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

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?

Regards, uberwaltz:

For your reference, B.A. mat 11, 293mm. About 1/16" to spare at any point. The Pio. mat is 288mm, a very heavy mat.

Good luck.

Peace,

Thank you Timeltel!
Of course the trick is FINDING a BA mat to purchase!
Would be nice to hear from a few other 71/81 owners out there as to what they are using as well.