Nagaoka GL-602 Crystal Turntable Mat

[Reffc]

Only one left in stock. This works well on SL1200s fitted with the ETP platter and may also be suitable with the standard platter. Works extremely well with Garrard turntables and most other idler drives. Suitable for most non-suspended belt drives too (works on my Gyro).

The only decks so far that it doesn't suit are Rega decks with the glass platters. Rega decks seem to have slightly shorter spindles too, so Rega owners may want to look elsewhere.

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[Kneesup]

If I can add a rider to this, as it was my RP3 with a standard sub-platter that the Nagaoka wasn't working with. The RP6 has a thicker platter as standard and a metal sub-platter to match. It may well be that from RP6 upwards in the Rega range the Nagaoka will work fine. The Rega sub-platter spindle-top has a taper to it, at least in RP3 plastic sub-platter form, and that effectively reduces its useful height for locating a record.

It might also be necessary to put a very thin mat below the Nagaoka to separate the glass platter and the crystal platter, I recon, and that ups the height, too. Don't take it as gospel, but my intuitive sense is that glass-on-glass isn't ideal.

Lastly, I have a twin belt pulley on my RP3 as the standard white belt/single pulley arrangement didn't have much grip. The added weight of the Naga might warrant one of those. Not expensive, though.

Hope this helps. Don't be put off! The Nagaoka is a lovely thing!

[Reffc]

If I can add a rider to this, as it was my RP3 with a standard sub-platter that the Nagaoka wasn't working with. The RP6 has a thicker platter as standard and a metal sub-platter to match. It may well be that from RP6 upwards in the Rega range the Nagaoka will work fine. The Rega ub-platter spindle-top has a taper to it, at least in RP3 plastic sub-platter form, and that effectively reduces its useful height for locating a record.

It might also be necessary to put a very thin mat below the Nagaoka to separate the glass platter and the crystal platter, I recon, and that ups the height, too. Don't take it as gospel, but my intuitive sense is that glass-on-glass isn't ideal.

Lastly, I have a twin belt pulley on my RP3 as the standard white belt/single pulley arrangement didn't have much grip. The added weight of the Naga might warrant one of those. Not expensive, though.

Hope this helps. Don't be put off! The Nagaoka is a lovely thing!

Thanks for your clarification Richard.

[Marco]

This works well on SL1200s fitted with the ETP platter...

Indeed it does, Paul. “Works well” is a slight underestimation, though.

Superbly well, I would suggest is rather more appropriate. Indeed, it is unquestionably the most sonically effective T/T mat I’ve ever used, and works like a dream in conjunction with Mark (YNWaN’s) ‘magnetic’ record clamp, and as you say, the MN ETP platter

Look out for my forthcoming review of the Nagaoka crystal mat soon. All I will say for now is this: Techy users, if you haven’t bought one of these (now discontinued) mats for your SL-1200/1210s, then you’ve just missed out big time!

Marco.

P.S The transaction I carried out with Paul was dealt with in the most efficient and professional manner possible - textbook stuff! As such, I would thoroughly recommend the services of RFC to all members of AoS.

[Kneesup]

The transaction I carried out with Paul was dealt with in the most efficient and professional manner possible - textbook stuff! As such, I would thoroughly recommend the services of RFC to all members of AoS.

Hear, hear. Paul is extremely diligent and decent. I've been dealing with him for years. Never the slightest glitch and his customer service is outstanding. When he learned the Nagaoka didn't work on my RP3 (see above) he refunded me even before I'd returned it!

[Marco]

Indeed. Shows that some OMBs can get it right!

Here’s to Paul. Top man

Marco.

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Thanks for the comments chaps, appreciated.

I am now out of current stock BUT will consider importing the last few remaining ones if 3 or more people are interested. You really do have to be quick as all stocks will likely be gone in a matter of weeks (if not sooner). If interested, please register your interest on this thread and I'll wait until 3 people have registered an interest, then I'll secure the last remaining ones.

[struth]

Have you had any feedback on its use on a suspended deck yet as I was a little worried it would be too heavy

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Have you had any feedback on its use on a suspended deck yet as I was a little worried it would be too heavy

It would depend on the suspended deck Grant. Some may bottom out with 1 kilo on them and others may not. Easy to find the answer to that one. More importantly, it will change the resonance point of the suspension so that also needs to be considered. Finally, it requires a check to see that there is adequate spindle height left, as when the standard mat is replaced, the net increase in mat thickness is around 3mm for many decks, perhaps 4mm for some.