VPI felt mat vs aftermarket


I’ve been contemplating getting a mat for my VPI Classic. Mainly to avoid slippage when used without center weight and to avoid static in winter.
 

VPI now offers a very basic felt mat with their logo. It is cheap and looks nice. Has anyone had experience with that mat on their VPI classic platter? Another option I’m considering is going straight to Auditorium 23 Turntable Mat. 

dmk_hifi

"Mainly to avoid slippage when used without center weight"

dmk_hifi you probably know everything audiopyledom is subjective.

You're going against VPI philosophy.

Playing an LP without a center weight defeats idea of getting the LP flat against the platter. VPI believes playing without any mat ensures "best" possible SQ.

I happen to believe the screw down clamp with the rubber washer is the best attempt at getting the LP to lay flat, since the rubber washer dishes it, allowing the clamp to flatten it-a much better psuedo vacuum hold down solution than just using a center weight if you're not incorporating it with the outer peripheral ring.

Weight only is good for only perfectly flat LPs.

Auditorium 23 Turntable Mat and any other audiophool mat- waste of money that could be used for records.

Longtime Classic user here.

@tablejockey +1 to everything said plus it helps the uni-pivot arm stay as stable as practically possible to insure for premium performance. The peripheral ring with a screw down clamp also figures into VPIs philosophy as well, making the uni-pivot achieve better performance. Enjoy the music.

Thanks for all good advice. Worth noting that my VPI Classic Companion comes with gimbal tonearm so stability is not an issue as with their unipoint arms. I use HRX weight, not clamp, for ease of use.

@drrsutliff never heard of this Origin Live mat but appears to get good reviews did you have any issues with it sticking to the record? Another mat that I came across with good reviews is Soundeck PM

 

@dmk_hifi no I have not had any issues with the mats sticking to records and I frequently change records without stopping the platter.  I also use a second OL mat  on my Origin Live Sovereign mk3 TT.