Dohmann record weight/clamp

[thazeldean]

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 (shit) 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?

 

[Marcus]

You’re talking about MkIII? How much is it?

Mk3 Record Clamp | Dohmann Audio

dohmannaudio.com

 

[thazeldean]

Hello Marcus,

I am unsure who the US distributor is for Dohmann products. The email address below is to one of the Australian retailers.

Dohmann Audio

Dohmann Audio is a high-end audio equipment manufacturer known for producing high-quality turntables and related audio accessories. Founded by the audio engineer and designer Timo Dohmann, the company is renowned for its commitment to precision engineering and craftsmanship. Their products...

www.heynowhifi.com.au

They advertise it for $3,570 Aust.

 

[Down Under]

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 (shit) 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?

I had the Mk II record clamp and acquired the Mk III about 6 months ago.
It is astonishing the difference it makes as you describe.
The Mk II is now a paperweight.
After you have played a few records the clamp becomes quite warm which gives a clue as to what it is doing.

 

[Marcus]

Why is it getting warm?

 

[thazeldean]

I had the Mk II record clamp and acquired the Mk III about 6 months ago.
It is astonishing the difference it makes as you describe.
The Mk II is now a paperweight.
After you have played a few records the clamp becomes quite warm which gives a clue as to what it is doing.

I hadn't noticed that, when I have my next listening session, I will look for the increase in temperature that you speak of.

 

[thazeldean]

Why is it getting warm?

I don't know Marcus, but maybe it is dissipating the unwanted vibrational energy as heat?

 

[Down Under]

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.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Mmm... maybe I should get one of these fine clamps and place it on my head. I'll probably experience better channel balance, tonal accuracy with more depth and perception... ah! The wifey would be happy as!!!

Just kidding T, just kidding matey. just needed to have a stab at it, and this clamp better be doing something at nearly 4grand! Considering the outstanding gear you have, especially those very fine Apogee Diva's from Graz, the Apogee specialist, I'm sure that with each and every tweak, you'll notice quite a difference. Whether these are marginal or fairly significant depends on the overall transparency of your system, which it is! Panels are made to be transparent, there are no cabinets! Zero resonances and no artificial enhancements... every tweak will add to something, even if it's those fancy power cords coming out of your wall, with $1 cheapo hard wire from the AC mains!

Speaking of which, some wise man told me, yes although the power grid is there in its most standard form... then reaches your home AC mains and onto your wall outlets, the wires are getting thinner and thinner (unless of course you've instructed your builder to install 10awg thickness for the audio system, which I've done, and installed on dedicated AC lines just for the audio) then adding high grade power cords will make a difference. Just those few ft or meters from AC outlets to power boards and onto your gear... there's a very good improvement. As you know, I'm using all Nordost power accessories and AC mains units but I won't spend 50-80grand on the Odin Gold 2, hell no! Not necessary, unless you're money bags $$$.

Anyway, that's a totally different topic, sorry to digress... getting back to the clamp. Yes, I have a lot of respect for Mark D's TT's, the Helix line are phenomenal! Way over the top for my humble finances but whenever I do get a chance to listen to one, it's an awe-inspiring experience.
Just thinking about the added weight though on the clamp... hopefully this is not an issue for the main bearing and its overall weight tolerance factor. Maybe that's why it gets warm? Don't know, just thinking with eyes going in circles... If it sounds marvellous then that's all that matters!

Cheers matey, enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ

 

[Coppy777]

Depends on your turntable and its design.

My Rega Planar 10 sounds worse with a clamp or weight.

Enjoy the music...

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Depends on your turntable and its design.

My Rega Planar 10 sounds worse with a clamp or weight.

Enjoy the music...

Yes!!! 110% true mate.
In fact, I've got the RP8 with a few mods/upgrades done towards the planar 8, and various chaps were wanting me to try clamps, weights and even barbells! They would visit my place and bring along all sorts.. to absolutely no improvement, in fact terrible results.
I then actually got in touch with the legend himself! Roy G, advised well against it, saying it will cause undue stress to the main bearing of his designs, and that's all she wrote! As you're well aware, RG doesn't believe in any of these gadgets and his design philosophy has always been, keep it simple, will yield a purer signal.
There was one gizzmo that I did like but couldn't really use it for the long term due to a crazy level of static, would cause the preamp to shut down with a thunderous kaboom, whenever I lifted off a LP from the platter. That was called the Aluminium Disc mat from a Japanese company called Spec. It was really good and I really admire their TT's, superb stuff. Heard one in Spore with Kondo Audio Note Kagaru monoblocks, superb! At the end I just gave away the Spec disc mat, now using a rubber mat made in Germany, equally outstanding and no damn static!

However, this is not the design that T uses, he's got a completely different TT rig and he's very passionate about his analog playback system. Prefers it over to digital any time. So, in this case if T believes that this special clamp has proved to be an improvement, then that's a good thing!

Either way, to clamp or not to clamp... that is the question! I reckon the tooons are fine.
Cheers, RJ

 

[thazeldean]

Yes!!! 110% true mate.
In fact, I've got the RP8 with a few mods/upgrades done towards the planar 8, and various chaps were wanting me to try clamps, weights and even barbells! They would visit my place and bring along all sorts.. to absolutely no improvement, in fact terrible results.
I then actually got in touch with the legend himself! Roy G, advised well against it, saying it will cause undue stress to the main bearing of his designs, and that's all she wrote! As you're well aware, RG doesn't believe in any of these gadgets and his design philosophy has always been, keep it simple, will yield a purer signal.
There was one gizzmo that I did like but couldn't really use it for the long term due to a crazy level of static, would cause the preamp to shut down with a thunderous kaboom, whenever I lifted off a LP from the platter. That was called the Aluminium Disc mat from a Japanese company called Spec. It was really good and I really admire their TT's, superb stuff. Heard one in Spore with Kondo Audio Note Kagaru monoblocks, superb! At the end I just gave away the Spec disc mat, now using a rubber mat made in Germany, equally outstanding and no damn static!

However, this is not the design that T uses, he's got a completely different TT rig and he's very passionate about his analog playback system. Prefers it over to digital any time. So, in this case if T believes that this special clamp has proved to be an improvement, then that's a good thing!

Either way, to clamp or not to clamp... that is the question! I reckon the tooons are fine.
Cheers, RJ

Big Dog is correct about the clamp being turntable specific. I have a Clearaudio Master Reference (hot rodded a bit with assistance from Mark Dohmann). The bearing is a ceramic magnetic bearing, meaning opposing magnets hold the platter in space and the ceramic bearing only contacts in the horizontal plane. This in turn means the mass of the Dohmann weight increases the weight of the total platter assembly and therefore the opposing magnets are slightly closer together but not touching or it wouldn't work. I also had to adjust the minus K for the additional weight of the Dohmann weight, mine is a weight because my turntable spindle is not threaded. I also believe that the metal components in the weight are slightly magnetically attracted to the bearing magnet because it seems to pull the weight slightly. Does it the weight make a difference - in my system - absolutely. Is that difference a benefit - absolutely!!! Would I be without it now - never. Is it worth the money, for me yes. Others should see if they can borrow one from a dealer and try it with their TT and make up their own mind before putting down their hard earned. Isn't this the case with all Hi-Fi equipment.

 

[thazeldean]

Mmm... maybe I should get one of these fine clamps and place it on my head. I'll probably experience better channel balance, tonal accuracy with more depth and perception... ah! The wifey would be happy as!!!

Just kidding T, just kidding matey. just needed to have a stab at it, and this clamp better be doing something at nearly 4grand! Considering the outstanding gear you have, especially those very fine Apogee Diva's from Graz, the Apogee specialist, I'm sure that with each and every tweak, you'll notice quite a difference. Whether these are marginal or fairly significant depends on the overall transparency of your system, which it is! Panels are made to be transparent, there are no cabinets! Zero resonances and no artificial enhancements... every tweak will add to something, even if it's those fancy power cords coming out of your wall, with $1 cheapo hard wire from the AC mains!

Speaking of which, some wise man told me, yes although the power grid is there in its most standard form... then reaches your home AC mains and onto your wall outlets, the wires are getting thinner and thinner (unless of course you've instructed your builder to install 10awg thickness for the audio system, which I've done, and installed on dedicated AC lines just for the audio) then adding high grade power cords will make a difference. Just those few ft or meters from AC outlets to power boards and onto your gear... there's a very good improvement. As you know, I'm using all Nordost power accessories and AC mains units but I won't spend 50-80grand on the Odin Gold 2, hell no! Not necessary, unless you're money bags $$$.

Anyway, that's a totally different topic, sorry to digress... getting back to the clamp. Yes, I have a lot of respect for Mark D's TT's, the Helix line are phenomenal! Way over the top for my humble finances but whenever I do get a chance to listen to one, it's an awe-inspiring experience.
Just thinking about the added weight though on the clamp... hopefully this is not an issue for the main bearing and its overall weight tolerance factor. Maybe that's why it gets warm? Don't know, just thinking with eyes going in circles... If it sounds marvellous then that's all that matters!

Cheers matey, enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ

I had two dedicated 20amp lines installed for my system. Overkill??? Who knows, I have never heard it in that room without the dedicated lines.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I had two dedicated 20amp lines installed for my system. Overkill??? Who knows, I have never heard it in that room without the dedicated lines.

Yes, good stuff indeed matey. In fact 20A is way more than adequate! Plenty plenty.
When we built our new home in 2019 (which you have visited but the system is quite different now...) before installation of all mains wiring, I got hold of a highly recommended electrical crew, who specialise in this sort of application. The chief tech took a good look at my system / gear specs and advised just one 10A dedicated line is all that's required. They installed a much thicker wire with a heavier gauge, 10awg, and a heavy duty CB. Mentioned that this is only domestic Hifi not a live rock concert. The other thing is, even at most loud levels within domestic Hifi systems, those loudest passages aren't nothing more than 40-50w the most. The human ear cannot tolerate 100s & 100s of watts, we'd simply go deaf! And this is why in fact, after a rock concert / fully amplified gig, they generally give us headaches! At least to me they do. The amplification is far to loud- doof doof... and absolute distortion ear-popping loudness levels, and this is where the venue requires 100s or 1000s of watts. Definitely not your home.

At home, what we're after is music to enjoy and relax to. To fully engage in an immersive experience, through carefully selected gear enabling a high level of playback systems. Basically to heighten the enjoyment of recorded music! Nothing more to add.

The other interesting thing the chief did mention is that even though we're using dedicated AC lines on separate CB's... this type of installation is entirely not "dedicated." If we really wanted to fully isolate our precious audio gear from all other electrical devices/ sources, a separate Phase will accommodate this. Most of normal homes are built with just a single phase, which has one AC mains board fully populated with several CB's and wiring running across this single phase. IF you truly wanted this to be dedicated, installing the audio gear onto its own Phase with a separate mains is the ultimate solution but then again who or what type of homes would have more than one phase? Some homes do have more than one phase with its own electrical meter running.
Ah! In fact our one, in former home town Colombo, had three phases! And Yes, I placed the entire audio system solely onto one phase and it was truly amazing! But that's a totally different country with completely different building codes... so no point comparing.
Here Down Unda (Aus) we're not allowed to install more than single phases for our homes, unless it was meant for commercial or industrial development. Specific codes and council approvals need to obtained.
So, even if I had approached the council and told them I need to place the audio system onto a separate second phase... they'll probably think along the lines... that some idiot who's migrated from Colombo wants to plug his radio onto a separate phase...??? Uh? We better refer this guy to the mental institute. And that's all she wrote.

Not having tried these dedicated 20A lines in your same room with your current system, I can confidently say that you would have experienced a whole lot of noise. More pops and clicks when switches are used; the dishwasher kicks in, the fridge starts cooling, the Air con kicks in, even the damn kettle! They all add noise and unwanted issues to the AC mains circuits, so it's definitely a good thing you've get them dedicated for your audio rig. There's no denying that!

Even though sometimes we may not be able to hear every minute or subtle detail, the system as a whole will feel it! Eventually allowing you to hear these subtle nuances in your favourite recordings. When the noise floor is extremely quiet, mostly after business hours when all are snoozing off... you'll hear even more details! That's why I'm still up listening to music right now it's 2:50am, the tooons are fine!

Cheers mate, and enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ

 

[rangda]

Just kidding T, just kidding matey. just needed to have a stab at it, and this clamp better be doing something at nearly 4grand!

I can't speak to the clamp on other tables, but the best analog playback I've ever heard in my life was the Helix 1 (along with that clamp) / SAT arm / Air Tight Supreme cart this year at CAF. I had them play one of my records that I was very familiar with and it was incredible.

It has me pondering how I can possibly afford a Helix 2, even though that would be stretching the budget to the breaking point.