Vinyl Accessories - Skip It or Buy It!

For all VPI record cleaner owners, the 2" clamping knob is such a great item. Luxurious to use and makes the process seem less of a hassle. 

mijostyn - I've always been told to keep the dustcover off while playing albums. As a matter of fact, the newer Rega P8 and P10 models can't play with the covers on. I noticed on my old P5, it sounded better with the dust cover removed while playing records.

latik - As far as the mat question, I had a static problem with the standard Rega felt mat, was told the TEAC washi mat ($30) would solve the problem (supposedly the paper with the very slight cushion below it is optimal sounding) but it didn't work as the mat kept coming up with the record just like the Rega mat. The dealer who sold me it swears by it on 3 tables he uses, but I guess he doesn't have a static problem. And he wouldn't take it back, which is BS.

Saw some chatter about Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II mat here on the Gon. It is a silicon layer on top of some other layer. It completely solved my problem for $60 and you can talk to Herbie himself down in Texas. I honestly don't know if it sounds better than the Rega mat or the Washi, but it solved my problem.

Like a lot of other tweaks you hear about, sometimes I think it is all in your head. You can spend as much as $650 for a mat (maybe more), which I guess is OK if you have a $10K+ rig, but I can't beleive any sound improvement, if real, is worth it. Others are $100 or more that I think would work as well. Funk Firm is 5 mm for the good mat, which is too thick for a Rega table without spacers.

@sokogear,

I no longer have an issue with static. My new TT (SME Model 15A) platter has this very unique coating that prevents static buildup and firmly dampens the record to the platter. And, the TT also includes a very high quality record weight (clamp).

It’s really nice when manufacturer include certain ‘options’ that elevates your listening experience.

Vacuum cleaner machine and Zerostat gun and end of problems

I recently tried some PEEK film w/ adhesive backing ( .0002" thick) on the metal plate of the VPI dual pivot upgrade. Big positive upgrade! Increased quiet, clarity and definition.

If anyone is interested, PM me, I’ll send a pre-cut piece for $10.00 mailed.