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Platter mat insanity

I was doing an idler upgrade to my 401 (more anon) and when finished used the Keystrobe disk to ensure speed. I use a 10" EP as a platter mat. I played a bunch of albums and it sounded fantastic. On the 6th side, I noticed I'd forgot to remove the 4" strobe disc. Duh. I took it off and figured VTA was responsible. So I lowered the arm to see if that made it sound so good. Nope. Put back on the 4" strobe disk and raised arm. The awesome sound returned. So air under the record removed haze, smearing, flattened soundstage and muddled bass; and made it so more musical. Comments... 
128x128noromance

Showing 3 responses by sleepwalker65

sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
I am feeling much better about the design-intelligence in the 1/4” thick rubber mat on my Technics SL-1700mk2 turntables after this thread of conjecture. Seems Good ole Technics had it right all along, despite less than optimal tonearm geometry. Yet another reason to ditch the archaic SL-1200mk2 derivative. 
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
Box head, I know it’s a good idea because of your reaction. 😂 😆 🤣 
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
@noromance the 1/4” thick mat that Technics supplied on the SL-1700mk2 and 1800mk2, 1600mk2 and SP-10mk2 and SP-10mk3 is very dense and much more rigid as a result. Its dense rubber compound makes it an excellent vibration isolator, making the above series of turntables second to none for rumble in addition to being second to none for wow and flutter. Yes, they could have better tonearm geometry, but you can’t deny that Technics knows more about turntable design than nearly any other turntable manufacturer  still in that business. 
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