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Adding a Turntable Mat

   I have an older turntable (Pioneer PL-530). Am the original owner. Have done a few things to keep this table operating as original as possible. Yeah, I know this isn't a high end table by any means. Rather than receiving a flood of advice on what tables are better, I would like to hear from someone who may have knowledge/experience with different types of table mats.
   My table has no VTA adjustment capability. The stock platter mat is rubber. Seeking minor/inexpensive tweaks and if a different mat may or may not provide any perceptible improvement. If it's inexpensive and provides no improvement....no problem.
   Here's my question.....For example...If I installed a thin cork mat, could that mat simply be placed on top of the existing rubber mat or should the rubber mat be removed first and then just use the cork mat? Remember, this table doesn't have VTA adjustment.
Thanks

jrpnde

Showing 1 response by kellyp

kellyp's avatar
kellyp
104 posts
 
To get your VTA right you need a high power microscope.  take the cartridge off and measure the stylus to the cantilever angle.  Then remount it and measure the cantilever to the record angle because the stylus is too small, it can't be done accurately.  That is the only way to get it right.

One high-end cartridge was 7 degrees off.  Far our of my adjustment range.  I put a wedge between the cartridge and the headshell and all is OK.

I think someone here suggested different mat thicknesses to vary the VTA. 

If you want a non-reflective mat, as I prefer, get a thin sheet of sorbothane.  It is very sticky to vinyl though, so cut a thing isolating layer of something so it won't adhere to the record.  That makes a huge difference in sound.

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