What are the audio differences you hear with turntable Mats.

no_regrets, I do use a both a weight (about 250g) and a clamp (SOTA) with Boston Audio mats (two different turntables).  However, with a bare platter surface that is concave or dished as mentioned above, I don't know how that would work out as the graphite is not very flexible, if at all flexible, so it would not readily conform to a concave platter surface. And there would be a remote danger of the BA mat shattering if too much pressure was applied at the spindle over a concave surface.

For those looking for a great reflex clamp, don’t forget about the two made by BDR (Black Diamond Racing): a solid 1-pc., and a 2-pc.. Made of Carbon Fiber, with 1/4-20 threading. They show up on USAM used every once in a while for about $150.

@lewm , thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me and others. I think I will keep a watchful eye out for a used BA The Mat.  If I can't find one in a few weeks, I'll order a new one to give it a try 😁

Best wishes,

Don

With regards to mats. Different is easy, better not as much. Analog playback systems have so much individuality built into them its hard to predict the outcome, or what the listener will prefer. You will change the sound, now whether you like it or not is a different question. 

No_regrets, I do hope you like the Sakura/Boston mat. I auditioned about half a dozen after market mats before I settled on that one. But I do not claim to have a huge and comprehensive experience with the myriad of available choices. Also, I have 5 turntables to feed. Three of them have the graphite mat. On a 4th TT I use an SAEC SS300 metal mat (Victor TT101) and on the 5th I use a solid copper mat. This is the Kenwood L07D which came with a 5 lb stainless steel mat; I had a 5 lb copper mat made to replace the SS. I hate to admit It, but the change to copper made a big difference on the L07D, I think because copper is a superior EMI shield.