may we expect a blind A/B listening test with either a Little Ben or Big Ben record weight that retail for less than $36 USD?
Titanic Audio Newton Record Clamp
I’m sure most of us use some kind of record clamp to stabilize the vinyl we’re spinning, whether old or new. Lately, I’ve felt like updating mine, so I’ve been looking at a number of clamps across the SRP spectrum, from the readily affordable up to the ogle-worthy budget busters. Somewhere between those two SRP poles is one such clamp that recently caught my eye — namely, the striking model shown here, the Titanic Audio Newton record clamp.
Some background first. Titanic Audio, a company that falls under the Titan Audio brand umbrella, are known for their fledgling cartridge line — they currently offer three of them: the Model A, Model G, and Model S carts, all of them MCs — and their gear is handcrafted in Northern Ireland. (More specifically, the company resides on Adelaide Street in Belfast.)
The Titanic Audio Newton record clamp utilizes a “specially engineered” levitation system. It’s a spring-loaded suspension consisting of ten individual springs, which is said to “automatically adjust accordingly to exert ideal downforce, pressing the record onto the platter to perfect stability.”
The company further notes that the Newton clamp is compatible with “all” turntable models, and it pairs with additional accessories such as felt, rubber, cork, and leather mats.
The Newton clamp is tensioned through a monocoque chassis that offers a reflective chrome finish and carbon-fiber accents, and it is made of CNC-machined aerospace aluminium. The clamp measures 80mm in diameter and 30mm in height, and it weighs 200g.
Finally, the SRP for the Titanic Audio Newton record clamp is £500. Which end of your budget spectrum does that SRP land? Let us know in the Comments section below.
For more about Titanic Audio, go here.
Titanic Audio gear can be purchased directly from the company here.
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COMMENTS
Ridiculously expensive
Submitted by Tom L on Mon, 2024-07-22 19:39
I have two relatively inexpensive clamps that both work just fine. It's easy to judge the proper clamping force by feel without requiring a "spring loaded suspension".
To the question....
Submitted by Anton D on Tue, 2024-07-23 08:27
"...the SRP for the Titanic Audio Newton record clamp is £500. Which end of your budget spectrum does that SRP land?"
It is beyond my event horizon for price for that category.
No offense to them.
Remember the PIG?
Submitted by rich d on Tue, 2024-07-23 12:54
Does anyone remember the Revolver pig clamp from, oh, a few years back. It worked well with mildly dished records and weighed next to nothing, so no issues with slowing or bearing wear. Probably helped reduce rumble on some 'tables but I never measured, nor did I perform an a/b with a stethoscope.
The best part? It cost less than the sales tax on the item described in this article. Sheesh.
Here! Here!
Submitted by Glotz on Tue, 2024-07-23 19:51
Burn the witch! Burn the witch!!!
This product was created by the Devil!!
The only product this satan clamp belongs on is the Metallica shatter star turntable by Project!
LMAO.. the above comments are sooooo fuckin funny. Same shit every day.
Burn the lot of them!
To be an adult with disposable income... this awesome product would be fine on a $10,000 turntable set up.
And I would gladly sacrifice any one of these heretics above for it. Just ask.
(Anton can live of course...)
LMAO.
The Revolver Pig... lol.
Submitted by Glotz on Tue, 2024-07-23 20:02
It was a worthless little piece of rubber that couldn't clamp the nipples of gimp.
I owned the Revolver 30 plus years ago... for 2 days. Spindle was bent on shipment or dealer set up and actually passed off on me.
Needless to say I was pissed and the dealer made it right- by selling me a used VPI HW-19.
THAT made it better. The VPI reflex clamp and/or 2 piece clamp were among the first and best of it's kind. Very imitated.
Also very bullshit expensive at $125, then $150, then...
Deal with it. We all do. Bespoke shit made by small companies equals expensive.
Pretty simple rule of economics. People don't complain when it's furniture, art or anything (but audio).
If you want the best out of your table, you pay for the well-engineered accessories. The 2 piece clamp at $35 did the same job as the $125 stainless steel and Delrin one, but to have more ergonomics and a more balanced weight distribution for spinning a record is the reason for the cost, among many others.
Interesting design...
Submitted by Anton D on Wed, 2024-07-24 12:55
It appears to clamp to the spindle then use spring loading instead of only mass for its function.
Kind of a shock absorber thing.
Interesting.
My comment was about the price point question only. (I LOVE record clamps.)
I know... just having fun.
Submitted by Glotz on Wed, 2024-07-24 15:23
Everyone can say whatever they want. I was just being dramatic for effect. Lol...
I think the clamp under review holds promise but I would need a next level turntable - Acoustic Signature, Michell, Clearaudio, etc.
I drew the line at the HRS ADL weight at $300 and it sounds great. I bought it as a demo at a discount.
Audibly better than the VPI. Opens vocals and soundstages just that bit more than the VPI reflex clamp. On truly flat records the HRS wins.
But when it comes to even slightly warped records on a VPI dished platter? I keep in mind that on a leveled / true table the angle of the platter requires the slight offset angle of the washer/clamp combo.
Only the clamp and various sized washers truly work- to keep vocals completely stable and centered.
Yes, they sound great either way, but I do prefer greater image stability and the best lateral channel separation like everyone else.
Due to a desire for simplicity, I use the VPI clamp almost all the time now. Washers may get changed out for the severity of warp.
I could use an unwieldly-rim weight, with the HRS ADL but no friggin way am I going down that rabbit hole of effort (in addition to normal LP prep).
I will be saving the weight for the next turntable- or maybe this one for review? It is pretty friggin cool.
The price IS sorta evil. Lol
Guaranteed not to sink!
Submitted by Tom L on Tue, 2024-07-23 21:37
Unless it hits an iceberg.
Then all guarantees are null and void.
Kinda like a Rolex. This is
Submitted by Peter Music on Wed, 2024-07-24 08:37
Kinda like a Rolex. This is not really about clamping a record with some sort of price/performance criteria. Though it's really beautiful. I can't imagine buying one--not because I don't have $500, but because I'd just feel kind of silly every time I picked it up
" Kinda like a Rolex." qtd Peter Music
Submitted by JACK L on Fri, 2024-08-02 15:03
Hi
"not because I don't have $500, but because I'd just feel kind of silly every time I picked it up" qtd P Music.
I agree!
High fashion is my weakness. My wife's platinum-gold Rolex I bought her donkey years ago now worth way over ten grands greenbacks. A worthy investment, right ??
But not audio hardwares, which depreciate quick & big like a car.
Yes, I feel sorta "silly" too to pay $500 for a record clamp though I can afford hundred times for something worth its value with the easy money I am making in the money markets.
I am using a brass record clamp weight (13.3oz), cushioned at its base & a wooden round handle at the brass top with artistic hand-crafted pattern around the handle. It only cost me US$32 some 15 years ago.
It holds & damp down all my records effectively. I can't complain for its super value.
Never play a record without a clamp weight !
JACK L
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