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Turntable mat journey

I have now tried 4 mats and although my current mat (Herbie’s Way Excellent Mat) solved my problem of static pulling the mat up while flipping records, I would like to get the sound designed by Rega (P8) with it’s felt mat back or as similar to it as possible. Also my current one is a white silicon and attracts anything and cleaning it is not fun or easy. Supposedly, the ideal mat is like shelf paper, and one of my 4 was the TEAC Washi mat which sounded fine, but that also came off the table- not sure if it was static or because it was large in diameter than a record. I haven’t seen any other like this. I also tried a VPI rubber backed felt mat that I though would stick better to the platter, but that one also came off when flipping.

Please don’t recommend ridiculously priced ones over $200 - I’d prefer to be at $100 or less if possible. I saw a very thin carbon fiber mat <.5mm called extreme phono speed mat that said it can be placed over a felt mat; in fact they sell it as an option with a felt mat- maybe this is the answer. It’s $89 by itself (I wouldn’t need another felt mat that adds $20).

Any thoughts of having 2 separate layers not stuck together as a mat?
Has anyone tried this or a thin carbon fiber mat, or have any recommendation? I’ve seen some older discussion threads talking about the My Mat made by a fellow Audiogoner, but from what it looks like, it would be similar to the one I have now since it is in the polymer type category.

I know this is a 1st world problem, but someone must have a solution. Thanks for your ideas.
sokogear
rossb
185 posts
 
I've owned a bunch of Rega turntables over the years and currently have a P8 as a second turntable.

If you're not concerned about sound quality, there are plenty of options. But if you want to preserve the sound of the stock P8 - which is understandable because it sounds best that way - there are not really any viable options.

A solid mat like the Funk Achromat will solve your static issue completely, is within your price range, and some people even think they sound good. (I don't, I think they sound awful). A cork/rubber mat from ebay is cheap and will sound adequate (if different) and solve the static issue. You could also try the original mat for Nottingham Analogue turntables, which is quite good and a bit closer to the sound of the stock Rega mat: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/202958473635?hash=item2f414489a3:g:ljUAAMXQkl9RbWsp&frcectupt=true

Alternatively you could try some thin double sided tape on your platter to hold down the stock mat. Also, vacuum clean your records frequently, which does tend to reduce (but not eliminate) the static issue.
sokogear OP
1,095 posts
 
Wow Ross - thanks for the quick reply. So what do you use on your P8? Do you know what the Nottingham mat is made from and if it is available in the US?

Also, I don’t think it is recommended to put tape on the platter to hold down the mat, because when you remove it, you’ll be left with some adhesive residue on it. That is however what Rega said when I  for a recommendation.

I keep all liquid off of my records and dust with a carbon fiber brush before playing. Records are almost all perfectly clean.
lewm
13,018 posts
 
I don't think there is "a solution".  I think mats are much like seasoning on food; each of us will prefer a slightly different flavor. For that reason, and given your low budget, why not use some creativity and try various available materials?  One of the members here sells his own mat, which apparently is pretty good and costs less than your upper limit.  Wish I could recall his name, but maybe he will see this thread. I will say that I tried the Herbie's mat, and it definitely did sound better to my ears than the standard rubber mats on Japanese vintage turntables, but it did not end up being my "favorite", one of which is the Boston Audio Mat2, now discontinued but available under another name from another company.  The new version may cost more than $200, unfortunately. Maybe you could find a BA Mat for under $200, second hand.
sokogear OP
1,095 posts
 
Herbie’s is my current mat @lewm.that’s why I asked about the thin carbon fiber mat on top of felt. I wonder how much that thin layer would change the sound?
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