Does a turntable mat make any difference?


One came free with my RUSH 2112 vinyl disc.

Google seems to think so.

TIA

128x128jjbeason14

I play a lot of records. I have several mats of different thickness that I use as a quick, if not perfect VTA adjustment. I suppose had I selected wealth instead of handsome, I might have a copper mat, or some other unobtanium that caught the light just right... I have a couple felt and a couple cork at each of the systems that have more demanding cartridges. My "intake" turntable, where I audition my new to me records, after cleaning, is a U-turn Orbit Theory with a m2 Blue and an ultra thin generic felt mat, and I couldn't tell you why there's a mat at all.

I use the funk firm mat. It sounds great to me. Some of the things I like about it is I do not have to turn off the motor to change or flip the record. Also it does not leave any lint on the record. I have friends who use the Herbie on the Rega. I believe is you use what you like. If you do use a thicker mat then you were before make sure to check the VTf so you are not overl loading the cartridge. As I said before. One of the things you are hearing is the change in the cartridge weight. This might be a good thing if you do not have adjustable VTA. It lets you fudge the VTA by going to a different thickness mat. Someone said above that extensive turn tables do not recommend using record mats which is true. But Acoustic Signature makes six figure turntables and come with mats as do many other very high end turntables.

@jjbeason14 
No, it is not harmful, but it may change the sound in a way most people would never notice.

@lewm 

Great minds think alike. I do think we got his best years, trumpet players never age well especially when you piss off your wife. She shot him in a NYC jazz club. Age 33. There is a great documentary on him, "I Called Him Morgan." 

@atmasphere 

More great minds! My amps are singing beautifully. The DEQX Pre 8 should be arriving shortly. I'm going to cross to a Bricasti Design M25. Roger West recommends 5000 Hz. What do you think?

More great minds! My amps are singing beautifully. The DEQX Pre 8 should be arriving shortly. I'm going to cross to a Bricasti Design M25. Roger West recommends 5000 Hz. What do you think?

@mijostyn Try it and see what you think.