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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
sokogear OP
1,054 posts
 
@slaw - congratulations. In your research designing your mat, what do you think would come closest to felt that has no static issues? I want to maintain the sound Rega intended as closely as possible.

At this point, I am leaning towards just getting some two sided tape that leaves no residue if removed, like the glue on posts it notes. It doesn't have to be very strong to counteract the force generated by the static between the record and the felt. I've heard shelf paper is best, but the only one like that is the Washi from Teac, and that was too big and also came off when flipping a record (maybe it had some static too?).
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,469 posts
 
If you’re not a Rega purist, there is another option: replace the stock platter with the Delrin one made by the Groovetracer company. Delrin is an excellent platter material (research will reward you with the answer to why that is so), and requires no platter mat---the LP sits directly on the platter.

Before immediately rejecting the idea, do an internet search for reviews of the platter. It is available in both black and white, and retails for $350. More than you want to spend on a mat, but it not only makes a mat unnecessary, it also provides an upgrade to the sound of the table.

Groovetracer also makes a fantastic Rega arm counterweight, as well as a replacement sub-platter (the part the platter sits on), precision machined from aluminum (most Regas sub-platters are---yuck---plastic).
sokogear OP
1,054 posts
 
@bdp24 = if I had a lower end Rega with an inferior platter, I might consider it, but the P8 platter is excellent. I wouldn't say I am a Rega purist as I only have their turntable, never their cartridge, but am very undecided as to whether I should change from Herbie's. which I like very   much, there is just something about the stock mat (maybe it is a bias) that sounds like it is doing nothing to the record. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,469 posts
 
Fair enough, @sokogear. Roy Gandy designs his Rega products in a holistic manner, which no doubt accounts for your preference for the sound of the table with it’s stock mat.

Is it the matter of static with the stock mat that is the problem? Felt is well known to aggravate the problem of static with vinyl LP’s. Lots of felt mat-lovers use pieces of double-sided tape on the underside of their mats, to prevent the LP from lifting them off.

If you have tried only the Zerostat, consider getting yourself the far-superior Furutech Destat III, the first product I have found to complete eliminate static. Hold the LP in one hand, "spray" each side of the LP, and Voila!---static completely eliminated. Unfortunately, the Destat III is not cheap---around $300, I believe (I got an incredible deal for mine on ebay---$200!), but imo well worth it’s price.
sokogear OP
1,054 posts
 
As I mentioned above @bdp24  - I am leaning towards getting some thin low residue double sided tape and going back to the felt mat, but I am hoping someone knows of maybe a smaller version of the TEAC Washi mat or something less bouncy and more like the "fluffy" mat.

I'll let everyone know when I make up my mind. Thanks for all the input!
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