...a second listen

I like the (graphite) Boston Audio mats.  Sadly, BA is out of the business of making mats.  They do come up second hand from time to time and do not cost a mint. While it is a bit contrary to Atma-sphere's advice, I also like my SAEC SS300 metal mat.  Speaking of metal mats, copper mats are very popular for some reason, maybe because they are cool looking as much as anything else.

Upon thinking about this again, I remembered I have some (unfinished/raw) 1/16" quasitropic carbon fiber sheets. This is one of the projects I had planned to do when I get the time.

At one time, I had a Living Voice Mystic Mat on another/lesser table.

I want to thank stringreen for bringing this subject up and atmasphere's thoughts as well. I got off my duff and finally tried a material I've had around. It is a vinyl material, around 1/16" thick with a smooth side and an irregular other side. I cut it at 11& 3/4" diameter w/ a 1&1/2" center hole. (I left in place, my 1&1/4" vinyl based center donut). I'm using the smooth side down. With this arrangement, the center is slightly higher, so to allow some smoothing out of the lp when clamped.

It didn't take long to hear the positive effects after getting the VTA dialed in. I have the opposite experience of stringreen. No loss of air, detail. The bass is more fleshed out and powerful and much more musical. Music has more soul and is more enjoyable to listen to. A big upgrade!

It does kind of adhere to the lp when lifting one off. I don't notice any leeching, but I suspect if left for a long period, it could be an issue.

Next, I will try the carbon fiber alone and the CF adhered to a piece of this vinyl. For now, I'm just going to enjoy!

I find it can be hit and miss with TT mats. I have quite a few different ones. I do not like felt or rubber mats at all. I’ve settled down on a few different hard material mats because it depends on the cartridge I’m using at the time. I find that I can get the best sound out of a cartridge by using the right mat for that particular cartridge. So my advise is get an assortment and play around till you find something that works. When you put on a different cart that is new to you, it's time to experiment with mats again.

In thinking about this whole subject, it is important to note a few things:

(1) The very center portion of a lot of lps are "raised". This will affect any sort of method one chooses to use. This is very evident in using the VPI center weight which is flat on it's bottom surface. (This is never addressed, anywhere)!
(2) Using a flat lp.
(3) Any platter mat that doesn't allow for the label thickness and/or a center/spindle support/donut, may be defeating the very purpose it is intended to address?
(4) A weight vs. clamp still can make a difference.

sarcher30,

I think we would appreciate you filling us in on which mats you are using and in what circumstances?