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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
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
13,120 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.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
@bdp24 I had a TNT Mark III with the original platter and switch to a classic platter. I ran both with no mats. I find the classic platter to be more live sounding, a little more dynamic with perhaps a touch hotter treble. I do think preference has a bit to do with your synergy with your cartridge.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,821 posts
 
@analogluvr , good point. I use rather "lively" cartridges (London), and I’m thinking the Classic/London combo may sound a tad brash. London’s create a lot of mechanical energy, and a platter surface that is very hard (aluminum) may reflect it back rather than damp it a little. That’s the theory, anyway! The folks at the plastics place told me Delrin is harder than acrylic, for what it's worth. Also denser and heavier.
lewm
13,120 posts
 
bdp24, That's the crux of the matter, when it comes to platter mats, the transmission, or lack thereof, of energy between the LP and the platter.  Do you want that or don't you want that?  Each of us has to answer that question "by ear". If you want that, you use a platter mat that is similar in material construction to an LP, then you clamp the LP, and you might also use a peripheral ring and/or vacuum hold-down, if the TT permits. If you don't want that, use a Resomat or one of those with cork dots on it, no weight or clamp, no peripheral ring.  Most tune by ear using a combination of energy absorbing and energy reflecting techniques.
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