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I'm a Dummy, Tell Me About Turntable Mats

Turntable mats seem to be an inexpensive way to improve a component, but the thing that gives me pause is that as I understand it, you put them on with adhesive. Is there a possibility that a turntable would be damaged by a turntable mat?

If it's relevant at all, the turntable I'm thinking of using a mat on is a Sota Comet III bought used.
heretobuy

Showing 2 responses by boothroyd

boothroyd
365 posts
 
To not use a mat, a platter must be made with relief for the thicker parts of a record in order for the read surface to have its best chance of coupling with the platter.
FWIW, I typically NEVER use a mat on Delrin or acrylic platters.

Had lots of success with the 5mm thick Achromat on suspended vintage Thorens, AR & Linn tables (2-piece platters) all with good grip and no slipping. Have had slipping on Rega one piece platters which required thin double-sided (carpet) tape to grip.

The current Luxman mat is a sweetheart on every high mass design system I’ve tried it on. Record weight &/or clamps NOT required.
boothroyd
365 posts
 
I feel the machine's weak points are the arm and the platter pad.

I couldn’t agree with Ralph more 👍
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