I've been testing a few mats for my TT2 recently, and so far have found that a cheap cork one bought off Amazon sounds the best (I just posted a little review of that in the TT2 Info Thread in Past Masters). I've pretty much ruled out the felt mats as sounding significantly inferior to cork and leather. But I read many good things on the wider web about some of the more expensive mats -- Herbie's and Ringmat in particular, seem to stand out as being consistently recommended.
Does anyone have any experience with these, or any other mats for that matter which would suit a suspended deck like the TT2? I've read through a few threads here re. Tenuto and other mats, but they seem mostly in the context of direct drive decks or unsuspended belt drive units. I haven't read much, if anything, here from someone with, say, a Linn, Heybrook, or similar.
I'm curious to know if it's worth spending a bit extra to get a Ringmat or Hebie's. The Ringmat seems like nothing more than stiff paper with cork rings, and hence seems a bit spendy for what you get...besides, I already have a cork mat. Herbies is silicone foam, and that does seem like a sensible option for an aluminum platter deck like the TT2.
Any thoughts, suggestions and recommendations most welcome! Many thanks in advance.
Best,
Svend