HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

What you all using?

Have you stayed with the supplied manufacturers mat?

I've been using a Trans-Fi Reso-mat for a good few years now on my Technics but I just tried an old felt mat, either Rega or Linn, I think it was a Rega one, and it sounded a lot better than I was expecting.

I have always used the felt mat which came with my Rega Planar 3.

My recent vinyl adventures led me first to trying to improve the performance of the Pro-Ject Debut 2, replacing its thin felt mat with a quite heavy rubber example from an old Akai TT. This stabilised the speed quite effectively and gave more punch and definition to the sound.

Getting the Logic DM101 running, that had a thick felt mat. Putting the rubber mat on there gave a drier, more solid sound - then I got a Tonar Leather mat which gives a big, smooth and detailed sound combined with being relatively free from static problems.

I use a Collaro wool mat on my 401 (better than the original 401 rubber mat) and Lenco

In the past, my preferred mat has nearly always been the Ringmat.

When I had a Rega 6, I found a Funk Firm Achromat to be a good bit better than the stock felt mat.

Still with a Ringmat, and have been for xx years, really must try something different at some point.

Hi Nigel.
I also have been listening to a 1210 for the past 15 years. Using an isoplat mat,( I think that is what is is called) to great effect. However I recently changed to a 12 inch, 9mm thick, round cork plate mat. Drilled a hole in middle and for 5 quid it sounds the same as the seventy quid, isoplat mat.

I've not experimented with TT mats for decades, but FWIW...

AR ES1, felt standard, experimented with all sorts, ended up with a suede leather mat. Also liked a PVC/sorbothane + clamp (not weight), but it was music dependent.
Kenwood KD650, original heavy rubber mat OK, felt - ick, suede - meh, cork - better, drawliner - not bad, PVC/sorbothane + clamp - best by far.
Other turntables, all over the place, so music dependent i cannot suggest anything.

Well, I have kept the felt mat on today, listened to about four hours of music this evening and feel saddened it's coming to an end.

It takes me a good while to determine what's best, especially if the differences aren't massive. I tend not to really listen to the sound, just go for whatever seems to offer more musical engagement.

Big fan of the Acromat here used on an LP12 to great effect, in fact I believe it is on my Lenco now, when I left the uk I was experimenting with that and the rubber mat and was coming down in favour of the Acromat

I have the Achromat on my Lenco too - seems to work well - seems to be lots of good feedback on the copper mats for the Lenco, but pricey........