@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.
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.
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.
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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. |
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! |
@sokogear, I personally wouldn't use the felt mat. It's a static producer and a dust magnet. It does little to nothing to decouple a record from the bearing. I don't subscribe to the camp that believes since Rega supplied a felt mat that it's the best mat for that tt. I have a customer with a RP10 who uses two MyMats and he's very happy. I have an Achromat (5mm) and really liked it on my Townshend Rock 7. There is a new Destat III at www.partsconnexion.com fro around $270.00 shipped |
The lastest version of Boston Audio is The Mat from Sakura Systems. "Boston Audio has been known for their pure carbon graphite turntable mats and insulation accessories, many of them received rave reviews and awards worldwide. After some hiatus period, Boston Audio has teamed up with SAKURA SYSTEMS and now proudly introduces "The Mat", the culmination of our experiences through developping Mat 1 & 2. By incorporating different carbon graphite material, we successfully achieved the identical performance of Mat 2 with less thickness (4 mm) and the reduced price." New cost $250, but you can find used cheaper |
- 33 posts total