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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 4 responses by dopogue

dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Contrarian opinion. I had one of the earlier (two-piece) BDR clamps, found it was no better-sounding than the original from VPI, ended up selling it and going with a Boston Audio Mat I (no clamp) that really DID sound a lot better. Obviously YMMV. Dave
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Alephman, you don't really HAVE to have a clamp on yours. Before I went to the Mat I I was using a Ringmat with no clamp (on my early model TNT) and liked it better than any clamp I had tried. You do have to get past the fact that the Ringmat looks pretty ridiculous.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
No, Alephman, a clamp is not "required" on your TNT. Haven't used one on mine in at least 2 years and it sounds a heck of a lot better than the last clamp (BDR) I DID use. But enjoy yours ...

Dave
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Alephman, I simply stopped using it (and the washer). A friend has a Basis table which is supposed to be used bare-platter, and I thought I'd try it. I found that records sounded better to me -- more open, dynamic and "alive" with them just sitting on the VPI's platter. Then I borrowed a Ringmat and thought it REALLY improved things, to the point where it sounded dull and recessed with both the original VPI clamp and the BDR clamp. Then I opted for the $195 Boston Audio Mat (pure graphite) on a 30-day trial, which I liked better than the Ringmat. That's where things stand now.

Frankly, the TNT still doesn't sound as good as my 1978 idler-drive Lenco L78, replinthed by Jean Nantais, author of the 2000 post thread here on Audiogon, but that's another story. Dave
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