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Record Mats In Combination With Weights

One day I was browsing on this site and saw a product for sale.  A vinyl weight that was 900+ grams for $250 USD.  I wondered if having a heavier weight was better.

I ran across some discussion about the problems with using weights.  The record label is technically thicker than the actual listening space on the vinyl. Placing the weight on it can possibly lift the outer portion of the record on lightweight vinyl (80 grams). Additionally, most record mats that come with turntables have a slight indention in the center to compensate for that lager label section.  I recently got the Funk Firm Achromat (3mm). I see that the center portion is a different material and appears to be recessed.  I am currently using a Fluance Hifi High Mass (760 gram) weight stabilizer.

Am I doing a disservice by having both the Achromat and a high mass stabilizer? Thus far, I have only heard good things from my system when both are used, but I am not sure what the weights of my various LPs are.
guakus

Showing 5 responses by guakus

guakus's avatar
guakus OP
352 posts
 
@millercarbon  

Do you use the Origin Live Gravity One ?
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
352 posts
 
@jasonbourne52 

There must be a reason these weights exist.  To be fair, I mostly have vintage albums that have some warping and the high mass weight helps.  It removes a horrible oscillating hissing sound on one of my albums.  As well as removes a hollow-like echo sound quality that occurs on all albums.

So, are you saying that there is a lighter weight that will accomplish the same effect without putting excess strain on the main bearing?  If so, what weight?  I am not familiar with Audio Technica's record weight.
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
352 posts
 
@dover

Agreed.  I began this post to see if there was something I was missing about weight.  Whether it was something I needed and as it turns out, it's sort of like asking, "What's the best Bourbon?"  It's 110% subjective. :)
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
352 posts
 
@tomic601

My Bourbon tastes are a bit more eclectic. While it lasts, I prefer a pour of Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Yr, Stitzel Weller Barrel. When that runs out, I suppose Maker's Mark will be my well.
guakus's avatar
guakus OP
352 posts
 
@dover

Well, foolish or not, the sound quality from my setup suffers on everything I play without those options.  Maybe I have been just lucky?

I have the Denon DP450 with the Ortofon 2M Red. I am now using the Archomat rather than the rubber mat that came with the turntable. I use the  Fluance Hifi  weight and haven't determined any issues with turntable function.  I have tested albums with the Fluance Hifi weight, both on and off. With it on, before I got the new mat and the sound quality was more structured and it solved some hissing noises and hollow sound effects. The Archomat adds a new layer of structure and clarity.  Based on the positive attributes that have been revealed, I take the position that these items are a positive influence on the system I am using.


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