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...a second listen

I have a Superscoutmaster VPI/rim drive/Classic Platter.  Sometime ago, I heard that topping off the platter with a mat would do great things.....I tried a few, and decided on a deerskin mat (cheap)...   Its been a couple of months now, but I just removed it and listened again.  Why oh why did I think the mat is an improvement?.  It diminished all the air from the presentation, eliminated any 3D effect...  Now going au natural..
128x128stringreen
astro58go
542 posts
 
FWIW: Here is an excerpt from my Classic 3 manual, "We recommend bare platter listening but it is an owner's choice to decide".

While I enjoy no mat, I've wondered about trying some.

atmasphere: Thanks for listing two you enjoy. I've often wondered about the Funk Firm 1mm mat. Ever tried that one?
astro58go
542 posts
 
atmasphere:,

How do your findings relate to a tt with a vacuum sealing function?

If this sort of tt has a metal platter w/ the vacuum sealing function, does the metal platter make any noticeable difference?

If one has a metal platter with an outer ring and a weight...??
pryso
1,927 posts
 
stringreen, you experience points out something we all should remember, at least from my perspective.

Even small changes may be audible and many times something new/different may sound better.  So I find the best procedure is to make an A/B/A comparison.  Also of course is to never make more than one change at a time, but you followed that.

2channel8
756 posts
 
@atmasphere 
Interesting take on felt mats, since Linn ships them with their tables. Since no mat is not an option with the Basik, I chose a cork blend. That was before I started spending stupid money on my addiction.

On my Oracle I use the original IsoGroove. Were you referring to this or their new acrylic mat?
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,760 posts
 
is that across the board with all tables?
Yes. The problem is finding a mat that is neutral. Obviously a lot of them cause more problems than they solve so no mat at all might be preferable in some cases.
How do your findings relate to a tt with a vacuum sealing function?
Getting the LP to be flat really increases the effect of the mat and also reduces the amplifier power used since there will be less warp. The flip side if you will pardon the expression is damage that might occur to the other side of the LP. I've seen some vacuum systems do serious damage to the unplayed side.
On my Oracle I use the original IsoGroove. Were you referring to this or their new acrylic mat?
We've been getting the same mat from them for the last 15 years so I'm going with the former rather than the latter.

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