Turntable Mats: Rubber, Felt or Cork.

Joscow, I have a highly modded Linn lp12 that I find the felt mat on the rough side sounds better. I also have a table like yours a Linn Axis with an Ittok on it. I tried everything I could get my hands on I did a Merrill cork, metal, rubber hybrid. Rubber, leather, and so on everything has a sonic signature but went back to the dusty dirty felt mat. If you do use a felt mat try both sides I do hear a difference some may argue and if you like make sure it is a Linn mat that may make a difference also.

joscow if this table is new to you and don't know how old belt, mat and bearing oil is change it all out buying from a reputable Linn dealer and not eBay. Should be less than $100. Then download a protractor from vinyl engine 50hz/211mm protractor or protractor made for Linn arms bring it to a print shop and have them print to scale. I also have a Linn basic LVX tonearm I have paired with Axis which is not as good as your Akito. With fresh oil,mat, belt and set up properly I was really shocked what $100 in parts and a little time setting up the table properly how good the old Axis with basic tonearm can sound. A lot cheaper than buying a stack of mats that may not even sound right.

Good luck joscow, dont be scared to run the VTF under the  cartridges recommended weight, I think Axis sounds good running light sometimes. If you want run it light and increase gain cant hurt to try. Just have fun you have a nice table.