I am with ghdprentince on this. Does not take much to change the frequency response. If one is thinner, take a record you hate and put it underneath the mat. See if they sound closer.
Replacing cork platter mat with acrylic mat
After reading some reviews touting the benefits of acrylic platter mats, I ordered one, out of curiosity.
It arrived yesterday and I sat down for an A/B listening session. Played "Car on a Hill" from Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark". Beautiful, gorgeous, lush sound.
Then replaced my cork mat with the acrylic mat. Played the same track -- WTF? Terrible, congested sound, the bass became timid and all the sparkle was gone! The sound was wimpy, claustrophobic.
Placed the cork mat back on, played the same track -- aaahhhh, what a relief! Gorgeous sound is back in its full glory.
So what gives? How is it possible that such minor change results in such shocking degradation in sound?