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Weight, Clamp or stabilizer?

I have a vintage Pioneer PL-560 Direct-Drive Automatic Turntable purchased around 1980. 
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-560.shtml
I'm trying to get it to produce the best sound its capable of.  I plan to order a set of SVS subwoofer feet to replace the worn feet (I have an SVS subwoofer and removed its feet and temporarily placed them on the TT base with good results).  I read an article about TT tweaks.  A few things they suggested were an upgraded mat, clamp and isolation feet.  Thing is since the TT is a direct drive I don't know how much extra weight it can take (if any), and the spindle is about 7/8 inches tall so I don't know if that's enough for a clamp.  The original rubber mat it came with is in great shape. Do I need to replace it, too? I'm willing to invest in tweaks to improve this turntable, but not interested in replacing it.
mewsickbuff

Showing 1 response by skipskip

skipskip
42 posts
 
New mat, definitely.  Rubber ages even if it seems new.  Don't try to fix a warped record with a weight or clamp unless its the only copy...there are plenty of either new presses or 'good' copies at some price point.  A wobbly record will wear unevenly and depending on your pitch sensitivity will drive you crazy.

Change the needle/cartridge to something about $150.

Buy new MFSL anti-static original master sleeves and keep the paper ones as nostalgia.

Buy a motorized, liquid washing system, approx $200-$500.  I have found this is the best way to clean but also remove static before playing.
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