FINAL UPDATE:
I was able to exchange the defect* platter for the standard platter.
ARE THERE TWO VERSIONS?
Yes, the manufacture did screw up a batch of platters, VPI felt it was not of sonic concern and sold them. The correct version has a ~ 0.2 mm recess which comes with a solid rubber mat versus the defect platter which has ~ 1.0 mm riser and comes with a soft waffle mat.
BIGGEST CONCERN?
When I purchased this TT, I put on a copy of Cream's Disraeli Gears and had to immediately take it off due to a solid warp of the vinyl. While disappointing not a big deal. However, even new vinyl has some warping that the raised platter and clamp would not even out. As a result the tone-arm always had a good bit of vertical deflection. This was never a concern on the Project Carbon with a clamp (and that drove me CRAZY).
COMPARISON:
First: It has been 12 days from the old to new platter so a direct comparison is not possible. However with the standard platter, you can either use a mat or no mat. The defect platter requires the use of the waffle mat.
After a couple of records, I prefer no mat versus the rubber mat provided (it also creates a nice vacuum on the record). While this is a personal preference, having the option is the bonus.
Second: Due to the turning on the spindle of the defect platter, the clamp would bottom out before it could really clamp down on the record (see above). FYI: If you do have this platter, I used two pieces of cardboard placed on top of the record to help clamp the record.
RECOMMENDATION:
Figuring this out was a stupid hassle but worth it. If you have the raised platter and can return it, DO IT! I just cannot find any value in a raised center and am not sure what VPI liked about it in the first place? Just watching my tone-arm not bounce is worth it.
Thanks to everyone who provided valuable feedback!!! I just found a used copy of The Afghan Whig's Gentlemen at the record store, so I am out of here....
*Defect Platter:
VPI stated that Harry liked the defect platter with the waffle mat and decided to keep it, but then went back to the standard platter on the next batch, so while it was a mistake, VPI liked the result.
