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Cork mat?

Luis.correia

Luis.correia

Well-Known Member
Hi.

I recently replaced the felt mat that came with my project essential II TT, with a cork mat.

I've listened to the same music several times with both mats and I can't tell any difference.

Are mats important?


The only advantage is that the cork mat draws in less static and dust as opposed to the felt mat that sometimes would get stuck to the record because of static electricity.

Also.. I notice that the cork mat does not sit 100% evenly on the platter. Will that have an impact in sound? I guess records aren't complete flat either... So I am guessing no....


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A lot of people will say the mat matters, some will say it doesn't. Personally, I think it makes a difference, but it is very small, and in any case, if the mat is implemented properly, it will sound its best. Also, it will sound most similar to other mats in optimal conditions as well.

What sort of mat is it? Is it a homemade cork mat? You could cut off the outer edge and the center (where the record label goes) so the grooves are being supported by the mat, and then use double-sided tape to stick it to the platter. Maybe then you will hear an improvement. That's how mine is set up, anyway.
 
I've used a rubber mat, a homemade cork mat and a felt mat. Felt mats are a PIA as far a static, so I just chucked that one. As for the other two, I don't notice much sonic difference - not enough that it was a game changer, anyway. I prefer the cork mat solely because I made it and it looks cooler than the rubber mat.
 
edit: deleted because I worked out the answer to my own question
 
Last edited:
It's not home made. Bought it in Amazon. It looks good. Has some cork dimples hold up and secure the records


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Luis.correia said:
Hi.

I recently replaced the felt mat that came with my project essential II TT, with a cork mat.

I've listened to the same music several times with both mats and I can't tell any difference.

Are mats important?


The only advantage is that the cork mat draws in less static and dust as opposed to the felt mat that sometimes would get stuck to the record because of static electricity.

Also.. I notice that the cork mat does not sit 100% evenly on the platter. Will that have an impact in sound? I guess records aren't complete flat either... So I am guessing no....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

No difference in sound, but less static = it is a better mat.

Not running flat, but does not cause the album to not run flat = no big deal

Causes the album to rise and fall due to it not lying flat = that needs fixed because it introduces extra warp wow
 
The small rounds decouple the vinyl from your platter some, should help with any vibration/isolation issues. The idea is the less vinyl touching the platter, the better, especially since your configuration has your speakers close to your TT.

You might want to consider a weight or clamp, I find with my cork mat and clamp the sound is just a tad bit tighter especially on the bass. But for me the biggest advantage is less static.

I have played vinyl without the cork mat and not really notice any difference. One thing though, adding the mat will change you tonearm height, so you might need to re-adjust...
 
When i am listening i actually place the speaker stands a bit more out, and away from the TT. When i disconnect i put them him...must to stop the kids from bumping into them. How much away from the TT should they be?


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Just got this one and I am diggin' it!

Matb_zps66f87c88.jpg
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At first it wasn't 100% flat, but once it sat on the platter with a record on top for a while it nows lays flat.

I guess cork mats have a break in period too! :D
 
What is the rest of your system?

A platter mat can only reveal better sound if the rest of your components are up to the task as well. In other words, you may have already 'maxed out' the capability of your cartridge/phono stage/speakers.
 
hi*ball said:
Just got this one and I am diggin' it!

Matb_zps66f87c88.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

At first it wasn't 100% flat, but once it sat on the platter with a record on top for a while it nows lays flat.

I guess cork mats have a break in period too! :D
Click to expand...

It's the same one I have:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB6bXYztoRk&hd=1

The only reason why I replaced my turntable's stock felt mat is that I was tired of peeling records off the mat because of static. This cork mat instantly solved the problem for me.
 
A platter mat can make a big difference on sound! It's funny how a mat on one turntable sounds and on a different one sounds better! Tried all kinds of different platter materials. Using a DIY Leather and a Technics mat flipped over, are my choices for my two turntables that I use.
 
I see no "dots" under the center of the record where the label would be. Wouldn't the weight of a record clamp cause the record shape to distort because of that? Maybe vinyl is stronger than I think it is.
 
Have never tried flipping my Technics mat. Have to try that. Also have a cork mat but don't hear much change. Maybe I should try it with my new Denon LOMC cart?
 
Bob in WI said:
I see no "dots" under the center of the record where the label would be. Wouldn't the weight of a record clamp cause the record shape to distort because of that? Maybe vinyl is stronger than I think it is.
Click to expand...

I see that now.....I use the MH cork mat and it has a loose round that goes over the spindle.
 
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