Linn users, what is your preference for your platter mat?

Owned LP12s for nearly forty years and always used the same felt mat they came with. 

@newton_john 

Thanks for that. 

To my ear, the Herbie's Audio Way Excellent turntable mat is a clear upgrade to the felt mat. I now use a graphite mat on my #1 table and just ordered the Origin Live Strata mat. Both are more expensive than the Herbie's which, is the "bang for the buck" choice.

As much of a pain as it frequently is, I use the stock felt mat.

@mwh777 

Can you tell me what the Herbies or the others do for you that is an advantage over the felt? Only problem I see with the felt is that it is somewhat loose and on occasion will stick to a record. It seems pretty good about not building static, which I find with the plastic/rubber types. 

@newton_john  @awise1961 ​@mwh777 

Do any of you have your own Linn Jig for service on the LP12? 

@billpete 

No, I leave that sort of thing for my dealer to do.  

@newton_john 

I have no luck trying to find the dealer list in the US. I live in NE Missouri and guessing I have nothing within 4 to 6 hours. Don't know why the dealer search doesn't work but it doesn't for me. I would consider buying my own jig if I have any work to do. 

I also have an AR table, THE AR, which is very similar. I used to think AR copied Linn but recent study shows it to be the other way around. Kind of funny. Both kind of copied old Thorens. Just interesting. 

@billpete 

You could email support dwlabs@linn.co.uk 

The original felt mat is what i use. Mine has shrunk a little round the edges, so I will probably get a newer mat from Linn. The felt mats are what I have used for years, but they can attract to the record with static if one isn't careful.

The new Collaro mat looks interesting, but I have not heard it. 

I don't really have a problem with the felt. Just wondering what other Linn users have done. Looks like mostly felt, at least so far. 

@billpete 

Sorry for the long delay in responding. Re: the difference between the felt mat and the Herbie's mat. To my ear, everything is better with the Herbie's mat. It has been way too long since I have listened to the felt mat that I can't give you more detail.

If you are in the US and want to try my Herbie's mat, I will send it to you no charge.

If you want, look me up on the other audiophile site under acman51 to make connection about this.

Re: the question about a jig, yes I do have one. It is really necessary to work on the LP12.

@mwh777 

I am in the US. NE MO as stated above. Curious as to what is better? Not saying that you're wrong, I just am curious about what improves. 

I do consider getting a jig if I keep this rig for the long term. I see no reason not to so far. 

Which other site? There are many. I am a member on the DIY site, don't think I'm current on any others. Used to be active on the asylum. Thanks for the offer. It bears consideration. Actually looking to replace a rubber mat on the AR. 

I'm trying to tiptoe here to avoid tripping the algorithm on this site that will block any mention of anything that they deem inappropriate, or any attempt to circumvent their billing system etc., etc. The site I'm referring to is the one that starts with audio and ends with mart. I'm trying to give you an opportunity to hear it for yourself and make your own decision about the validity of my contention rather than relying on hearsay. Also, you could pose the question on ChatGPT or Gemini if you still need more convincing.

@mwh777 

I have read a lot of good reviews about the herbie mat. If I can't find you, I can always just buy one and see what I think but I'll see what I can find. Thanks

My local music buddy has a pricey Linn set-up. He's a fan of the MyMat on his Music Hall tt, but is unwilling to even try anything other than Linn approved ancillaries.

@slaw 

So, is that felt only?

Yes

@slaw