Felt Mats or ???


Question?

Are felt mats the best choice for your TT?

If so please explain.

If not please explain and include another product instead.

Thank You!
128x128thegoldenear

Showing 4 responses by nrenter

I'd really like to try the Mat-2 (5 mm thick) but I don't think my threaded spindle would support that thick of a mat. 3 mm is probably doable based on my tests. Perhaps I'll have to stack some old, unloved LPs and test later tonight.

The Mat-1 will probably be on my list sometime after the new year. However, I really want a Loricraft, too. :)
I would take a slightly different spin on Mr. Deacon's view.

Some tables are designed for close coupling of LP to platter *interface*. I don't think the use of the Boston Audio Desgin Mat-1 would prclude the tight coupling of the LP to the mat and the mat to the platter on a Teres. Using the Teres clamp, I would presume you'd achieve that vacuum seal as well. However, it would be another layer for the platter interface. If this would be a good thing or a bad thing...that's another question.

While some mats are strictly for isolation, I belive a well engineered platter (or platter / mat system) may dampen, may isolate, may couple, or may do all of the above (to some extent) at the same time.

My Teres platter is solid acrylic (and it looks like I don't really have much of an option to upgrade it anymore) so I'd be interested in what the Mat-1 could do (for better or for worse) to my table. I don't think my solid acrylic platter meets Doug's condition #4.
With the MMF-5, go with whatever is cheap and sounds best for you. Don't try to spend too much money tweaking the Music Hall (this is coming from a former Music Hall MMF-5 owner). I'd bet the cork will sound better.

You'd probably be better off 1) downloading an arc protractor and verify the alignment is spot-on, and 2) getting it directly off of that glass shelf and on to a maple cutting board (painted black). Both will be useful if / when you upgrade.
Send me a PM with your contact info and I'll e-mail you an arc protractor template for a 241.3 mm (9.5 inch) effective length tonearm.