The Universal Record Weight and Basic Turntable, designed in 1980.
Picture taken by Alexander Smit.

There are various weights and record clamps on the market. But most of them are either too heavy or they can not be used because of the clamp mechanism.

For light sub chassis models (Thorens TD166, TD160, Linn LP12, Ariston, etc.) a very heavy weight is not recommended because it may effect the proper functioning of the springs and thus will alter the resonance of the design. If your suspended turntable is well adjusted than the addition of this appr. 360 weight does not alter the suspension. (See the Turntable Adjustement Page.)

A screwable clamp (Michel, Goldmund, etc.) can not be used on a machine like a Thorens TD124 for instance, or on a Roksan Xerxes 10 or 20 turntable (if you leave the spindle in).

When a good turntable weight is used it will give a significant improvement of definition, tangebility of sound and transient response. Furthermore it will deminish distortion.

Some audiophiles consider a record clamp-system like the Oracle or Goldmund as the best solution. Others think that these clamps give tension to the vinyl. The Oracle turntable has a threaded spindle on which the clamp can be screwed down and the record automatically is clamped down in a slightly convex manner.
The Goldmund solution is a clamp which is to be used with their slightly concave turntable mat. The Goldmund consists of different materials and that is important for its working and for the effectiveness. A clamp should not have a negative effect on the frequency characteristic.
Screwable clamps have the disadvantage that additional pressure has to be applied in order to obtain the maximum 'bonding' of record and turntable mat (or nude platter) before it is screwed to the spindle. And because of the pressure the bearing of some designs could suffer in the long run.

I propose a pressure weight that can be used on practically every type of turntable.
It is heavy enough to be effective, and it is light enough to not interfere with the design of the turntable. On top of it this weight can be handled easily because of its ergonomical design.

The material, the volume and shape of a record weight is also important for the sound and its function should always be related to the turntable.
The record weight I devised was first of all judged when listened to on many different turntables. Beware of imitations.

Do never trust manufacturers who start selling you a piece by telling you that the object is beautiful. It should deliver the best sound in the first place. Beauty is secondary.

The measurements are well chosen so that the headshell stays clear from it when it reaches the inner grooves. The height however will not allow most dustcovers to be closed when playing. (But who wants to deteriorate the sound through playing with a dustcover on!)
The base of this design is 70 mm, but can be 80 mm, depending on the aluminum staff which is available in the fatory or work shop. With 7 cm you are on the safe side.
The percentage of lead in the aluminum has an influence on the dampening effect of the clamp on the vinyl. This influence is however relatively small and will only be more significant in high end systems.

The height of 20 mm for the opening for the spindle leaves ample room for practically all spindles that you encounter. If you want to, you can make the spindle hole longer.

I designed this weight in 1980 along with my first Basic Turntable and have used it ever since on various turntables with all sorts of mats: rubber, felt, sorbothane. And it works extremely well.
Even if you use a turntable with a glass mat (I do not advise the use of glass) or an acrylic mat (which I do advise), or if you are not using a separate mat, you can use this weight. In that case always place the weight on the record when it is not turning! (Note: Why don't I approve of a glas mat, read The Turntable Mat)

The 33/45 RPM Turntable Weight
From 2006 Provides:

This is the Special Stabilizer Centre Weight including a 45 RPM adaptorfor for playing 7" 45 RPM discs with large hole, but also for playing 10" and 12" LPs. This is the best and most handy way to play 7" 45 RPM records with a stabilizer weight. The height of the adaptor is 8 mm. Its diameter 39 mm and fits into the chamber.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

This turntable weight is not very expensive if compared to the prices some weights may cost. This weight works well with the Universal Record Stabilizing Ring and works better than the Michell clamp. At right what John Z., a serious audiophile from Great Britain wrote:

This is how to use it:

1. put the adaptor over the spindle.

2. put the record on.

3. place the weight over the adapter.

Now you can play the record. The result: the weight will keep the 7" record firm on the platter and improve the signal
as never before. Naturally this weight gives also excellent results when playing LPs
as it hardly differs from the regular design. Then the adapter is left out.

The design - Copyright 2005-2007 by Rudolf A. Bruil
It may be used by individuals for personal use.

SPINDLE HOLE

There was a discussion on the internet about the right size of the spindlehole and some people suggested that the stabilizer should have a snug fit on the spindle of a particular turntable in use. Spindle diameters vary. In my collection of turntables there is only one which has a spindle with a diameter of 7.25 mm. All other tables have spindles which measure slightly less. So the stabilizer's spindlehole should be at least 7.25 mm. A stabilizr that fits too tight is not easy to handle.

TOTAL WEIGHT

There was also a discussion on what material to take for this weight. Some wanted a heavy weight. They are the people who think that everything that is tight, strong and heavy brings about the best signal. So they think a very heavy clamp is the solution as they also think that damping a turntable with many bithumous sheets makes the music flow. That is not true at all. They forget or do not know that the material and the total weight added do have a specific influence on the quality of the signal.
It is about speed of sound in various materials. The speed of sound in stainless steel is different from that in aluminum.

HARMONICS

The harmonious build up differs also. Specifically the reproduction of the midband shows a positive difference. Why would you like to clamp down a vinyl disc of 125 gr (or 180 at the most) with 2,5 lbs. But not only that. Why would you add such a weight to a realtively light platter with bearing?
Others were afraid that the weight of around 350 gr. (or slightly more) would be too heavy for a Linn LP12 as it would need adjustments of the spring suspension. The Linn Sondek (whatever model) will support the weight of 350 gr. with ease. And what is important as well: the LP12 will benefit from the use of this weight.

See also: The Universal Record Stabilizing Ring

How do you procure either weight?
There are various possibilities:

You can save the drawing of the weight you want to have and print it. Then take the drawing to a metal workshop and ask the machinist to turn the weight you want to have.

If you want the 33/45 RPM weight: the adaptor measures 39 mm in diameter and is 8 mm high.

You also can take the 45 RPM adaptor you are currently using and have it measured by the machinist.

The room for the adaptor should be slightly larger in diameter so the stabilizer slides easily over spindle and adaptor.

Do ask for aluminum. If you take bronze or stainless steel, the proportions (especially the height) of the weight should be recalculated in relation to the density of the metal, in order to not exceed 350 to 390 gr. By using a different metal, you will also have a slightly different sound!

The drawings on this page will give a weight of about 370 grs. You can have it brushed and anodized or you just can polish it yourself which is cheaper. Ask the turner about the cost beforehand.

FOR DUTCH AND FLAMISH READERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE SOME UNDERSTANDING OF THE DUTCH LANGUAGE:

THE ABUNDANTLY ILLUSTRATED SERIES (PHOTO COPY) ABOUT BUILDING A DIY HIGH END TURNTABLE.

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