SP-10 Mat

Raul, I freely admit that what you say may be true. I believe it myself. Nevertheless, I do not like heavy record weights. (I said nothing at all about vacuum hold-down; you impute to me an opinion I do not hold. Nor did I say I prefer metal mats; as you know, I am not using any metal mat except the one designed to be part of the L07D platter) It is my opinion that the analog/vinyl medium is so full of imperfections at all levels, from recording venue to playback system, that sometimes by serendipity one "distortion" can complement another, with the net result that the listener is more pleased, the sound is more "real". I know you detest the "I like it" school of thought, but there it is. Live music can be very "ragged" and full of life; I do not want to use a device that removes that possible sensation completely, as do many very heavy record weights and peripheral rings. If you want to do that in the interest of removing "distortion", that is your choice.

I am a scientist by profession. You have no idea how far from real science is this art of reproducing music at home. It's nearly impossible even to do a valid "experiment" in home audio.

The goal of the TT is to have the stylus trace the groove accurately. So, the analogous question to ask is, is it easier to walk on a vibrating floor or a stable one?

Your TT is the source for sonic information. If you desire to hear what is truly recorded from the LP, then choose components that will maximize the accurate reproduction of sound from the groove. With that being the goal, compliance anywhere in the chain of LP through tone arm will be deleterious (translated: no rubber, foam, or soft mats). Additionally, sonic resonances from the bearing; ambient resonance transmitted through plinth, tone arm, platter; and stylus-resonant feedback need to be mitigated. This is accomplished through materials that dissipate resonant energy.

I have found that TTW Audio’s mats are products focused on that goal and do a superlative job. I have used a variety of their mats from alloy, copper, Delrin, combination mats with the carbon fiber. The Ultimat provided the best platform at reducing resonances. I believe TTW has a mat priced above the Ultimat. I have no experience with it.

Your LP needs to be coupled to the platter/mat with a periphery weight and center weight to maximize sound retrieval. The greater the mass, the more resonant energy is absorbed. Ideally, the only thing to resonate is the stylus from tracing the LP groove.

I have no affiliation with TTW.

Then why not sit on the f***in' thing? Be my guest.

"Resonance" is one of the most used and abused terms in audio. Like I said in reply to Raul, the theoretical advantages of record dampening are obvious. I only know that when I do it using the available mechanisms, most of the time I do not like it. So I don't do it. (Most of the time.) Same goes for hitting myself in the head with a hammer. I could counter with some equally hypothetical arguments about why record weights might not be so good, but I believe we are speaking past each other (plural), and it would only lead to more misunderstanding. The OP asked about platter mats, and I have offered my opinions.

I'm using the OMA carbon mat which is similar to the Boston Audio 2 only thicker and it's designed to fit the the recessed SP 10 platter exactly.

Probably the best value is the Herbie's "way excellent" 2 turntable mat. They have a 4mm thick, 292mm diameter version that fits the SP 10 platter. It's around $75 and has a 90 day home trial so you can decide for yourself.

I like the Herbie's business. They sell a lot of nice accessories for reasonable prices, but I would not rate their tt mat in the same league with the best of the others that have been mentioned. In my mind, therefore, the mat is a false economy. For less than $200 more you can have the Mat2. Since the SP10 (Mk2 or 3) is worth a few to many thousands of dollars, it does not make sense to save a few hundred on something as crucial as a platter mat. That's just my opinion developed over a few decades of looking for least expensive ways out. I stopped thinking that way. I do respect your opinion which may differ from mine as far as ranking the Herbie's mat. (I do own a Herbie's mat, by the way.)