Turntable Mats: Rubber, Felt or Cork.

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.

I took an old record, and cut it down to a 10” circle. Peeled off the labels and sanded the grooves down. Made it for a friend who has a Dual 1019. He was using a cork platter he had cut down himself. Apparently works well, with improved dynamics.

I use carbon fiber and never looked back

I tried a bunch of different mats, but held onto my achromat and Herbies way excellent mat. 

Quick question for Noromance.

Would you consider the PAC oversized platter an essential upgrade for the 401?
Mine has stock platter on it still.
What would you say it brought to the table.( Sic).
Thanks