Mat for Rega P10


I decided to start this discussion to hear different experiences from Rega RP10 and P10 users. I know Rega does not suggest replacing their own, supplied with turntable, mat as doing so can degrade the sound but I have to say that I am loyal opposition to that concept, looking for replacement ASAP.

I know Framer recommended the Stein Music The Perfect Interface Carbon mat but $625 for mat is quite steep I think. Even the cheapest one is $250 and I do not consider It a bargain. 

Does anybody here use either of those two mats and can share some insight as to why they are so expensive and if they really make that much of a difference?

arturgorniak
@sokogear, yeah I'm aware that our platters are different, the Herbie's Way Excellent II mat should work well for you.  I'm anxious to try different mats to see what works for my preferences.  Is the Teac mat larger than a standard LP?  You mentioned that may be the reason you lift it off when removing a record.  For me, I prefer a white mat to match my platter so maybe the Grungebuster will be my ticket.  The Teac mat looks ok too and maybe it will be easier to see that my platter is still spinning as a reminder to turn it off when I'm done listening.   
You will see the pattern on the TEAC if it is spinning. Looks nice. At this point, looks aren’t even a consideration if the mat can stay on the platter without the need for tape. Plus the thickness of Herbies matches the stock Rega mat thickness.

the TEAC mat isn’t bigger than a record, but it may be very slightly bigger than the platter which may cause me to lift it. I don’t think it’s a static issue like the felt ones.
I received the Teac Washi mat yesterday. I took it for a spin and it sounds very good and no static cling. I think it provides equal but different sound compared to my leather mat. The leather mat is a bit warmer and rounder sounding where as the Washi might be a bit better in treble extension.
I received the Herbie’s Way Excellent II mat today and I think it sounds better than the leather and Washi mat. I feel that it provides a slightly larger soundstage and more body and a bit more dynamic. Certainly not a night and day difference. No static cling either but none of the mats clinged to my record today. The real test is winter in Michigan. I should be getting the Grungebuster later this week.
OK - I just came back from my friend who owns spectacular system where we had a chance to compare the $650 Stein Music The Perfect Interface Pi Carbon Signature to my $30 Teac Washi. 
He has amazing system in the large - dedicated room - The beauty of his set up is that the TT is set behind the listening chair so whoever operates it, is out of sight the person who listen.
Great set-up for experimentation! 
He uses SME 30/12 with 12" SME V arm and Soundsmith Hyperion cartridge. Dartzeel pre-amp with built in custom tune phono stage and Zeel's mono blocks feeding Wilson Alexx speakers.
So I brought over my el-chipo Teac asking him to switch mats without telling me.
My job was to identify any differences with a hope of getting consistent results and point to the specific mat.
It was refreshing to realize that neither me nor the owner of this high end system could hear ANY difference!!!
Once again, we have proven that most justification for more expensive product happens in our brain and rarely is based on the actual superiority in quality improvements...
he was quite disappointed with the outcome....BUT he is a well prosperous lawyer so he will live....$650 - cheap change...
Me, on the other hand, super happy that I scored bargain.....mat GAME OVER!