First I would like to congratulate Larry Denham for bringing this product line to market. In this era where we have all seen how unbridled capitalism without proper moral and legal oversight can lead to worldwide devastation, it is refreshing to see that the philosophical underpinnings of our chosen system of trade can work correctly, in that anyone who proverbially builds a better (or more cost effective) mousetrap has the freedom to create a product and make a profit doing so.
The nicely made copper periphery ring is easy to place using the removable plastic centering guide, and quite thin, which makes it clear the underside of the cartridge, stopping the cart from bottoming out on the ring.
I have only used the system for a few hours this afternoon, and again this evening so this is by no means an exhaustive product review. It's only my findings after listing to my Raven One/Graham Phantom table in 4 different configurations. Also since VTA has to be changed for each different platter configuration I tested, there is some chance that VTA differences could account for the some of the sonic changes.
First I listened with my usual setup, which is the Audio Technica vacuum hold down (add on platter) in combination with the Millennium clamp.
In the past I found this to be a large improvement over just the LP sitting on the platter. When I first got the Raven, I preferred the sound of no mat or clamp at all. I found the Millennium mat and clamp squashed dynamics and the life out of the music. Other Raven One owners, however preferred the mat and clamp. I use no damping in the Phantom arm (the European way), which could account for some of my preferences.
I then put in the TTWeights platter, ring and clamp, and listened again. I initially thought the TTweights to be at least as good, and possibly better than the vacuum hold down. The AT vacuum system has not been manufactured since the 80's so it's not really an option for most people to find one in good shape that still has good seals (luckily my unit does).
Then I listened to just the bare Raven platter with no clamp or ring.
In the next round, adding the clamp and ring (to the bare platter) made a significant improvement in bass definition and control. I have to do this test again to determine other parts of the spectrum that benefit, but I can't imagine a Raven One owner not being extremely happy with the upgrade.
Then I added back the copper platter. It really dresses up the Raven One and makes it look like a baby Raven AC. I placed the LP and added the periphery ring and clamp. I now heard what sounded like more detail and ambiance. On Bill Evans Spring Leaves, piano strikes seemed more dynamic and better defined. Instrument placement seemed higher as well. It was as if a spotlight had been shined on the sound stage. Audience clapping on that LP had more of a leading edge than before and was more defined. Based on one's system, I could see some people preferring the copper platter, and some preferring the LP direct on the Raven One's Delrin mix platter, (with the ring and clamp). In an already bright and edgy system, the copper may be too much. My system is rather laid back, so the extra excitement is welcomed. I think it's certainly worth ordering all three parts, and returning the copper platter if it doesn't fit your sonic taste.
In my listening session tonight, with the full platter, ring and weight, Sufjan Steven's Illinois really sprung to life in a way I have not heard before with my vacuum platter. Illinois is a fantastic example of a digital recording that sounds wholly analog, mostly I think due to the lack of mixing and mastering for maximum loudness, lack of over compression and the fact that they recorded many of the original tracks in real acoustic spaces.
The soundstage seemed larger, instruments gained a clarity and separation I have not heard before in my system.
One caveat (at least with the Phantom on a Raven) that is by no means a deal breaker. The Phantom's arm cueing rest sticks out a bit, and means the periphery ring (and the plastic placement guide) must be lowered onto the LP at a bit of an angle to clear the cueing rest. Not a big deal but I thought I'd mention it. I think they might be coming out with a slightly smaller diameter ring, that would provide a little more clearance.
While I can't comment on the benefits of the system on other tables, I think all Raven One owners should try to hear their tables with this system. The more expensive Raven AC has a copper top platter, so perhaps some of magic of that table can be added to the Raven One, for a reasonable cost.
Emailists (System | Threads | Answers)
03-10-09
TT Outer Ring Clamps and TT Clamp
Guys,
TT makes a great product. It was packaged exceptionally well and arrived on time. The pictures speak for themselves. My records are completely flat. I haven't done much critical listening yet, but my first impressions are promising. The two instruments fit on my TT without issue and performed as described.
Attached Thumbnails
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BAT VK-3ix SE
Raysonic CD128
Pro-Ject RM-5 SE
Jolida JD-9A
Behringer DCX2496 w/ Cullen Circuits Mods
Wyred4Sound ST-250/500 (Pair) w/ Nikolas812 Custom Paint Job
Emerald Physics CS2
BW Audio Interconnects
Signal Ultra Speaker Cable
Just wrote this up a half hour ago. Sorry if there are any grammar or spelling errors.
Review of the TTWeight: TTOuter Ring and TTMiddleWeight
Let’s face it; sometimes the high-end requires an audiophile to purchase a piece of equipment blindly. This virtual cliff jumping may destroy the synergy of your system, but the potential exists to take your rig to a new degree of enjoyment.
Feeling daring one evening, I clicked the “send payment” button and purchased a TTOuter Ring and TTMiddleWeight record coupling system. The 600 Gram TTOuter Ring Lists for $ 299 and includes the TTConcentricity Disk. The 1050 Gram TTMiddleWeight Lists for $64.99. Both units were very well packed. The TTOuter Ring arrived in a wood crate, while the TTMiddleWeight was packed in a separate set of padded boxes. Shipping via UPS 3-day Delivery amounted to $ 35.00. My initial total was $ 398.99, but Larry Denham of TTWeights gave me 25% off the TTMiddleWeight and knocked $ 20.00 off the TTOuter Ring. After special discounts, my total was $365.99 – a veritable bargain considering other competitors list periphery ring clamp solutions from $600 to $1,500. To ease the apprehension that I may have just blown some serious change on scrap metal, Larry Denham insures his products with a 100% money back guarantee if not happy.
After unscrewing and razor-blading through the layers of packaging, most audiophiles are ecstatic to finally hold in their hands an artistic piece of aural engineering. This was partially true for me. The TTMiddleWeight and TTOuter Ring are beautifully crafted with fine precision edges that are awe-inspiring. However, the weight of these two instruments was unexpected, and I cringed at the idea of putting what felt so heavy on my delicate Pro-ject RM-5 SE. Sure I knew their technical specs before buying them, but does anyone in the United States really know what 600 or 1050 grams feels like? The TTOuter Ring and TTMiddleWeight combined weigh as much as 291 copper-nickel quarters minted after 1964. That’s $72.75! You’d have to eat three standard foot-long Subway Club sandwiches to increase your body-weight by the poundage of the TTWeight decoupling system. Finally, next time you are in Miami and see a hot blond with twin 660cc non-silicone breast implants (a.k.a. “Double Ds “) walking past you, remember those fun bags weigh nearly half a pound less that the TTWeight gear.
To begin testing, I listened to several records in near mint condition and several with inner and outer warping issues. Each record was listened to all the way through with nothing but the stock Pro-ject screw-down puck on the TT. Then, I replaced the stock puck with the TTWeight coupling system and repeated the listening session.
Installation was fairly simple, however, the TTCentricity Disk would not clear the stylus of my Pro-ject while the tonearm was locked in the “Tonearm rest.” No problem here; I just moved the tonearm from its resting position and gently set it outside the “tonearm rest” to an angle where the TTCentricity could slide gently in and place the TTOuter Ring on the record below. The TTCentricity worked like a charm and the ring sat perfectly centered and even around the edges of the record. Next I simply placed the TTMiddleWeight on the spindle – no screw-down necessary, just be careful not to drop the damn thing as the scene would be much akin to throwing a small aerobics weight at your turntable. The concave base of the TTMiddleWeight sat comfortably on the LP, and presumably focused its pressure around the edges of the record’s labeling to optimize contact with the record and platter.
“Click,” I flipped the switch and held my breath wondering if the motor in my turntable could muster the strength to spin the weight sitting upon it. With relief I took a breath as the platter began spinning with the same ease as it always has. The stylus cleared the inner rim of the TTOuter Ring with room to spare.
The TTWeight record coupling system was a stellar improvement with perfect and less than perfect LPs. My notes across the board indicate a wider more transparent soundstage with better imaging and overall instrument placement. I’m sure this has something to do with the fact that even at eye level with the TTOuter Ring spinning, it was impossible to see any warping on even my most weathered LPs. The TTWeights flattened the vinyl exceedingly well.
One LP in particular that had a wicked warp, despite being purchased new, was notorious for hissing and distortion during the higher notes of all songs. With the TTWeights in place, these imperfections vanished as the stylus floated gently through the grooves. Seriously, that’s just amazing. The space between tracks and softer songs were much quieter as the sound of the stylus over the record was all but a warm and welcoming hum.
Overall, the performance from each record was more natural with greater detail and accuracy, which ultimately translated into a virtually un-fatiguing, lush and utterly live musical performance. I can’t help but love my new copper TTOuter Ring accompanied by its companion solid brass TTMiddleWeight. The TTWeights are not cheap, but they’re still a bargain worth their weight in gold.
