Mind-Pop Revolution's Presslift Record Stabilizer/Tonearm Lifter

Mind-Pop Revolution's Presslift is a complex, approximately 1.6 pound machined brass record stabilizer that is also designed to act as an end of side tone arm lift.

Spirals machined into the 24K gold plated brass stabilizer catch a stiff length of monofilament loosely attached to a lifter device that affixes to the arm's head shell. The brass spiral weight spins freely on a ceramic and steel ball bearing system connected to a mounting base that rests securely on the record label so that when the monofilament engages the spiral and the arm lifts, the weight almost immediately stops spinning (the zenith angle issue in the photo is perspective created and not related to the mechanism). You'll find more details and specifications on this page of the company's website.

Affixing the lifter to the head shell is a pretty tricky deal involving elastic monofilament that you have to expand and place between the cartridge bottom and the top of the head shell. Plenty can go wrong there so you have to be extremely careful. If the elastic slips and snaps, could be bye-bye cantilever! Also, depending upon the shape of your cartridge, the elastic might slip before finding its grip, which can result in the lifter's position being less elegantly placed than you might desire, which in the video you can see on the SME 309 arm to which is fitted an Ortofon Windfeld Ti.

Another issue the company found after its initial design and its first run of Presslifts is that some (many actually) spindles are too tall to accommodate the Presslift, which results in the Presslift ending up perched atop the spindle instead of resting on the label. The company has addressed this issue with a newer version that can better accommodate taller spindles. Of course to be sure Presslift is compatible with your turntable, you should first check with Mind-Pop Revolution before purchasing a Presslift, .

In fact, I was only able to produce this video by putting multiple records on the platter so that the Presslift's base could rest on the label. What I don't understand is why the company doesn't make the lifter with cartridge screw holes so it can replace, for instance, the finger lift visible in the video. It could make a combination lifter mechanism/finger lift to produce a far more elegant looking system.

Because of the mis-match with available turntables at home, all of which had spindles that were too tall (Continuum, SME and an AVM, the latter two in for review) I was unable to compare the Pressfit's record damping abilities compared to, for instance the SME's clamping system, though I think when Mind-Pop designed the Presslift it didn't expect people with screw on clamp mechanisms to replace them with the "drop on" Presslift. The company says it was "surprised" by the demand from VPI owners, among others that have threaded spindle clamping mechanisms.

The Presslift, available in both gold and nickel plated versions, costs $399 (359 Euro, 315 British pounds). I think it's a very cool product, though it definitely will have compatibility issues in some systems.

COMMENTS
PAR's picture

Not only should potential users establish that the device is compatible with the spindle height of their turntable but, as with any pound and a half record weight ( that's 680 grammes to me), ensure that the turntable bearing can cope with it.

Michael Fremer's picture
Of course. I almost wrote “that goes without saying”, but it needs to be said!
43Lz's picture

The current version's specifications are shown here: https://www.mindpoprevolution.com/specs-1

The new generation is already designed to accept a spindle height of 21.5mm from the top of the record. There will be an option to add up to another 2mm height. The external dimensions of the product remain unchanged. We are welcoming any suggestions related to compatibility either due to specific spindle designs or tone-arm configurations.

Also, please note the total weight of the presslift is 722 grams therefore it is absolutely necessary to ensure your turntable is able to handle this additional weight. Interestingly, only 40% of this total weight contributes as additional starting torque burden so it will work even with weaker motors. This is because 60% of the total weight does not start to rotate immediately. Most bearings are designed to handle a lot of downward pressure however a platter suspended on springs may not be suitable for the Presslift if it is not able to support the additional weight.

AnalogJ's picture

I love both the design as well as sculptural aspects. Lovely.

43Lz's picture

Thank you kindly! Here is the story about how this product came to life:
https://www.mindpoprevolution.com/post/manage-your-blog-from-your-live-site

AnalogJ's picture

It will alter the sound. I have tried many record clamps and weights, and all sound different. The proof of the pudding will be in the tasting.

43Lz's picture

It definitely makes a difference. I would be happy to share details from experience. I would love to continue the discussion here: https://www.mindpoprevolution.com/contact

AnalogJ's picture

I have found certain tweaks to overdampen, making the music duller. But I'd be interested in trying it out.

Smokeyjoec's picture

The fact that there is an additional device mounted on top of the tonearm head-shell and hangs over on one of the side is there any impact to the cartridge stylus or cantilever as the weight doesn’t look distributed evenly?

isaacrivera's picture

You'd have to adjust counter weight so tracking force is maintained and azimuth accordingly. I suppose it adds mass to the tonearm/cart assembly, lowering resonance, but that is usually desirable.

Michael Fremer's picture
They are both very light weight and require just a slight tracking force change. Shouldn't be an issue, though I'd also check azimuth on a pure unipivot arm
Miner42's picture

Even a bit trickier for those of us with Uni-pivot arms. Any idea how much wt it adds to tone arm?

43Lz's picture

The light-weight lifter's total weight is 0.9 grams. Works perfectly with uni-pivot arms.
Please see details here: https://www.mindpoprevolution.com/specs-1

Tom L's picture

my lightweight clamp. And my clumsy fingers.

Stringreen's picture

...just want to remind those that are using the VPI weight that putting 2 dimes under it (over the record label) heads opposite the sindle makes a note worthy difference. This was discussed on the VPI website and Harry tested and approved the effort.

AnalogJ's picture

I have tried the LP1 in place of the VPI Center Weight and didn't like all it did sonically (though I did in some areas).

rshak47's picture

have a hand in this design?

43Lz's picture

Please read how this invention came to life here:
https://www.mindpoprevolution.com/post/manage-your-blog-from-your-live-site

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