Thorens Cork Mat

[Bazil]

Anybody know where I can get a cork mat for my Thorens TD160.
cheers

[Stratmangler]

I use one of these on my SL1210 Mk II, but IIRC the same vendor has mats for other TTs as well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110679222434&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&clk_rvr_id=266064927981&afsrc=1

[Bazil]

Thanks Chris I'll make some enquires

[rusty bearing]

:wave:I was looking at these not an hour since and there is one specifically advertised for Thorens with a diameter of 290mm. If I polish the platter on my TD150 @5mm in from the edge it would be perfect. If you buy one let us know if it's any good.....

[Dingdong]

I got a Blue Horizon mate off of some bloke on here (Marco) for my 160. Works a treat. Highly recommend getting a clamp as well. The improvement is huge.

There is also a Thorens mat that looks the same as the Blue horizon.

Just Google Blue Horizon or 'Thorens mat'.

[synsei]

I use one of these on my SL1210 Mk II, but IIRC the same vendor has mats for other TTs as well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110679222434&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&clk_rvr_id=266064927981&afsrc=1

I would recommend an XTM2 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTM2-CORK-MAT-REGA-LINN-401-301-SYSTEMDEK-ETC-/120768762628?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1e611304#ht_1161wt_1396) from the same vendor for your TD160, which is wider by 3mm. Initially I ordered the smaller, 290mm wide XTM290, however I returned it as it sat nearly 5mm shy of the edge of the platter on my TD160mk2.

Having said that, and after a few hours listening, I found the mat to be extraordinarily good. It is terrific value at the price too. :cool:

[Bazil]

The original TD160 mat has a 40mm dia cut-out for the aluminium puck that sits over the spindle. Do you just lay these cork mats over the top?

[Dingdong]

I've taken my puck off and hidden it out of sight round the back. As I have no intention of using singles with large holes in them.

[Bazil]

I've taken my puck off and hidden it out of sight round the back. As I have no intention of using singles with large holes in them.

So the puck was just for singles with cut-outs and the rubber mat was designed to accommodate it ? And is not needed?

[Dingdong]

As far as I know it serves no real purpose except for big holes in singles.
Get yourself a clamp as well. Something cheap like the Pro-ject one will probably do fine. Or maybe a nice vintage Michell one.

[Bazil]

Thanks Mark & Dave, I'll report back.

[Bazil]

Just another point, I've ordrered an XTM-2, it has an inlay for the centre label

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4290/matlr.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/matlr.jpg/)

Would putting a clamp on the record warp it ever so slightly?

[Dingdong]

Depends on how hard you push down on it. It just needs to be done up reasonably lightly so as the record doesn't slip. As I understand it the clamp helps reduce the effect of drag from the stylus on the record. The forces in question aren't huge so just enough pressure to stop the record moving should be good.
It should, if my thoughts are correct, sharpen up leading edges of notes a bit. I forgot to put my clamp on the other day and I sat there thinking that it sounded horrible and was wondering if the turntable was running slightly slow.

[DSJR]

I'd avoid a heavy weight, as although the Thorens 160 bearings are more than adequate, I'd be a bit shy of loading them any more than necessary myself.

Why not try the cork mat on top of the supplied rubber one? The rubber one will damp the platter while the cork one will support the record.....

[synsei]

It's better to use a lightweight clamp such as the one manufactured by Michell rather than a puck. As Dave suggests, a heavy puck could promote adverse wear in the bearing and springs. The XTM2 is a cork/butyl rubber composite Dave and actually dampens the platter very well. ;)

[Barry]

Hello Baz,

I'm weary of all record weights and would prefer to use a record clamp, such as the excellent Mitchell design.

I need to replace the felt mat on my deck(s). I had considered trying a leather mat, but will await your feedback on the use of a cork mat.

Regards

[Marco]

The Michell clamp is excellent, Barry. Simple good solid engineering, and extremely effective. I should also imagine that the cork mat would work well on your TD-124 :)

Marco.

[synsei]

Just another point, I've ordrered an XTM-2, it has an inlay for the centre label

Would putting a clamp on the record warp it ever so slightly?

Using the modern Michell clamp overcomes this Baz, it comes with a small, donut shaped foam ring which you place over the spindle and the record is lowered onto it. As you apply downward pressure to the clamp the foam ring acts as a fulcrum allowing the slightly dished base of the clamp to gently force the edge of the record onto the mat.

[Bazil]

I actually ordered a Michell weight this morning so its a big relief that you all recommend it. :cheers:

[Dingdong]

Try them one at a time and let us know what you think. I'd be interested to know.

[Dingdong]

Hello Baz,

I'm weary of all record weights and would prefer to use a record clamp, such as the excellent Mitchell design.

I need to replace the felt mat on my deck(s). I had considered trying a leather mat, but will await your feedback on the use of a cork mat.

Regards


Barry, I bought Marco's old Blue Horizon mat (rubber, leather & cork), and his vintage Michell clamp. The improvement was brilliant.
Where abouts in Essex are you? I'm passing that way next week if you fancy a try.

[Bazil]

Too soon to comment on the mat but first playings sound pretty good.
The Michell clamp unfortunately is of no use, as shown in the photo there is not much spindle showing and that is without the washer underneath the record. As the clamping collect is recessed it will not clamp on the spindle. I know they make another for Rega's to overcome this problem whether it will suit the Thorens TD160 I'm not sure.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1060/p1000105o.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1060/p1000105o.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us)

[synsei]

Hmmm, that's odd Baz, I use the same clamp and it fits fine over the spindle on my 160 :scratch:

After a bit of use and a back to back test, I found the sound was a far more focused all in all when the clamp was used without the washer, unfortunately that doesn't help in your situation :(

[Bazil]

Dave, whats the length of the spindle showing on your deck ?

[keiths]

I believe the standard Michell clamp requires at least 8mm of untapered spindle showing above the record, whilst the Rega version requires at least 5mm

[Bazil]

Thanks for that info Keith, I've got 3mm, 4mm including the radius.

[synsei]

Dave, whats the length of the spindle showing on your deck ?

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/Spindleshot.jpg

It's just shy of 9mm... :eyebrows:

[Bazil]

It's just shy of 9mm... :eyebrows:

Thats a big difference, mine must be an older model.
So no clamp for me then :(

[synsei]

It's not the size that matters it's the way you use it... :lolsign:

[Bazil]

Ah go stick a clamp on it :lol:

[Bazil]

I'm hoping Analogue Seduction will give me a refund on the clamp.

[synsei]

They should do, you're covered by the Distance Selling Regulations (http://www.out-law.com/page-430) ;)