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Post by hector2018 on Apr 11, 2018 1:01:45 GMT -5
I am exploring the possibility of upgrading my turntable mat for a better sound stage experience. My existing set up is as given below: Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge Mat: Pro-Ject Cork it (Its a cork mat. I've replaced the felt mat which was provided along with the T/T) I'm exploring the following 2 options as an upgrade from my cork mat: 1. Pro-Ject Acryl it Turntable platter (an acrylic platter which can replace my metal platter) 2. Funk Firm Achromat Platter Mat (3mm) - have seen very good reviews about this mat I look forward to your guidance & feedback with reference to my queries. Will highly appreciate a feedback on the comparison from anybody who has used cork, acrylic & the Achromat. Looking forward to hear from you all...
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Post by drtrey3 on Apr 11, 2018 1:34:38 GMT -5
I have not used them all, but I replaced my Rega felt mat with a $25 cork mat and the change was positive, surprisingly positive to my ears.
Trey
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Post by 405x5 on Apr 11, 2018 8:37:35 GMT -5
I am exploring the possibility of upgrading my turntable mat for a better sound stage experience. My existing set up is as given below: Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge Mat: Pro-Ject Cork it (Its a cork mat. I've replaced the felt mat which was provided along with the T/T) I'm exploring the following 2 options as an upgrade from my cork mat: 1. Pro-Ject Acryl it Turntable platter (an acrylic platter which can replace my metal platter) 2. Funk Firm Achromat Platter Mat (3mm) - have seen very good reviews about this mat I look forward to your guidance & feedback with reference to my queries. Will highly appreciate a feedback on the comparison from anybody who has used cork, acrylic & the Achromat. Looking forward to hear from you all... I cut a perfect circle ⭕️ from a black dress 👗 my wife was tossing. Color and fit extraordinary! By soundstage instantly DOUBLED. And since the dress was permanent press, no more mat warping, thank Heaven! Bill
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Post by mshump on Apr 11, 2018 9:42:46 GMT -5
The felt mat that comes with Pro-ject turntables is pure junk. It was a giant static accumulator. I looked at different mats and couldn't believe the prices. I bought one with carbon fiber in it on ebay (for around 30.00) and the static nearly disappeared completely. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that a 100 dollar mat or platter would change the sound that much. If you do upgrade please let us know the differences. I did upgrade to the Ortofon 2m blue and noticed a little better SQ. Mark
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Post by 405x5 on Apr 11, 2018 10:04:47 GMT -5
The felt mat that comes with Pro-ject turntables is pure junk. It was a giant static accumulator. I looked at different mats and couldn't believe the prices. I bought one with carbon fiber in it on ebay (for around 30.00) and the static nearly disappeared completely. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that a 100 dollar mat or platter would change the sound that much. If you do upgrade please let us know the differences. I did upgrade to the Ortofon 2m blue and noticed a little better SQ. Mark Ok....I had my fun and at least your answer makes sense to me. Static is biggest enemy for any one spinning LP’s. The mat doesn’t change the sound, but reducing static dirt certainly does. Of course when dirt attaches itself just right embedded in the groove, the damage is often permanent. Bill
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Post by hector2018 on Apr 11, 2018 10:29:56 GMT -5
The felt mat that comes with Pro-ject turntables is pure junk. It was a giant static accumulator. I looked at different mats and couldn't believe the prices. I bought one with carbon fiber in it on ebay (for around 30.00) and the static nearly disappeared completely. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that a 100 dollar mat or platter would change the sound that much. If you do upgrade please let us know the differences. I did upgrade to the Ortofon 2m blue and noticed a little better SQ. Mark I agree completely. I've discarded the felt mat & replaced it with the Cork Mat & the sound improvement was immediate. I was jut thinking whether it is possible to improve the sound further by changing the mat or platter.
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Post by Loop 7 on Apr 11, 2018 11:36:42 GMT -5
You might want to call MusicDirect and ask them. Of course, they are in business to sell you stuff but my experience has been they are great answering questions.
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Post by geeqner on Apr 11, 2018 12:17:56 GMT -5
Here's some thoughts: parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/02/15/five-turntable-mats-an-audiophile-shootout/I would think that for just the mat - you should be looking for the following key things: - Material that keeps Static under control
- Material that does not accumulate crud / easy to wipe clean occasionally to keep the crud out of your records
- Something that "deadens" any resonance of your TT Platter
- Something of comparable thickness to your stock mat
As others have mentioned - I would not spend TOO much on the mat. Also - do you use a record clamp? I have not tried one, but I have heard that in some cases, they provide noticeable improvement for minimal cash-outlay Your BETTER hopes for sonic improvement would be to upgrade the Cartridge
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Post by ehmokey on Sept 29, 2018 15:24:44 GMT -5
I purchased my Pro-Ject Carbon Esprit with the acrylic platter. No mat needed. I am very happy with it and I think it sounds great.
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Post by creimes on Sept 30, 2018 0:02:02 GMT -5
Just make sure if you get the acrylic platter it's the cryo-treated one
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