Nagaoka crystal GL-602 mat - a user review
Hello, I recieved my Nagaoka crystal GL602 mat from RFC yesterday and thought I would share my opinion of it.
Firstly this is your typical Nagaoka product,vey nicely made and finished and great packaging none of your recycled
record mailers here.
secondly its the first rigid mat that has arrived flat, apparently not something easily achieved with some mats.
Third its quite heavy (think microwave plate) but was easily placed on a Thorens TD150 and a Luxman PD300
(fits inside the outer vacuam seal) without bottoming out the suspension .I also managed to get my Pink Triangle to
relevel and retain bounce though I would not recommend prolonged use on a PT for fear of straining the suspension springs.
Right then how does it sound? well simply put it doesn't, it does not have any sonic signature at least not on my record
players. Its primary quality is that it seems to reduce surface noice to absolute silence, lps atain a CD esque silence
between tracks,but the real quality from this absolute silence is the enhancement of macro detail, timbre,texture and
timing,it really allows the whole recording to shine through with palatable emotion and chest pounding dynamic pace and
rhythm.
The effect of the mat was fairly constant across the three decks mentioned above, two of which have alloy platters
and one with acrylic(but you all knew that) While I wasn't surprized by the effect on the metal platters I was quiet taken
back by the improvement on the acrylic .this sugests to me that this mat actually does what it promises to do (see Paul RFC
thread in the trade section for the quote fronm Nagaoka on its propeties and some nice pics of the product)which was nice.
Now I need Pinky to advice on stiffer springs for my PT so I can use the Cryrtal mat long term.
Hope this little write up is of use
cheers
Paul
Truth is always new, totally unknown, and unknowable. The mind must come to it without any demand, without any knowledge,without any wish; it must be empty, completely naked. Then only truth may happen. But you cannot invite it.
JK Hamburg 1956,Talk 4