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VPI Classic Platter- Naked or better with a mat?

I was contemplating trying a Living Voice Mystic Mat or Millenium mat, as I've read very positive reviews about it for my Super Scoutmaster Ref. rimdrive. I called Music Direct and was told to leave the Classic platter as it is without using a mat, as it is a beautiful platter the way it is. The salesperson also said he did not hear it with a mat, but thought it was great without any mat. Very refreshing to not be told that it would make a positive difference and try to sell you. I appreciate that about Music Direct. Just wondering what others have tried and what your experiences are with different mats. Thanks.
hiendmuse
myles_b_astor's avatar
myles_b_astor
134 posts
 
Dover-

That's not what I'm saying. HW includes the mat to better integrate the platter design into all systems. Most audiophiles (myself included) use the Classic platter sans mat.

But I have to say that I have yet to hear an uncolored cartridge. Lyra, Koetsu, van den Hul, ZYX, Clearaudio, Shelter, etc. -they all have a "house" sound. (no different than electronics eg never going to mistake cj for ARC or Krell for Rowland!).
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Just installed a Classic platter and bearing on my Scout. The platter came with a mat from VPI that features their logo and strobe markings on the perimeter. It appears to be made of a type of fiber and is about 1/8" thick. I have compared the sound with the mat and naked and prefer the sound with the mat--more textured to my ears and tonally correct. I thought I'd revive this thread to see what other mat options might have been tried of late. Thanks for the input!
miner42
709 posts
 
With my Aries 3 that has the Classic platter I am using a Herbie's mat and prefer it when using the Delrin/SS clamp included with the table.  Without the mat the voices seemed to me to be dispersed and not focused.  I recently purchased a ring clamp and SS wt and will try with and without the mat to decide how they work together.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,467 posts
 
Although I trashed my paper mat for my VPI Classic platter, I found a leather skin mat that seems to make music more like music, and less like hifi https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Leather-Deer-Hide-Turntable/dp/B00JDWHDSS/ref=zg_bs_11973971            I figured for 40 dollars I’d experiment. (suede side down for me)
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Miner can you tell me exactly which model Herbies mat you purchased? Also, did it help reduce static in the winter?
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