So my question, If one buys an aftermarket mat and you have the same amount of "sound" coming from the playing surface with volume down, then you really are not gaining anything? I can hear the record playing slightly having my ear near the headshell. A better mat will lower that volume?
Does a turntable mat make any difference?
One came free with my RUSH 2112 vinyl disc.
Google seems to think so.
TIA