So is bearing wear an issue with these clamps?
$30 Record Clamp Boosts Turntable Performance
By holding the vinyl record firmly in place, the Record Doctor Record Clamp produces a “demonstrable improvement in performance from most modern turntables, from entry-level to high-end audiophile models.” The effect is especially helpful in situations where bass vibrations or high-frequency resonances are an issue, when playing slightly warped records, or when making a digital recording from an LP, according to Pangea. Increased LP stability from the clamp is also said to help reduce wear on the record and stylus.
The low-mass clamp — less than 300 grams — holds the record in place without damaging LP labels or applying excessive pressure to the turntable’s delicate bearings and motor, Pangea says, and has a textured aluminum knob for adjusting clamping pressure. At 44mm tall, the clamp should fit most popular turntables and is available in clear acrylic or with a black phenolic body.
“Every year, the number of people investing in vinyl and turntables continues to grow, with a large number of consumers either first-timers or one-time collectors who return to the fold,” said Steve Niemi, director of global sales at Pangea Audio. “What some newcomers are unaware of, however, is that a deceptively simple accessory like the Record Clamp will help extract the best sonic performance from any album, especially if mild warping or other anomalies are an issue.”
For more information, visit audioadvisor.com.
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...of these clamps several months ago, the aluminum model. It was the best deal I could find and works extremely well. It is very light, so no problem with bearing wear-if this is still a concern you can go with the acrylic model which is even lighter. The clamp is about 1 3/4" tall, so it may interfere with some dust covers.
I hope this helps.