Rega Turntable Felt Mat
6. Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II Turntable Mat
7. Speed Carbon Graphite Turntable Mat
8. Extreme Phono Donut None Felt Mat
9. Boston Audio Mat 1
10. Micro Seiki CU-180 Copper Turntable Mat
11. SAEC SS-300 Solid Turntable Mat
12. Plus others I can't remember now

I've also tried, and still own most of, the following clamps:

1. Thorens Stabilizer
2. Clearaudio Twister
3. JA Michell Record Clamp
4. ClearAudio Clever Record Clamp
5. Acoustic Signature Record Clamp
6. Micro Seiki ST-10 GUN METAL Disc Stabilizer
7. Basis Audio Reflex Clamp
8. Few other metal record stabilizers I can't remember

IMHO, the most quiet sound is achieved with a mat and a record clamp. I currently have on my turntable the Boston Audio Mat1 with the Basis Audio Reflex clamp. In my system, this combination produces the blackest background, with deep, textured, and articulate bass. The rest of the audio frequency is simply pristine. Overall, there is more space between instruments.

The Mystic Mat + the Michell Clamp should produce similar results, IMO. A reflex clamp will be quite handy at flattening either dished or warped records, so that the azimuth and the VTA are not altered. The mat and clamp combo should also help dissipate the energy from the stylus by dampening the record.

Im using a clamp with my spacedeck/mm.... at first it was a michell clamp, but i butchered it and made my own as the michell was too tight. The mystic mat definitely works with a clamp.

Why would anyone use clamp?
I read that audiophiles experiment with different mats in hopes of decoupling a record form the platter and dampening the resonance/ vibration in the record.

when I bought the Funk Achromat, I found I preferred the sound without a clamp. It's also less hassle. So I no longer use my clamp - and actually sold them.

Not to highjack this thread, but I am wondering: Why would anyone use clamp?
I read that audiophiles experiment with different mats in hopes of decoupling a record form the platter and dampening the resonance/ vibration in the record.
Would not any clamp provide tighter contact between LP-Mat-Platter thus increasing a chance of resonance?
I might be wrong here but the tighter/stiffer the structure the better sound travels throughout...

Are you suggesting that I remove the collet from the clamp and just leave it on the spindle for prolonged periods of time to "enlarge" the collet?

yes, I would do this for an overnight, and maybe place/remove it a few times by itself (ie not inserted in the clamp). If that doesn't loosen it up, I'd find something slightly larger than the spindle (a bolt, or screwdriver, etc)to enlarge it slightly.

To: Bdgregory:

Yes, the collet seems to be very tight fitting on the spindle. Placing the collet on the spindle is ok but the removal of the collet from the spindle literally lifts up the platter as well.

Are you suggesting that I remove the collet from the clamp and just leave it on the spindle for prolonged periods of time to "enlarge" the collet?

No, I do not have the Michell clamp, but I do have the Harmonix clamp with outstanding results.

do you mean the collet won't fit easily on the spindle? I have 2 of these clamp and the older one fits loose, the new one initially fit very tight. I had to mash it onto the spindle with moderate force. It loosened up with a little use though. I believe if you remove the collet from the clamp you may be able to hasten the "loosening".