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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
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.
sokogear OP
1,095 posts
 
@chakster - are you saying The Mat is 1 lb and 4 mm high or thinner and lighter?

I know you’re not a Rega fan, and the height and weight won’t work- standard mat is 2 mm and weighs very little. Rega philosophy is low weight- no clamps, record weights, etc.

I just read a negative review of the one I mentioned in my previous post, the extreme phono one that supposedly has static issues and lifts off when flipping records.....I guess I am back to the double sided tape with the Rega one I have, which is thicker than  standard issue one.
sokogear OP
1,095 posts
 
Hey @Rossb - I inquired about the Nottingham (now sold by Origin Live) and they told me that they have static issues and sometimes lift off the record as does the Rega.....

Oh well, off to Home Depot to look for some thin, no residue, double sided tape. Always open to suggestions though....
sokogear OP
1,095 posts
 
Found double sided scotch tape - the weakest adhesive I think you can find that is easily removable with no residue. Consider the problem solved, but I'll be glad to hear other recommendations that haven't already been discussed. Thanks to all.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I have the Extreme phono speed mat and really saw no improvement with it's use. I also have a thick Rega felt mat and surprisingly gives me the best sound on my Well-Tempered Amadeus turntable. Although, as you state it has issues with static cling to tecords. Come to think of it, I haven't tried the speedmat on top of the felt mat. Have to give it a try.


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