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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
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,619 posts
 
@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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
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."

diameter/293mm
thickness/4mm
weight/454grms


New cost $250, but you can find used cheaper

middlemass
917 posts
 
I have tried numerous mats for my Rega, including the Herbie's...Funk Firm's Achromat is the clear winner to my ears. One caveat: I have not tried slaw's My Mat.
sokogear OP
1,096 posts
 
Thanks @middlemass - if I was going to put an attachment to my platter, I would just tape the Rega felt mat.

Hey @chakster - have you ever heard of the extreme phono speed mat? It is less than 1/2 mm height and is designed to go over felt, and is $89. Have you (or anyone else) tried this? This could be a solution, and it is carbon fiber, so no static or dirt, which could be ideal, with some absorption in the felt.

The one you mention, BA “The Mat”  is too high and heavy for my turntable (and too expensive),

The guy at Music Direct didn’t know much about the Extreme Phono Speed Matand he recommended a cheaper ($30) cork/rubber mat, which I think could add to the sound.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Your turntable is way different than all my 6 turntables. My choice: The Mat from Sakura Systems, SAEC SS-300, MICRO SEIKI CU-180 ...

New The Mat is much thinner than discontinued BA mats.
Used The Mat is what you could try to find for 30-50% less than new.

Regarding weight I just want to remind you that even 1.8 kg CU-180 designed for belt drive Micro Seiki turntables, so The Mat (454g) is not a problem for any belt drive.


I’ve been using felt mats for 20 years, cork and some very thin mats too. They called slip mats. It’s a joke compared to 3 reference mats I have mentioned.

A friend recently compared stock Technics (SP-20) rubber and two type of felt mats to SAEC SS-300 and ended up with $350 SAEC.
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