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Do I need a record mat?

Hi,

This is a really stupid question. I have a Clearaudio Emotion turntable with an acrylic platform. It's unclear to me from the instruction manual whether I would need a mat to go on top of it. I am not talking about sound improvement per se (of course I am interested in that too if it helps), simply in terms of whether it would damage my record in any way without a record mat.

Thanks in advance for your help.
millicurie999
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
No, acrylic platters do not need a mat. The VPI tables don't use one , neither did the Basis Ovation I use to have. I do not believe the Raven tables two of my friends have use one either. The question of whether one would be of sonic benefit I will leave to others. But you do not need one.
bdgregory
1,710 posts
 
the original intent of acrylic platters was to clamp the LP directly on them without a mat - essentially making the cartridge "think" it's riding on a 1" thick LP (or so I read somewhere). I found that using a Funk Achromat on my acrylic platter does provide some sonic benefits. Funk recommends not using a clamp with the achromat which makes it a little more convenient too.

Funk Achromat

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millicurie999 OP
57 posts
 
Thank you both for your clarification.

Oh yeah, that's the term I was looking for "acrylic platter" not "acrylic platform". I knew it didn't sound right when I wrote it down. :)
satch
329 posts
 
No need for a mat, but if you want to experiment, don't forget to change the VTA of your cartridge to accomodate for the difference in height. It would surprise me though if you'd prefer the sound with a record mat.
avphile
15 posts
 
You MUST EXPERIMENT. With one of the large tables (thick Acrylic platter), a Herbie Mat with a Carbon Fibre mat on top and then another Herbie mat (that's 3 total!!!!!) made a hell of a difference. Adjust VTA as you add. I think you can try the Herbie & send back? Good Luck.
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