Cork Platter Mats- Wow!

Arthur Smith

Arthur Smith

Super Member
I just installed a "DIY" cork platter mat on my AT120LP-USB. Yes,I know the table is known for noise and rumble from the direct drive motor bearings. I also put a flat piece of gasket material, Karropak, on the wooden stand where I have the turntable, under the plinth. Yes, I raised the VTA. What I used was a 12" round Vigoro cork mat used for planters as coasters. And punched a hole with an awl, in the middle.

Honestly? This is the best sounding the table has ever been. The bass is tight and defined. Not boomy.

Am I insane, or is this one of the best inexpensive DIY tweaks ever?
 
Register to hide this ad
I just got a cork mat for my ARXA. That table requires a lightweight mat and I wasn't satisfied with the felt that I was using. It seemed a bit staticky or at least held on to dust. So far I'm liking the cork.
 
JohnMac said:
I just got a cork mat for my ARXA. That table requires a lightweight mat and I wasn't satisfied with the felt that I was using. It seemed a bit staticky or at least held on to dust. So far I'm liking the cork.
Click to expand...
How could it? Cork isn't exactly a semiconductor. Just use a carbon fiber brush before playing each side.
 
I now have cork, rubber, and felt, to choose from. In terms of sound quality, cork sounds to me, far and away, like the best choice. I don't think I am going to try leather, as the prices for them do seem a bit insane.
 
I got mine from Music Direct for $25.00. I used a gift certificate so I didn't shop around. There is one on amazon for $9.99.

004.JPG
 
Arthur Smith said:
What I used was a 12" round Vigoro cork mat used for planters as coasters. And punched a hole with an awl, in the middle.
Click to expand...

Like he said.

Or, a PatheWings mat for about $25 delivered to your door. Available in different compositions, diameters, and thickness.
 
I've been using a 3/8 inch cork platter mat under the OEM thick rubber mat with pleasant results. Definition and separation with a deeper soundstage. The most bang for your buck, probably just as much influence to the change of sound as changing the cartridge. Then there are different types of cork and a sheet of cork doesn't cost that much. There is a different density of cork depending on which type of cork you use, the cork used in bottling brandy and champagne may offer better results.
 
Ilikevinyl said:
Leather sounds the best to me, tried many different materials including cork, for a platter mat. A platter mat can really alter the sound! That's the great thing about this hobby, you can shape the sound with many different tweaks!
Click to expand...
The Deerskin mat on my AR XB works well. Not sure where to tell others to obtain one sadly. Mine came on my AR after a restore by our own Marc Morin. Regarding cork I like these guys and bought a six pack of 12" X 1/2" thick mats to use for my home spun RCM.
http://www.widgetco.com
 
I bought one at frys along with an AT95E Cartridge for my Uturn. Probably a combo of both but I noticed a huge difference over the felt mat and stock cartridge. Louder, more crisp clean sound.
 
Arthur Smith said:
How could it? Cork isn't exactly a semiconductor. Just use a carbon fiber brush before playing each side.
Click to expand...

JohnMac said:
I was referring to the felt. :)
Click to expand...

Static electricity builds up on the surface of a material, what's called a "skin effect". It doesn't depend on any degree of conductivity to exist on a surface. That's why you can get a shock while putting on a sweater or walking across a carpet.

John
 
dfunghi said:
The Deerskin mat on my AR XB works well. Not sure where to tell others to obtain one sadly. Mine came on my AR after a restore by our own Marc Morin. Regarding cork I like these guys and bought a six pack of 12" X 1/2" thick mats to use for my home spun RCM.
http://www.widgetco.com
Click to expand...

My cousin gave me a leather coat that she didn't want anymore. I used the back of the jacket, no seams. Used my Thorens platter mat as a template. Glued the leather to a sheet of rubber foam, that I bought at Michael's. With the leather, I'm hearing less surface noise than all of the other materials I've used.
 
Arthur Smith said:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-12-in-Cork-Mat-CM12PHBDI/204400678
Click to expand...

I was not happy with that one, it was so thin and came glued to a rubber bottom. The link I posted of that company in Texas (no affiliation) sent me great, solid (as in dense) cork with the price for six about the same as two from a garden / home center. I placed an LP on mine to mark where to put the center hole. Then used tiny drill bits larger and larger until I got to 7MM. A nice snug fit.
 
Vinylmasters said:
Anyone have a recommendation for cork mats (reasonable)?
Click to expand...

Last year for Christmas, I bought my son some upgrades for the UTurn Orbit turntable I'd bought him for his preceding birthday. Specifically, a heavier mass acrylic platter and, because of the static that puppy induces in a record, a cork platter mat for him.

You can get cork platter mats from Uturn for $20 here: https://uturnaudio.com/collections/accessories
 
I'm a recent cork convert. I bought a 6 pack of 12"x12" cork tiles at Walmart for under $10 and cut my own. They aren't perfectly round, you'd be surprised how hard it is to make a perfect circle. The cork is a bit coarse too and you have to work the little chunks off the edge, but overall it's fine.

I noticed a definite tightening up of the bass vs the stock mat on my Lab440, I'm liking what I hear. I also installed one below the rubber mat on my Miracord 40A. It also sounds good on there and helps with the VTA as the table is a stacker and I run single play.

I found these while researching and may pick a couple up at this price. http://www.frys.com/product/8918623...rJ3g52o31kxtT5NFjCeC8MFmkE1NuEwGnUaAkPp8P8HAQ.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom