I was in the camp of preferring no mat with my VPI Classic when I owned one years back, especially if using the periphery ring and center weight. Most mats are not designed to have any weights added down to them, and doing so can deaden the sound / affect the dynamics.
VPI felt mat vs aftermarket
I’ve been contemplating getting a mat for my VPI Classic. Mainly to avoid slippage when used without center weight and to avoid static in winter.
VPI now offers a very basic felt mat with their logo. It is cheap and looks nice. Has anyone had experience with that mat on their VPI classic platter? Another option I’m considering is going straight to Auditorium 23 Turntable Mat.
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- 17 posts total
TEAC Washi Mat. I have a couple of them. They work very well and are pretty thin. https://www.turntablelab.com/products/teac-washi-paper-turntable-sheet |
"Mainly to avoid slippage when used without center weight" dmk_hifi you probably know everything audiopyledom is subjective. You're going against VPI philosophy. Playing an LP without a center weight defeats idea of getting the LP flat against the platter. VPI believes playing without any mat ensures "best" possible SQ. I happen to believe the screw down clamp with the rubber washer is the best attempt at getting the LP to lay flat, since the rubber washer dishes it, allowing the clamp to flatten it-a much better psuedo vacuum hold down solution than just using a center weight if you're not incorporating it with the outer peripheral ring. Weight only is good for only perfectly flat LPs. Auditorium 23 Turntable Mat and any other audiophool mat- waste of money that could be used for records. Longtime Classic user here. |
@tablejockey +1 to everything said plus it helps the uni-pivot arm stay as stable as practically possible to insure for premium performance. The peripheral ring with a screw down clamp also figures into VPIs philosophy as well, making the uni-pivot achieve better performance. Enjoy the music. |
- 17 posts total