Turntable mats, the good, the crap and the overpriced.

[Ammonite Audio]

The only aftermarket mat that I have used, which pretty much always results in a better and more pleasing sound, is the Funk Achromat. One exception is my Thorens TD-124 where the original 60s hard (and ribbed) rubber mat is clearly best, at least to my ears. The simple truth here is that different mats alter the acoustic impedance interface between LP and platter, and that alone will change the sound character - whether for better or worse is a personal judgement so, as ever, YMMV.

[Spectral Morn]

Can't believe what folk will pay for a Tenuto mat, just cos they're copper, which only has a material value of about £20, similar with Audio note and their silver and gold wiring, snake oil, and very expensive snake oil.

The copper mat is over priced agreed, its not like an Oyaide mat that had lovely machining and a gentle tapper to help with warps. I could see the money with those but not the copper ones, had one briefly bought of here but it was warped, so sent it back. That is its own story.....

Re silver cabling and Audio Note, not snake oil, having heard and owned some ANS, ANV.

[Spectral Morn]

The only aftermarket mat that I have used, which pretty much always results in a better and more pleasing sound, is the Funk Achromat. One exception is my Thorens TD-124 where the original 60s hard (and ribbed) rubber mat is clearly best, at least to my ears. The simple truth here is that different mats alter the acoustic impedance interface between LP and platter, and that alone will change the sound character - whether for better or worse is a personal judgement so, as ever, YMMV.

The Funk mat does work nicely on many turntables.

[Barry]

One exception is my Thorens TD-124 where the original 60s hard (and ribbed) rubber mat is clearly best, at least to my ears. The simple truth here is that different mats alter the acoustic impedance interface between LP and platter, and that alone will change the sound character - whether for better or worse is a personal judgement so, as ever, YMMV.

Agreed. I tried different aftermarket mats on my Thorens TD124/IIs and ultimately ended up preferring the original rubber mat. I do use a Mitchell clamp which I think helps.

[WESTLOWER]

Agreed. I tried different aftermarket mats on my Thorens TD124/IIs and ultimately ended up preferring the original rubber mat. I do use a Mitchell clamp which I think helps.

I thought the Gunmetal mat gave a nice snap to the sound on the Thorens TD124/II.
I do sometimes go back to the original mat but always seem to end up back on the Puresound Tenuto Gunmetal jobbie,
it also looks the nuts..

[Ammonite Audio]

I thought the Gunmetal mat gave a nice snap to the sound on the Thorens TD124/II.
I do sometimes go back to the original mat but always seem to end up back on the Puresound Tenuto Gunmetal jobbie,
it also looks the nuts..

Is that placed directly on the main platter, or on the top platter?

[karma67]

i use my one directly on the platter if that helps.

[WESTLOWER]

Is that placed directly on the main platter, or on the top platter?

Hi Hugo
no I take the top platter off and the Tenuto goes directly onto of the bottom platter
I did want to give a thin silicone mat between the 2 platters a go but never got round to it and am happy...atm!

[Barry]

I thought the Gunmetal mat gave a nice snap to the sound on the Thorens TD124/II.
I do sometimes go back to the original mat but always seem to end up back on the Puresound Tenuto Gunmetal jobbie,
it also looks the nuts..

I have never tried a metal mat (of any description), and would be interested in trying one. However they are expensive to buy and I'm not interested in 'tinkering' with my TTs, plinths, arms etc. much these days.

If I was still working, I would be able to have a metal mat machined for me for little cost (though gunmetal might have been difficult).

[WESTLOWER]

I have never tried a metal mat (of any description), and would be interested in trying one. However they are expensive to buy and I'm not interested in 'tinkering' with my TTs, plinths, arms etc. much these days.

If I was still working, I would be able to have a metal mat machined for me for little cost (though gunmetal might have been difficult).

When this nightmare we're are all in is over, you are welcome to loan Mine for a play.