2. analog
  3. 174529-155348

Proper thickness for platter mat Technics 1200GR(2021)

My girl decided to bring home a 6month old Husky last Monday. I didn’t know it was coming. Long story short the new addition chewed up my platter mat. In search of a new one I see all types of recommended thickness. 3mm, 4mm(Herbies), 5mm(Funk Mat) and even 6mm(older technics). What’s the importance of this? I don’t quite understand VTA but it seems to be reason why thicker platter mats are preferred for this particular table. Is 6mm to thick? Is 5mm the sweet spot? Using the MP200 cartridge(if that plays a part).

 

Im currently investing in to protecting my cables from the pup...just in case. :p

tmac1700
acman3
4,122 posts
 

I vote carbon fiber, since it's hard to chew up.

 

Boston Audio Design - Serious Audiophile Tweaks (boston-audio.com)

tmac1700 OP
74 posts
 

@jim5559 I love dogs man... but a puppy? Wasn’t even a little bit prepared for that.

KAB seems to be the place to shop for technics parts. That's good to know.  Thanks.  Website is a tad grungy. :p

I’ll check out the carbon fiber one. Thanks.

andysf
268 posts
 

I think the width is more important than the height.  I have an Achromat made for the 1200.  Herbies also makes one sized for the 1200 as well.  Curious about the KAB mat if anyone has actually used one.  He does know his stuff!

reubent
6,936 posts
 

@andysf  - Hey Andy, I was thinking of buying the SL1200 Achromat for my Pioneer PLX 1000 which is a Super-OEM copy of the classic Technics SL1200. How does the Achromat fit? Does it have a channel on the underside that fits over the lip on the Technics platter? Or is the diameter small enough that it fits inside of the lip on the outside of the Technics platter? Lastly, how do you like it?

avanti1960
1,405 posts
 

The stock mat is 3mm and it is OK.   I have also learned that many shorter cartridges will not be able to be levelled because the arm height dial runs out of travel.  

I tried many mats with my GR and by far the best is the Herbies with 4mm thickness.  Great damping without too much and the additional mm lets shorter carts be dialed in perfectly.  

Worst by far was the achromat which blurred and ruined bass response. 

To test the effectiveness of mats play music at high volumes and listen to the bass- beats and sustained.  Listen for good definition and clarity of notes.  Also listen to the midrange and check for coloration.  

The best mats will dampen the arm resonance and let the bass sound sharp and focused and leave the midrange nice and clear.  

More to discover