Turntable mat options


I'm happy with my Rega RP8/Apheta 2, but am rethinking the standard issue felt mat and would appreciate the group's thoughts: should I sit tight, use no mat at all, or consider something different? Thanks, Chip 
hsc3md
I've had bad static issues where the mat sticks to vinyl.  Tried felt, deer, cork, herbies, and music hall 2 level cork. Herbies was ok. But best solution to static with noticeable improvement in clarity- resolution was TransFi Res-o-mat.  No static buildup.  And if you look at the uber pricey TT saw the similar raised mat with air gap. Ended my search.
Chakster I'll bet you have the strongest trigger finger in town
Uberwaltz, did I say that? Smart guy. Some mats may be better or worse at collecting static depending on where their material falls in the triboelectric series. A vinyl mat would be hell for most people. Chaksters trigger finger would have a heart attack. Static and dust are never a problem if you use a conductive sweep arm. You would have to find some other exercise to keep your trigger finger in shape.
A turntable and tonearm should have no sound. You should only be listening to the sound of the record as interpreted by the cartridge nothing else. If you have a good table and arm and are unhappy with the sound get a new cartridge.
I have Saec SS-300, two Micro (CU180 and CU500), 47 Labs, cork and felt mats and i can’t recall any serious problem with static, i always use carbon fiber brush and rarely use Zerostat Gun. I think the static caused by record sleeves (when we pull them out), not mat. As you can see all my mats are made from different material. And leaving by the sea means high humidity climate. Anyway i had some sort of static problem once, but i’m pretty sure it was the arm, because it’s gone. I remember it was different effect when i touch my tonearm, staying in front of my turntable on a carpet with slippers on and off (the latest was no problem :)) So put the slippers off.
I remember it was different effect when i touch my tonearm, staying in front of my turntable on a carpet with slippers on and off (the latest was no problem :)) So put the slippers off.


That's a pretty extreme measure. I know people that really love their slippers. Rubber slippers are both therapeutic on your feet for hard floors and eliminate the static issues with carpet.Feel free to touch any part of your turntable. 

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