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TT mats

I have a VPI Scoutmaster TT and am wondering if any of you can recommend a matt for the platter and why?
Thanks in advance
Steve



handymann
lewm
13,118 posts
 
Chakster, With reference to my earlier post about EMI, one reason you may like the copper mat on the SP10 is its capacity to block EMI.  On my L07D, I am about to compare the OEM stainless steel "platter sheet" (Kenwood's name for the ~5 lb stainless steel platter mat on the L07D) with a replica that I had made using copper instead of stainless steel.  Copper ought to be better than SS for blocking EMI.  The OEM and the new copper mats weigh the same, about 5 lbs.  So the comparison should enable me to discern whether EMI is an issue.  The MK3 has a huge thick hefty platter with brass and other metals, probably adequate to do a better job of blocking EMI than does the Mk2 platter.

I agree about the SAEC SS300. I bought mine from Raul.
jollytinker
213 posts
 
@bdp24 - yeah I bet Delrin would be a good material - seems pretty similar to acrylic and PVC in density. maybe it’s the cost?
barrysandy
192 posts
 
Here’s an interesting thin, coated, aluminum mat I’m using on my TW Acustic Anniversary, the SPEC Analog Disc Sheet AP-UDI, and a related TT mat comparo at Part-time audiophile:

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/02/15/five-turntable-mats-an-audiophile-shootout/
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,821 posts
 

@jollytinker, I looked for a local source of plastic from which to make tone arm mounting boards, and found one in Portland---Multi-Craft Plastics (800/488-9030). I priced acrylic, acetal (Delrin), and polycarbonate. MCP sells them all by the square foot, in various thicknesses. I went into their office to look at samples and ask for their advice and recommendations. I don't now remember why, but I ruled out polycarbonate.

The price of a square foot of 1/2" acrylic is around $25, Delrin $35. Not bad at all! Acrylic is very glossy (exactly like the plinth of the VPI HW-19 Mk. 3-4, and the Aries' arm board), Delrin having more of a matt sheen. MCP sells the plastic, and will cut it to size (I'm waiting to hear back from them for an estimate). I left my old arm boards with them (the boards have arm mounting holes which do not match my arms), and am having pieces of acrylic cut in both 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses. I'm sure they will cut a square foot of Delrin into a 12" diameter circle, and maybe even with a recessed LP label are in the center (they have a laser machine). Depending on what they charge for machining, it may be possible to get a 12"  Delrin platter mat for well under a hundred bucks.

lewm
13,118 posts
 
I'd favor Delrin over acrylic, for no good reason.  Just a "feeling" combined with the fact that I am not a fan of acrylic platters to begin with.
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