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Adding a Turntable Mat

   I have an older turntable (Pioneer PL-530). Am the original owner. Have done a few things to keep this table operating as original as possible. Yeah, I know this isn't a high end table by any means. Rather than receiving a flood of advice on what tables are better, I would like to hear from someone who may have knowledge/experience with different types of table mats.
   My table has no VTA adjustment capability. The stock platter mat is rubber. Seeking minor/inexpensive tweaks and if a different mat may or may not provide any perceptible improvement. If it's inexpensive and provides no improvement....no problem.
   Here's my question.....For example...If I installed a thin cork mat, could that mat simply be placed on top of the existing rubber mat or should the rubber mat be removed first and then just use the cork mat? Remember, this table doesn't have VTA adjustment.
Thanks

jrpnde
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Another way to change VTA is by getting a Pete Riggle VTA adapter. They work great, and it will  allow an easy, adjustment for most any mat thickness.

I haven't used many different tables over the years, but I've been using a Garrad 401 for quite a while. I've used a few different mats with it. but I keep going back to my solid copper mat.

Best of luck with your Pioneer table. I enjoy using some older equipment,  so I hope it works out for you. Regards,
Dan
edgyhassle's avatar
edgyhassle
102 posts
 
Also Herbie's has matts of various thicknesses which allows you to dial in your VTA. It can be a challenge to measure the difference from where it is now to where you need to be, but gives you another option.  Especially after added the OL Cartridge Enhancer.
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,191 posts
 
My Experiences  undertaken with changing TT Mats to learn how the interface is affected between Platter and Stylus, has led me to the use of Mats made up of many different materials.
As I have quite a few different materials I have loaned these out to other TT owners for demonstrations of them and comparisons between them in their own systems.
I have heard these Mats on Belt Drive, Idler Drive and DD TT's.
In my assessment there is not one Mat I have used that excels as the most noticeable type across all three Motor Drives.

A Mat that has impressed and has been adopted by other users after my introduction and maintained as their Mat of choice, is a Mat produced from a Material called Forex Foam, this is inexpensive and a good place to begin.
Two Tenuto Mat users are now using Forex Foam as their preferred choice.       
smandlej
75 posts
 
Turntables of this era came with a ribbed rubber mat that does not support the record over the entire playing area. Ken Kessler of Hi-Fi News has been experimenting with mats and weights that fit over the spindle, in recent issues. These are all relatively inexpensive, so much so that one can try and sell on if need be. I had a Pioneer PL-12D and started by inverting the rubber mat placing it ribbed side down. Cork or felt mats are worth a try. I replaced the headshell on mine, which was better than the standard issue. A new drive belt might also be appropriate.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Don't worry about the VTA. It changes anyway with different cartridges.
You want to remove the rubber mat and adhere the cork mat to the plater with a spray contact cement. The mat should have a depression for the record label. Lacquer thinner can always remove the contact cement. 
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