Like many hi fi optimization topics record weights and clamps intended for record stabilization divide opinion.
What does a vinyl record weigh.
Back then if you had a decent turntable tonearm cartridge combination.
A simple record weight can be effective and is surely the most obvious way to achieve the goal.
12 inch vinyl records are often called lp s which stands for long play.
Most pressings weigh from 100 to 130 grams.
Placing additional weight on your record can provide a few benefits.
The lp record ranges in weight from approximately 80 grams dynaflex 1969 to 200 grams.
The weight will vary from around 1 41oz for a 7 to 3 88oz for a 10 and 5 29oz for a 12.
If you like to purchase a contemporary record weighing 180g but with a terrible sound no problem.
It s like saying a car is build out of solid steel like a gmc and does therefore drive better.
In the heyday of rca s dynaflex phase a 12 inch long playing record could weigh as little as 95 grams.
By george merrill.
These larger records will typically weigh anywhere from 80 180 grams.
However there are other vinyl records of the same size that weigh even more.
Lps come in several different sizes most typically 7 10 and 12 inches.
What does a record weight do.
Some of that vibration gets transferred to the record itself when this happens the stylus has a harder.
The vast majority of 12 inch records that have been pressed in the 20th century weigh between 120 and 140 grams.
We would assume the heavier weight the better and that would be true if the turntable bearing could support the added weight and the motor has enough torque not be affected by the added load.
In that same era the average weight of an lp was about 135 140 grams.
In the pro stabilization camp many feel that a record weight or clamp can bring stability during playback while also helping to tighten and focus the overall sound.
One reason the heavier and thicker records sound better is the vinyl will not vibrate to the degree as the light weight records.
180 gram vinyl by contrast is significantly thicker and heavier creating a product that is widely considered to be audiophile grade.
Debunking lp record weights and clamps.
The underside of the weight contains a moveable brass core meaning that when placed upon a standard 12 label the core is retracted and the weight lies flat upon the label.
Don t forget that if you want to know the weight of a vinyl record for shipping you ll need to include the weight of the packaging too.
This has nearly nothing to do with individual sound quality.
110 grams was pretty much the average weight of any common record back in the golden vinyl age.
180 gram records are slowly rising in popularity as they claim to have superior sound quality and durability.