TT mats

@pbnaudio Yes, all SME platters come with self adhesive Isodamp SD125 (~3mm thick) mat installed at the factory. They also diamond turn the surface for a nicer finish as well as a better interface with the record. SME orders the mat material directly from Aearo Technologies (EAR).

Michael Percy sells the Isodamp SD125 material by the foot (it’s not cheap), so a DIYer can order and cut out a mat to experience some of what SME engineers do.

Best material for a mat that I have personally heard. It’s also great to dampen chassis, motor, etc. with.

Must be a new thing - been a while since the last SME was here - this is what I was referring to

https://www.stereophile.com/turntables/sme_model_2012_turntable_312s_tonearm/index.html

Good listening 

Peter 

@pbnaudio They’ve used Isodamp since inception. That mustard colored material is the Isodamp SD125 mat. Aero Technologies has discontinued the mustard color about a year, or so ago. New SME turntables will have black Isodamp instead. As can be seen on their website: https://sme.co.uk/audio/turntables/

Fremer actually mentions Isodamp in the very review you linked: https://www.stereophile.com/content/sme-model-2012-turntable-amp-312s-tonearm-page-3

Isodamp is great stuff, particularly when used as constrained layer damping. Because of it’s high price ($238 for a 4" X 4.5" X 1/8" square!), I chose to use the similar ASC Wall Damp for my constrained layer needs. A 4" X 4" square of Wall Damp costs only a buck or two. Of course, a turntable platter will look rather unsightly covered with 4" X 4" pieces, but ASC also sells it cut to size.

Hiraoka Diskmat SE22! Yes, it's vintage and I bought it brand new from Harvey Sound, NYC back in 1978! $20! Still in use on my Ariston RD11S! I have yet to see a better-made and sounding mat than this!