So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?

Google is your friend... Lol.
The Manley Skipjack was the unit.
Supposed to have been capable of handling phono duties with some very impressive specifications.

Of course only used to be had now and seem to be in the region of $750 to $1000.

Something to think about and keep a weather eye out for.

What do people here do for a platter mat on the tt71 & 81?
The OEM platters with the raised lip do not allow flush fitment of any of the platter mats I have.
Only the original rubber mats fit down in the recess.

Regards, Uberwaltz:

I picked up a TT71 years ago "for a song" and thought the OEM mat damped HF's. Borrowed the mat from my PL 70L 11 and confirmed.

Currently running a Boston Audio Mat 2 which seems to neither add or take away from the signal. If you appreciate a "warm" presentation then you might stay with the supplied mat.

Peace,

Thank you
But more the question is what mat actually fits the platter?
All aftermarket mats I have seen are 295mm diameter.
These do NOT fit into the machined recess on the 71 or 81 which is approx 293mm.
So either other users have the mat sitting on top of the machined lip or there are some special mats out there that fit into this recess?
I tried one of my cork mats and it obviously bowed heavily towards center as the edge rests on the lip which is proud.
I guess a solid acrylic mat would just sit on the lip and not say into the center ....until I added my clamp.
Surely someone has come across this?

Looks like Soundeck actually make one at 292mm diameter which is for a Linn.
Bit pricey at $140 from the UK.
Any alternatives anybody knows about?