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VPI Record Clamps

To make a long story short my 1 piece record clamp threaded out on me, so I bought the new one with the stainless knob. Then I noticed in a Music Direct catalog Black Diamond Racing has come out with a carbon fiber clamp for $300. The guy at Music Direct talked mt into it. I tell you this thing kicks butt. If you're looking for a new clamp to replace the cheap plastic clamp that comes with the Scout or just looking for an upgrade I'd check it out. It sounds fantastic on my '19 MK IV.
alephman

Showing 6 responses by alephman

alephman OP
107 posts
 
Dopeman,
I have a TNT platter and a clamp is absolutly required. Now in retrospect $300 was a lot to spend on a record clamp, but I've found the BDR to be the best. Carbon fiber absorbes vibrations like crazy and I've noticed a quieter background since using it. I don't regret buying it except for the $300...
alephman OP
107 posts
 
It's not real fun to play with as it's one solid piece. Less background noise, quieter soundstage. I paid $300 and am keeping mine. Yes, I was using the stainless clamp, but traded it in to my dealer. Remember, if you buy the BDR and aren't impressed you have 30 days to get your money back. But I'll bet you'll keep it...
alephman OP
107 posts
 
The new clamp is one piece, just carved out of a hunk of carbon fiber. I heard there were some problems with the 2 piece. Anyway I like it and found it superior to the VPI stainless. I have a VPI 19 and have to have some kind of clamp.
Best,
Chris
alephman OP
107 posts
 
How do you run your 'table without a clamp? What do you do that sounds better? I'd really like to know...
alephman OP
107 posts
 
I have a HW19 with the TNT platter. VPI has discontinued the '19 opting for their new tables with which you have to use their arms. I don't like their arms and wouldn't have one. I have a Graham 2.2. And I think the VPI Scout is a piece of shit. An undamped shakey unipivot arm with no antiskating and a table with no suspension. Try setting that on a suspended floor. But I hear VPI is selling them hand over foot. I would like to have their SDS. I'm on my third PLC and I got it used...
alephman OP
107 posts
 
No, but IMHO the Scout has a questionable arm and no suspension. And I don't by you can impliment antiskating by twisting the tonearm wire. At best you'd need a rock solid platform, probably a wall stand. Mike at VPI has assured me the arm is stable so maybe I was being too harsh.
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