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VPI Scoutmaster - Rubber Washer

Hi,
On the VPI website, there is an FAQ:

Q: "My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?"

A: The rubber washer is meant to be permanently placed over the turntable's spindle below the record. This prevents "dishing" of the LP when it is clamped to the platter using the threaded VPI clamp.

My question is: Do you still use the washer if you also have the periphery ring clamp? "Dishing" wouldn't be a potential problem anymore.

In fact, it looks to me like the record "dishes" DOWNWARD with both the rubber washer and outer ring clamp in use. I think I should remove the washer. Anyone out there have any opinions, stories, ideas, etc.?

Thanks.

Tom
tfkaudio

Showing 2 responses by cincy_bob

cincy_bob
270 posts
 
Tom, I asked the same question you are asking when I recently upgraded my Mk. 3.5 TNT to the Mk. 6 design. VPI indicated that the rubber washer was designed for use with their center clamps and advised that the washer should not be used with the HRX center and periphery ring weights. I believe this advice is also posted somewhere within the VPI web site.
cincy_bob
270 posts
 
Tom, the HRX-model stainless steel center "clamp" is not really a clamp at all in that it is not a threaded, screw-on mechanism. Instead the HRX center weight is simply a heavy (1-1/2 pounds) weight that slides on over the spindle and sits on the center of the LP. This weight is substantially heavier than the old Mk. 5 threaded clamp. When I upgraded my TNT to the HRX acrylic platter, I found that both the HRX periphery weight and the HRX center weight were important to the sound of the new platter. The new acrylic platter is much lighter than the older VPI platters, and I believe the HRX center and ring weights play an important role in dampening vibrations that were previously dampened by the lead and cork materials included in VPI's older model platter composition. For this reason, I suspect it is probably worth the $150 for you to upgrade your clamp to the HRX center weight design.
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