VPI Classic platter - is center milled?

Hey guys, spoke with Jack at VPI - fun dude.

I am a bit embarrassed here as Jack said the platters [now] have a rise in the center and the TT comes with a rubber mat that absolutely must be used.

I clarified that the VPI manual recommends no mat sounds best. He stated that the manual had not been updated and not using the mat will create an uneven playing surface.

After I hung up, it occurred to me that I never asked why the change? I have zero complaints with the sound, but the clamp does not flatten several warped disc. Not sure if I want to commit to the periphery ring, but looks like it may be in the future budget?

Cheers!

Thanks for the update on the new platter and mat. VPI does a poor job communicating changes to their tables. Their website is useless and is riddled with outdated pictures.

Case of a true Analog company operating in a Digital world eh;)

Ditto on the thanks for that update Apb689. What you report indicates a 180 degree change in VPI practice re the use of mats. I have an early Classic which has a flat platter and smooth sides. At that time, the mantra was using the table sans mat sounded best. Oh well.

Wonder why we didn't hear from Stringreen by now?? :)

Wow. That seems like a poor decision on VPI's part. IME rubber mats suck. It makes no sense to raise the middle section so you have to use their rubber mat. Now if you want to use an aftermarket mat, it has to go on top of the rubber one. Or if you like the sound better directly on the aluminum platter, that is not even an option now.