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Question on record clamping

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qualityman

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I have the KAB RC1200 screw down clamp on my SL1200. It works a treat and provides positive benefits (quieter background & better dynamics). My question is does the clamp force dirt from the platter mat to be ingrained onto the non playing surface? I have been using the clamp for the past 8 months with no apparant ill effect but remembering the Lux TT of yester year which used a vacuum to clamp the record to the platter, the increased noise was always a problem caused by grit and dirt being forced into the groove on the unplayed side.
The technics clamp is a much gentler affair than the vacuum and allows variable clamping (how much you turn clamp)but I am a bit worried about cumalitive effect. I certainly do not intend to wash and dry the platter mat prior to playing each record.

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Re: Question on record clamping - LarryI 23:14:36 07/09/06 (0)
I never noticed a problem with conventional clamping. I now have a vacuum table so I am a bit more careful about keeping the platter clean (I use a microfiber cloth).
I always have the platter covered when the table is not in use (I use an unloved record for that purpose).
shot of compressed air won't hurt - OMalley 10:14:17 07/09/06 (0)
watch someone say that it will absolutly hurt and hurt like hell. :-)

~Slainte,
The OMalley
Re: Question on record clamping - qualityman 08:04:50 07/09/06 (0)
Thanks for the response. Henry I would recomend you try the screw down clamp. I have found it to be the second best KAB addon to the SL1200. My hierarchy of improvements is:
1 Fluid damper
2 RC1200
3 Off board power supply
4 Strobe disabler
5 Replace standard mat with Ariston RD 11 mat
I think I will just continue with cleaning each lp before playing using my Hunt Eda brush.
Why is there dirt on your platter mat? - Doug Deacon 07:48:36 07/09/06 (0)
Or on your records for that matter?
As my grandfather taught me, keep your tools clean. They'll last longer and do a better job!

__________
"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger." - JRRT
Re: Question on record clamping - JoeLip 06:31:21 07/09/06 (0)
Hi,
If you're really concerned, then one thing you could do is to dredge each side with a Hunt brush at end of play (sans clamp, that is). If you aren't familiar with the Hunt you should check it out. It has two rows of carbon fibers separated by an inch wide (more or less) velvet pad. This brush is THE way to dry clean the grooves. Best I've ever seen but only at retrieval. To remove that dredged up dust you need an AQ or similar carbon fiber brush. I think the reason that the Hunt brush is so effective in dredging up dust is because the front face of the velvet pad adds mucho strength to the leading row of bristles. The Hunt brush is NOT good for dust removal, unfortunately, at least not in y experience. Use the AQ brush after, and simply whisk away the accumulated dirt.
Also, in my opinion, although there are Hunt and AQ knock offs available from LP Gear etc. you should go with the brand names here. I have tried the cheaper ones and the ones I've tried are simply a waste of money.
Glad to hear you like the clamp on the 1200. If I decide to pull the trigger on one, it will have a clamp. I like what the Mitchell did for my big DENON but it has a short, tapered spindle and it slips on most records.
Good luck, Joe
Apples v. Oranges. - HenryH 06:11:53 07/09/06 (1)
The Luxman vacuum system was far too strong for its purpose. I've heard of that system damaging LPs, in fact. The Sota system is much gentler on LPs yet still provides a firm seal of LP to platter.
As long as you keep the rubber mat on your 1200 relatively clean, no harm should come to your LPs by using the clamp.
I have a SL-1200MK2 but really have no desire to add the KAB threaded spindle/screw clamp.

Henry
A 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
- Too strong a vacuum causes vinyl to out-gas.... - John Elison 06:13:50 07/10/06 (0)
  This produces pits in the groove walls, which is more likely the reason for noise rather than excessive pressure against the platter. All modern vacuum platters have regulators to limit the vacuum to safe levels.
Your paranoia is spreading I just took off my mat to shake any dust out! - Teresa 05:37:18 07/09/06 (0)
My MMF-5 also uses a screw down clamp this does sound logical about dust being ingrained onto the non playing surface.
Teresa

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