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VPI Classic platter - is center milled?

Is the vpi classic platter milled with a depression in the center? vpi recommends not using a mat, but my platter has a slight rise in the center.

With the provided ring clamp and gasket, vinyl stays 2 mm above platter with a lot of wobble. If I use the rubber mat, it seats the vinyl firmly.

Thanks for input.
abp689
brf
1,715 posts
 
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 Their website is useless and is riddled with outdated pictures.
abp689 OP
41 posts
 
Case of a true Analog company operating in a Digital world eh;)
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
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?? :)
sarcher30
596 posts
 
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.
abp689 OP
41 posts
 
Correct. With no mat, there is a 2 mm gap between the platter and vinyl so no vinyl touches the platter (excluding label).

I think it sounds very good (not sure what it would sound like directly on the platter); however, I do not find the ring clamp does much to even out slight to sever warps.
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