Record clamp


Hello Audiogon Forum,
I have a Rega P3 turntable with a Kiseki Purple Heart phono cartridge. I am wondering if utilizing a 5.4 ounce light weight record clamp will add to the sound quality at all or will a record clamp hurt the turntable in any way?
Thanks so much for your input.
andyhifiman

Showing 3 responses by tablejockey

Kiseki Purple Heart-$3200 MSRP cart
Rega P3 $900. Is this a typo, and should be P8?

Did I read the OP's question correctly?

Save your money for a P8, and the best phono stage you can afford. You're not hearing the potential of the cartridge. I'm sure it's a considerable upgrade from what you originally had, but the P3 will never be able to show the PH in it's best light.

Current Kiseki user and former Rega owner.

Hopefully your purchase of the Kiseki wasn't influenced by a sales person. That's a serious table/cartridge cost/performance imbalance going on there. Shame on the sales rep if was.
  "I am surprised to hear that everyone seems to feel the P3 is greatly restricting the phono cartridge although in the future I will consider a turntable upgrade."

The goal is to get that cart to play its best. The P3 won't  allow this. The phono stage should be paramount at this point. IMHO. 

f your playing your P3 with a $3-500 phonstage, you're in for a surprise upping it to a $2k+ model(your future table needs it).

The Rega does not need a clamp. Or rather, a "clamp" may not work on the short spindle. It would need to be long enought for a a rubber washer to dish the record flat with the clamp. The Rega doesn't need a clamp or weight.  
This is an interesting thread. Inexpensive, good value table with overkill cartridge being used.

As mentioned in earlier post, any clamp suggestions such as the Record Doctor Clamp may not work because of the Rega having a short spindle. 
I wonder if it is their way of discouraging aftermarket clamps?

If the tweak bug has overtaken you that much the Origin Live suggestion would work since it just rests on the spindle with no "clamping" actually being done, and does what its claimed to do.

At $250(shipping) or so, it's nearly 25% of the table. Not an issue at this point-It can go with the cart when you're ready for the table upgrade.

Just my opinion-It's a $900 table. Enjoy it as is. I wouldn't go any further until you have the best phonstage you can afford. Add ons/tweaks will not compare with the investment.

Arguably, you're trying to improve upon practical, economical get to work sedan into a sports car.