SP-10 Mat
Hi genesis. Got it. that looks a bit better. when I googled TTM mat I got this pigskin mat http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hiraga/mat.html thanks Peter. might source one of these for my Exclusive P3 if the cu-180 sounds better on it when I try. cheers |
I first used an perfectly made arylic mat but then got advise from my friend Lew and bought the SAEC SS 300 from (will you believe this?) from Raul. I am actually ''loaded'' with acrylic. My ASR artillery from Germany (Basis Exclusive, etc) is covered in acrylic as is my Kuzma Stabi Reference. But Kuzma glued some kind of textile mat on his acrylic platter. I use the SAEC on my Sp 10,mk2. I am not able to hear any diffreence between my acrylic or ''metal'' SAEC mat. However the SAEC looks much more impressive while i also want to impres my visitors. That is why I use the SAEC. |
A few years ago, I purchased a replica of the CU-180 from Peter's reference. It was the last a German seller had on hand, and I don't know if he had more made. It fit the SP-10 platter perfectly, deadening the ringing at least as well as the stock mat. I topped it with an ultra light TT Weights "Supreme" mat - thin cork bottom with thin carbon top, sandwiching a composite Kevlar fiber/carbon fiber middle layer. Beautiful clear epoxy finish. I use the lightweight TTWeights aluminum record clamp as well. The combination looks great and does the job. |
I'm not a "contender". I'm not trying for "best". I've used the SAEC mat for years and like it. I've switched to other mats, and always come back. Friends bring over the latest-greatest mat made of exotic materials, and it's fun to try them, and I'm happy to go back to the SAEC. I've tried it in combination with various other mats of various materials (adjusting for VTA) and I'm still happy with the SAEC. I don't put it directly on the platter. I elevate it about 0.5mm, so there's only air between it and the platter. I do this because I did extensive tests many years ago on several expensive turntables and all had some degree of bearing rumble in the platter — I raise the SAEC mat so it doesn't touch the platter, hopefully isolating it from that rumble — and indeed there is Zero rumble. The SAEC still contacts the central spindle (which is attached to the bearing) through the central hole — I doubt it transmits much rumble to the vinyl, but I put a small clamp on the spindle (only 1.5" but dense) to help absorb that small bit of bearing rumble that reaches the spindle. I don't like clamps in general, but using this small one for the purpose described does not have the "deadening" effect larger clamps can cause. In my view, clamps don't flatten edge-warps anyway — mostly they just look really cool — today it seems a turntable is naked without a sexy clamp on it. I'm not striving for perfection but the improvements are quite audible. I'm able to indulge my need to tweak, hear the beneficial effect of my own creative contribution, and I have a highish-tech mat and a clamp so I can hang with the cool kids — without going nuts, trying every mat under the sun, then debating if it's better or only different — and if it really is better, is it better enough to matter. |
In case anyone seeks to upgrade their direct-drive turntable plinth isolation feet, I have used the Delrin version of these for the past 2 years and am very satisfied: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Isolating-feet-for-turntables-speakers-and-amplifiers-Type-1-Height-Adjust... Replacement neoprene "O" rings can also be had on Ebay, as they do dry out and crack/split over the years. The "O" rings are the feets' contact surface with the shelf upon which the TT sits. The cones are hidden from view by the 2 piece design. For reference, my table is a Technics SP-10 Mk2, "Krebs upgraded" (by Bill Thalmann, who also did some preventive maintenance parts replacements on the board and added a nice orange strobe LED - Bill does great work), with a PBN Audio outboard power supply. The TT and feet are in this plinth: http://www.acoustand.co.uk/products/acoustand-technics-sp10-mk2-mk3-obsidian-inspired-bespoke-plinth... The workmanship of the feet is impeccable. |
Hi JB I bought a set of the isolation feet from Kridon. For the $$, they sound really good. Did you not buy the SL 1200 feet with the M6 screws on top - they screw directly into the M6 threads in the plinth. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Technics-1210-1200-Turntable-Isolating-Feet-Height-Adjustable-Type-1-/1424... that said, just after Kridon shipped the isolation feet, I found a set of used Stillpoint V’s. They do sound better, but certainly not 10 times better like the price. cheers |
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@jarrett I find the Micro-Seiki mat to be a bit too lively but outstanding in terms of dynamics and soundstage. The stock rubber mat is too dull and bloated. Yes, the rubber mat must be avoided (imo), Micro CU-180 and CU-500 are great for Technics DDs. @downunder chakster. I just noticed you placed the mat upside down, mate Why? |
I just noticed you placed the mat upside down, mate @chakster Is the cu180 mat really supposed to be with the slight rounded circumference side up, rather than down? it fits and couples with the platter perfectly either way. I have flipped it now for a bit of fun. Funny, it feels as if its now slightly lower than the other way - but that’s obviously an illusion. BTW - Its impossible to remove from the mat from the SP10mk3 platter now :-) How do you do it now easily? cheers |
@downunder hmm, i never tried the upsidedown placement, i think this is correct placement, but CU-500 is much thicker. Yeah, to remove the mat you might need to flip the whole turntable :)) |
OK, what about Goo-Gone or similar cleaners, if checked not to contain alcohol? My point was simply there should be some means to clean off any residue it if remains. BTW, what about a "Moscow Mule"? That places alcohol in a copper mug with no bad results. At least so far as the mug is concerned. The consumer is on their own for results however. ;^) |
