Living Voice Mystic Mat Experiences

I tried the Boston Audio Mat on a copper platter. The sound with vinyl direct on the platter was more dynamic and with more definition. The Boston Mat made everything sound bigger but more fuzzy. This is based on placing the mat on a copper platter. The Simon Yorke turntable comes with a graphite mat and Pluto Turntable which comes with an aluminum platter advocates using a copper mat with the Mystic Mat in conjunction. One of the members on this forum with a vast experience in analogue recommended using no mat at all, suggesting that the placing the LP directly on the metal platter is best. So far that has been my experience but I am curious about the Mystic Mat.

I've use both the Mystic Matt and the Boston. Of course both matts depend on what turntable etc., but on mk 80mm acrylic platter the MM is a distinct improvement in most areas, while I probably wouldn't use the Boston long term. On Garrards, both work very well. Havent tried either on really high mass platters. They don't work in all circumsatance. For instance the mystic's designer doesn't recommend it with SMEs. As usual these matts will be system and taste dependent.

Dgad
The Mystic Mat on my Kuzma had the effect of tightening images, ie in the lower mid/bass, there was better focus. This was the most obvious difference. Of course once you listen more, then you will notice that the background gets quieter, thus dynamics are enhanced. Even cymbals have greater clarity. Other mats just don't compare with this.

It does require the use of a clamp, so your spindle should be long enough to accomodate this.

Cmk,

What is the Kuzma platter made of? I use both a clamp and an outer ring. The outer ring being the most significant improvement (but a pain in the sjs to use). The outer ring opens up the sound stage to let you hear into the image. I find it funny that few people use it. The difference between a mat and the outer ring has been large for me. The outer ring obviously being "better" and the mats I have tried not being anything special. I might try the Mystic Mat though. I would love to see some detailed photos of it.

Hi Dgad
The Kuzma platter is made of alu with a felt surface.

The shop here that sells the mat and the outer ring said that the mat made a more musical difference than the outer ring.

My own experience of getting an insight into the soundstage was the Schroeder arm. Of course as you reach the heights of analogue playback, every little bit counts and they each contribute in unique ways. I would stop when the value of the change made is uncertain, but the mat was definitely a step in the right direction.