2. analog
  3. 1130601172

Sick of static-y Rega felt mat

I have a P3 Rega, which I'm very pleased with, except that the stock felt mat is so static-y that removing a record from it quickly becomes a comical routine which involves me shaking the record to remove the mat or peeling it off. Basta! Can anyone recommend an alternative? Preferably cheap, preferably the same thickness as the Rega mat since I do not have a VTA. Thanks!
robreuland
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
The felt mat sounded dull on my LP 12, the Ringmat was bright, so there's been a natural-sounding Herbie's on it for quite a while now.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Whether or not a Ringmat sounds bright depends on the rest of your equipment, IMO. I should have said that I believe it works best with tubed equipment where it has an open, dynamic and clear sound that I found very appealing for the money (have since switched to the Boston Audio Mat 1). Dave
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Hi Dave,

You got me thinking(always a struggle)...
Isn't the answer to almost every query here "it depends on the rest of your equipment"? I'm starting to believe that "audio forum participant" is just sort of a hobby, kind of like "audio enthusiast". Sometimes I think that my "help" just perpetuates the "grass is greener" audio spiral. Not sure if any opinions really help. Just some thoughts...
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Pretty astute thoughts :-)
afro18
51 posts
 
Goto audioasylum.com and make a spotmat. I used one on my P25 and it worked miracles in my analogue setup. The highs were clearer. There was more atomphere, the bass was tighter, and much more detail. All this for $2.

Given I have no armboard for my Rega on my 19 Mk IV (customized plinth), I might use some betwen the VTA adjuster screw, the plinth, and the locking nut on the tonearm pillar. I will also use some to replace that cheap rubber washer they give to keep clamped records from warping.
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