Does a turntable mat make any difference?

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.

Does anyone think it could be harmful?

TIA

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.

@atmasphere 

It gets rid of the RC network between the transformers and will definitely extend the high end. The question is will my old ears be able to hear it. It will also take a big load off the MA 2s as the processor is pushing the amps to make high end up to the limit which I think is 6dB. Sorry folks for commandeering the thread.

The best mat will be heavy and have the hardness of vinyl. More important is that the record be firmly held to the mat. Reflex clamping as used by SME, Kuzma, Avid, Oracle and CS Port, or vacuum clamping as used by Sota, Basis and Techdas, are the best solution. Record weights are a half way solution.