Thanks. As you can see with the picture @jawaka1000 just posted, it's the Clearaudio Outer Limit Ring, a 1500 gr. outer record clamp. The center clamp is a HRS ADH clamp at 850 gr. Many turntables don't have the mot and bearing to handle that kind of extra weight, but it works (i.e. sounds) great coupling the record to the 40mm POM platter.
There's no reason they should as long as you are careful enough, and it's always optional if you're in too much of a hurry. The cost of admission is steep though.
I think I've convinced myself to get this cartridge. The dealer made me a really sweet offer to buy it. They sold the customer a Goldfinger Statement cartridge, so I'm sure they made a ton of money on that sale.
It adds negligible time to changing a record, no more than using a spindle clamp. Cleaning the stylus and brushing the record is more time consuming.It offers a nice sonic improvement that to me makes it worth the initial expense and minimal extra effort.
I stop my platter when changing a record. The motor on my TT has a lot of torque, and even with a heavy 40mm POM platter plus over 5 lbs of spindle and outer record clamp it comes up to speed faster than I can position the arm over the lead-in groove and drop the cue. My reservations about using one were similar to yours, but it took me about 10 secs to realize they were unfounded. The ring includes a locator that attaches to the platter which makes placing the ring easy-peasy. I've had mine since November and I never play records without it now. It's also great for flattening dish warps.
Micro Seiki DD-40 with AT33PTG/II spinning the really nice All That Remains from last year by The Left Outsides... Best New Albums of 2018
Thanks! Custom made walnut plinth because back in the day here in Europe we only got the boring black version and not the high gloss rosewood that was destined for Us and Japanese market (if I'm not mistaken).
You have a good eye ! The wood of the Tisbury and the JVC matches perfectly (although this was completely unintentional).
Snow day here in Seattle so had some time to take some pics and post here for the first time. Rega RP8 with Sumiko Pearwood Celebration II MC cart Auditorium 23 SUT in the background with Auditorium interconnects I don't use the exterior plinth w/ dust cover because I like the bare skeleton look