Awesome thread. Thank you for sharing. My eyes went right to Steve's chimes the first time visited his page years ago. Like you, I've always wanted to make a set. Maybe someday. You definitely have inspired. Can't wait to see your finished product.

Kamran, I think you jinxed me on this warped record thread…

One I got a few days ago, is warped worse than any record I’ve seen in a while. It sits better on one side than the other, but still plays ok on both sides and sounds fine, so I might just keep it - purchased on Discogs.

Vinyl play, with a good combo of TT, cart and phono pre, is my favorite part of this hobby. Good digital is great too, but the sound can be more real with records. IMHOANDWTHMYSTUP

Display hanging system done.



DHS is in place with all the chimes hung. This is just the beginning of the finishing process. Each chime will be taken down and fine tuned by ear, buffed to a bright finish, restrung, and hung in proper sequence.



The threading problem was resolved without enlarging the hang holes. The use of a paper clip, Bunch-O-Balloons filling tube, and precision hot plate was used in making a guide for the hang line.

I saved the BOB filling tubes after someone brought a couple packages of the water balloons to camp. The kids loved them and I saw the spoil's had possibilities. My thought was that the individual tube would make good spray nozzle extenders for lubricants and such. It seems that the tubes supplied with the spray cans always get misplaced never to be found again.

The BOB tube was evenly heated on the hot plate and stretched to just the point of being under sixteen inch OD. With the use of the paper clip inserted in one hang hole and the tube in the other HH, the paper clip is easily inserted into the tube serving as a guide to feed the tube in the opposing HH. The fishing line is easily guided thru the reworked BOB tube.



All the chimes can be struck lightly with pleasant results giving enough time to take a seat in the Chariot's sweet spot and enjoy as the vibrations fade  

LiquidBlue wrote on Yesterday at 22:43:27:

I am using the Delrin platter from Groovetracer, and the Groovetracer weight as well, without a mat. I tried it with the Herbie's Audio mat. . . and prefer it without. Handles most any record except truly warped ones.

LOL Donnie— perish the thought!

I still love my digital, though it has taken a backseat for the past couple of months while I explore a new frontier. Also, with proper care and cleaning those pops and crackles are largely negated.

The gymnastics you all go through to listen to hiss and clicks!

Sorry I am not a believer in the church of vinyl.
Excommunicate me, shun me, burn me at the stake!!

Chris, thx for the feedback on the SOTA Clamp! I think I’m going to eventually go for it and use it with my stock mat for those few records that need a little help.

Vijay: No worries at all. I was also not initially clear that I actually owned one. Yes 👍 have both the stabilizer and mat combo from Stack. I really like it. For the first few months I tried the stock mat that came with my TT and was afraid to use the SA mat thinking it might negatively impact the VTA as it’s considerably thicker (not confident enough to fiddle around with the VTA myself). However, curiosity got the better of me and I started using it a month ago and I haven’t looked back. I also did A/B/A test recently and came out hugely preferring the SA mat over stock.

I owe you guys a full story on my TT and Cart upgrade—will post separately on this forum.

Cheers everyone!

Kamran

I didn’t realize you already had the Mitchell clamp. Sorry for my pedantic explanation then! The SOTA Reflex Clamp looks slick. It wasn’t on my radar years ago, when I was looking. Looks like a great solution.

Maybe off topic, but I’m curious how you like the Serene Mat and if you notice improvement. Are you using the stabilizer/weight as well? My table has a Delrin platter and with the Mofi Super Heavyweight, does pretty well with vibration control. They recommend not using a mat with this setup, but I’m always curious. The Auva EQ’s have been working well for me, so I’d imagine their turntable products are very well engineered, as well.

Kamran - With that perfect intro here it goes. I have a SOTA Reflex clamp on a SOTA Star Sapphire Vacuum table and out of all the tables and clamps I have had over the years, the SOTA is an end game for me. Minor warps are not an issue but if I bought a record that had a major warp it would be going back. As a stand alone clamp it is very well built and I would give it a try and if doesn't make a huge difference return it allowed time. Happy listening and happy weekend, Chris.

Vijay, I actually got the Michell Clamp (it was listed for $80 so not sure if it's the real deal) but two things happened.

1) I realized after some trial and error that I couldn't use it with my stack audio mat.

2) I then lost the plastic washer (looks they also at some point had a felt version of the same washer) behind my rack and that damn thing is so small that I will have to disconnect a lot of equipment to get back there and hunt for it using a magnifying glass.

One of these days, I will either get off my lazy bum and look for it or buy a replacement. I am actually surprised nobody has yet mentioned the SOTA Reflex clamp, which apparently has rave reviews.  I've been eying that recently.

I hear what you say about investing money in records vs. tools. As Vinyl is becoming more of a focus since this summer, I am having the same predicament now.

JHC: I should add that Wayne's Audio periphery clamp on to my original options list.  Thx--that was not on my radar.  That said, it looks a bit cumbersome to use and  some of my records have minor warps at best.