VPI Classic Platter- Naked or better with a mat?


I was contemplating trying a Living Voice Mystic Mat or Millenium mat, as I've read very positive reviews about it for my Super Scoutmaster Ref. rimdrive. I called Music Direct and was told to leave the Classic platter as it is without using a mat, as it is a beautiful platter the way it is. The salesperson also said he did not hear it with a mat, but thought it was great without any mat. Very refreshing to not be told that it would make a positive difference and try to sell you. I appreciate that about Music Direct. Just wondering what others have tried and what your experiences are with different mats. Thanks.
hiendmuse

Showing 6 responses by dodgealum

Just installed a Classic platter and bearing on my Scout. The platter came with a mat from VPI that features their logo and strobe markings on the perimeter. It appears to be made of a type of fiber and is about 1/8" thick. I have compared the sound with the mat and naked and prefer the sound with the mat--more textured to my ears and tonally correct. I thought I'd revive this thread to see what other mat options might have been tried of late. Thanks for the input!
Miner can you tell me exactly which model Herbies mat you purchased? Also, did it help reduce static in the winter?
Ordered a Herbies Way Excellent II mat yesterday. I'll post when I have had some time listening with and without the mat. Thanks everyone.
I'm using an Acoustech electronic stylus force gauge--have for years. I'm wondering if anyone is using the same and found this: When I put the gauge down on the aluminum platter, it won't zero out. It flits about with positive and negative numbers. I move it to a different location and it zeros out fine. I never had this problem with my original Scout acrylic platter. I can't get an accurate VTF reading without the gauge sitting at zero before I drop the needle. Thoughts?
Hey guys I've been using a Herbies Way Excellent II mat for the past few weeks and find this way better (pardon the pun) than the naked platter. Highly recommended!
Hey guys--reviving this thread. For those using the Classic platter--are you using the small round disc (about 1.5" diameter) over the spindle and under the record so that when the clamp is applied the record does not "dish"? This came with my original Scout acrylic platter but I've lost it and am finding that when I clamp down on the Classic platter the record edge lifts a little bit as the center is depressed. With the Scout and the disc the clamp would basically flatten the record right out to the edge. Thoughts?