Does a turntable mat make any difference?


One came free with my RUSH 2112 vinyl disc.

Google seems to think so.

TIA

128x128jjbeason14

The purpose of the platter/mat is to provide a stable surface to mate with the vinyl.  The energy induced into the vinyl by the vibrating stylus should be effectively transmitted into the platter/mat.  Therefore, soft or pliable mats are a poor choice.

I have found mats of aluminum and copper in combination with center and periphery record clamps to effectively absorb induced energy.

Absolutely makes a difference to me on my TW Acustic TT, but who knows what it will do for you in your system. My favorite is a SPEC AP-UD1 Turntable Mat. No static, not overdamped, not too thick, and not too heavy.

@redglobe stated " The energy induced into the vinyl by the vibrating stylus should be effectively transmitted into the platter/mat. " 

Each Room is unique in how energy manifests and is transmitted within the room.

Introduce a Styli/Cantilever/Armature, that will be very effective at being influenced by such energies. With such energies present being unwanted as influence, the idea of attempting to substantially reduce the ambient energies transferral to influence the Vibration being sent from the Styli becomes very attractive, especially if the Grooves Modulation information is the only info desired to be transferred through the Cantilever to the Armature to become a electrical signal.

Add to the Ambient Energies, the energies manifesting withing the TT as a result of the operation and the Mechanical Interfaces present producing energies, that will transfer from the bearing housing, into the platter.

The idea of having a additional layer of a 'particular material' under the LP to assist with reducing the transferral of energy from Platter to Vinyl LP, becomes very attractive. Especially if the Grooves Modulation information is the only info desired to be transferred through the Cantilever to the Armature to become a electrical signal.

There is not a ubiquitous ambient energy to be found in the multitude of rooms with a TT set up in them.

There is not a ubiquitous mechanical energy being produced within a TT, even from Same Brand, Same Models.

There is not a ubiquitous condition created when ambient and mechanical energies are co-joined and creating a new influential force of Kinetic Energy.

There is not a ubiquitous method to manage the influences that will be transferred  from these present energies.

Each environment is unique and will need to be addressed as such, there are without doubt individuals and even myself, who have discovered a support system for a TT and for the Vinyl LP, that is perceived as being much improved over previous guises of the methods used to control the transferral of energies very capable of having a unwanted influence.

In over 40 years of growing in understanding of the Vinyl LP used as a Source Medium, and over 30 years of being investigative into the influences of Ambient and Mechanical Energy influence on a replay using a Vinyl LP, have I been involved in a discussion about managing stylus produced vibration, that is to be transferred anywhere other than through the Cantilever. 

It is without doubt for myself, that using a TT on a Particular Support Structure and very clean/purified Vinyl LP on a Particular Materials as a Platter Mat. The Styli in use as an interface, is transferring a substantial proportion of unadulterated modulation embedded data through the Cantilever and into the Armature, where the Electric Signal sent is with little recognisable contamination when becoming sound received by the ear, purity has a audible presence.

The Styli to my knowledge, is certainly not a design to be sending vibration through a Vinyl LP into a Platter Mat that is seemingly to serve as a dump for such produced vibrations. 

As always, I don't have all the wisdom on such matters, only my own endeavours and experiences had to share.     

Sota’s mat is also the same durometer and mechanical impedance as vinyl and 1/4" thick. I do not think they sell them separately.

@mijostyn SOTA used a platter pad designed by a friend of mine- he sold rights to the formula to them. They never sold them separately but Warren did- and that is what I have on my tt at home.