2. analog
  3. 126743-163

...a second listen

I have a Superscoutmaster VPI/rim drive/Classic Platter.  Sometime ago, I heard that topping off the platter with a mat would do great things.....I tried a few, and decided on a deerskin mat (cheap)...   Its been a couple of months now, but I just removed it and listened again.  Why oh why did I think the mat is an improvement?.  It diminished all the air from the presentation, eliminated any 3D effect...  Now going au natural..
stringreen

Showing 2 responses by sarcher30

sarcher30
596 posts
 
I find it can be hit and miss with TT mats. I have quite a few different ones. I do not like felt or rubber mats at all. I’ve settled down on a few different hard material mats because it depends on the cartridge I’m using at the time. I find that I can get the best sound out of a cartridge by using the right mat for that particular cartridge. So my advise is get an assortment and play around till you find something that works. When you put on a different cart that is new to you, it's time to experiment with mats again.
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Hi astro58go. Yes all those points you brought up make a difference. It all effects the dampening of vibrations in the record you are playing. Dampen too much, and you loose information. Dampen too little, and you get extra info that was not originally recorded. Another complication is different materials resonate at different frequencies. Which is why different materials may match better to a particular cartridge/tonearm/table/stand/room.

I could list all the combos I've tried but it may well not translate to another persons setup. I'm just saying it pays to experiment for yourself.  
More to discover