Haztone Posted December 7, 2024 Posted December 7, 2024 I would be the first to admit that I am cynical about some of the apparent voodoo tweaks that seems to pervade this hobby of ours (green paint on the edge of CDs for example). I have a fairly analytical mind and find that I must be able to place some logic behind what I am spending my hard-earned cash on! For example, I struggle a bit with paying ridiculous sums for power cords when the wire from the fuse box to the power point is $1/metre or less and made with less than audiophile grade (****) copper. Interconnects however, I can justify, and they do make improvements/differences to the sound. Fuses for $12.5k each, I could never justify in my logical brain, which brings me to the subject of this discussion, the Dohmann record weight/clamp. The weight can be purchased threaded, which permits it to be screwed onto the Dohmann Helix range of incredible turntables. My turntable (Clearaudio Master Reference) does not have a threaded spindle, so Mark suggested I try the device as a weight. Previously I have used a clamp, and I must admit that I was a bit skeptical of this because I like the idea of the record being effectively held down on the platter. The Dohmann weight arrived the other night and I immediately put it to the test. I have to admit that I was totally unprepared for the improvement in sound quality. My system is fairly high-end, and I had always thought the sound to be extremely good. What aspects of the sound does the weight improve? I hear you ask, so here are my initial impressions: A lowering of the noise floor, which in my system was low to start with. A large expansion of the soundstage to well beyond the speaker sides and the soundstage depth increases. This, in turn, makes for better separation of vocalists and instruments in the soundstage and the ability to better focus on one particular voice or instrument. A small reduction in sibilance without any lowering of the treble energy. I have no idea how it makes these improvements, I think it is some form of magic, but whatever it is, Mark is onto something here. I do know that my existing record clamp will be for sale soon, if anyone is interested? 2
jfds Posted January 7 Posted January 7 I have had similar result with heavy record weight replacing lighter one on Bryston turntable. Any chance of posting an image of Dohmann record weight ? Do you know its weight ? Mine is 780 grams.
BATMAQN Posted January 7 Posted January 7 At $3570.00 you would hope it makes a difference. Just saying 1
muzzagruzz Posted January 7 Posted January 7 I bought the Clearaudio Innovation clamp for $600 (RRP $1400.00) from Audio Connection when they were selling off their Clearaudio gear. Honestly, that was silly money to pay for a clamp that holds a record flat. Sure, it probably helps the arm to track better but it really doesn’t do much else - IMHO.
PKay Posted January 7 Posted January 7 A guy on whatsbestforum said "My partially scientific opinion is that it is definitely absorbing unwanted vibrations and the material in the core is exothermic which turns this energy into heat releasing it in an acoustically benign manner. We are not talking Class A heat,more like AB". The theory sounds interesting. I couldn't justify the cost on my system, but if you have a Helix TT it is a small proportion and FOMO may prompt the purchase. It would be difficult to resist the temptation.
jfds Posted January 8 Posted January 8 Paid $100 for my record weight (Project) - well worth the cost IMO 1
David A Posted January 8 Posted January 8 18 hours ago, BATMAQN said: At $3570.00 you would hope it makes a difference. Just saying I guess it's relative to the cost of Mark's tt's. Having seen that record weight in the metal at the SNA show and spoken to George Moraitis about it's design, I can say it is the real deal. 1
SonicArt Posted January 11 Posted January 11 The Origin Live GRAVITY is 67 grams...! It's questioned all the time as to what if anything could it do, but OL cites exactly the same design parameters and resonance control. Its multi inner and outer layer construction floats loosely on its little brass screws, and it has made a positive impact on every table i've tried it on. 1
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