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 slaw

@sokogear,

I personally wouldn't use the felt mat. It's a static producer and a dust magnet. It does little to nothing to decouple a record from the bearing. I don't subscribe to the camp that believes since Rega supplied a felt mat that it's the best mat for that tt. I have a customer with a RP10 who uses two MyMats and he's very happy. I have an Achromat (5mm) and really liked it on my Townshend Rock 7.

There is a new Destat III at www.partsconnexion.com fro around $270.00 shipped