No dustcover, just canned air or a photography bomb. The best mat so far in my experience is the Living Voice. Just slightly different from the platter. I wouldn't say it is better than the platter just more aestheticly pleasing. Maybe a touch less dynamic but more black background. Just a touch. I have no knowledge of record weights having much of a difference. The outer ring is what makes a true step above and beyond. You are then at the next level. A big jump.
Isolation of the turntable on a good wall mount shelf or geat rack is also critical. A Promethean Base can do wonders if you suffer from resonance. This can effectively isolate the turntable easily.
Stillpoints also improve definition and detail providing isolation in the horizontal plane.
Go slowly and listen as each jump is nice. Also, you hear more w. each change. You will then hear your cartridge & tonearm more accurately.
Isolation of the turntable on a good wall mount shelf or geat rack is also critical. A Promethean Base can do wonders if you suffer from resonance. This can effectively isolate the turntable easily.
Stillpoints also improve definition and detail providing isolation in the horizontal plane.
Go slowly and listen as each jump is nice. Also, you hear more w. each change. You will then hear your cartridge & tonearm more accurately.