Rega spindle too short

I am still using the felt mat,it is rather thick, I have been looking for a new one, any ideas? I laid a record directly on the platter today, but as Frank said, since the platter does not have a recess for the lable the record does not lay flat.

I might have to check into that extended spindle, I really don't want to scrap the IA, I got a really good deal on it, and I think it sounds great. I will however check into the funk acroplat, to see what it is all about, ie $$$. I am into great sound for low dollar. Thanks.

I played some records today without the felt mat, and it sounded great. Before with the mat my speakers sounded really bright, to the point where I could only listed for short periods. Without the mat the lows are alot more pronounced, and the highs are alot more mellow. I was wondering what would be the downfall of not having the recess, because I don't think that I will be puting the mat back on soon. Piedpiper has me thinking about getting the recess cut by my brother who is a machinist, how deep would the recess need to be? and do you think that would be a good idea?

I also agree about diminishing the resale value of the platter. How thick is the Acromat, I know I could research it, but I don't see the harm in asking. Like I said the sound with album placed directly on the platter is at least 75% better. Without the mat and record I have exactly 3/8" sticking up, would that be enough for the acromat?

I did do a google search on the achromat and like what I am learning about it. I am going to purchase the 3mm just to be safe. The way I figure it, I already have 5/8" of acrylic. I figure that all I really need is a label recess, so the 3mm should be good.