Turntable mat journey


I have now tried 4 mats and although my current mat (Herbie’s Way Excellent Mat) solved my problem of static pulling the mat up while flipping records, I would like to get the sound designed by Rega (P8) with it’s felt mat back or as similar to it as possible. Also my current one is a white silicon and attracts anything and cleaning it is not fun or easy. Supposedly, the ideal mat is like shelf paper, and one of my 4 was the TEAC Washi mat which sounded fine, but that also came off the table- not sure if it was static or because it was large in diameter than a record. I haven’t seen any other like this. I also tried a VPI rubber backed felt mat that I though would stick better to the platter, but that one also came off when flipping.

Please don’t recommend ridiculously priced ones over $200 - I’d prefer to be at $100 or less if possible. I saw a very thin carbon fiber mat <.5mm called extreme phono speed mat that said it can be placed over a felt mat; in fact they sell it as an option with a felt mat- maybe this is the answer. It’s $89 by itself (I wouldn’t need another felt mat that adds $20).

Any thoughts of having 2 separate layers not stuck together as a mat?
Has anyone tried this or a thin carbon fiber mat, or have any recommendation? I’ve seen some older discussion threads talking about the My Mat made by a fellow Audiogoner, but from what it looks like, it would be similar to the one I have now since it is in the polymer type category.

I know this is a 1st world problem, but someone must have a solution. Thanks for your ideas.
sokogear

Showing 2 responses by rossb

I've owned a bunch of Rega turntables over the years and currently have a P8 as a second turntable.

If you're not concerned about sound quality, there are plenty of options. But if you want to preserve the sound of the stock P8 - which is understandable because it sounds best that way - there are not really any viable options.

A solid mat like the Funk Achromat will solve your static issue completely, is within your price range, and some people even think they sound good. (I don't, I think they sound awful). A cork/rubber mat from ebay is cheap and will sound adequate (if different) and solve the static issue. You could also try the original mat for Nottingham Analogue turntables, which is quite good and a bit closer to the sound of the stock Rega mat: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/202958473635?hash=item2f414489a3:g:ljUAAMXQkl9RbWsp&frcectupt=true

Alternatively you could try some thin double sided tape on your platter to hold down the stock mat. Also, vacuum clean your records frequently, which does tend to reduce (but not eliminate) the static issue.
Glad to hear the double sided tape has resolved the issue. If you like the Rega sound, the stock mat really is the best sounding solution IMO, and I have a cupboard full of mats to prove it.