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Mat / platter suggestion

HappyTrails

HappyTrails

Active Member
For my 1200mkII I currently have the base platter, felt pad then a Ringmat Development mat which I was given.

I'd considered a KAB poly metal mat on the base platter, then the Ringmat. But would like options and suggestions for something, if anything above the base platter.
 
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Thanks, heavily leaning towards the KAB. I sent him a message but yet to hear back on his thoughts on the Ringmat and his aluminum / pvc. It may be that a better combo is out there not using the Ringmat?

So I opted to upgrade my 1200 (search for my 1200 wins thread) Happily I was able to test 2 tables at this point in my life :)

- I use the M97 / Jico SAS combo and very pleased. I have access to a V15 body with old stylus, which I feel would be a downgrade to my existing unless I sprung for a SAS for the V15
-I've already upgraded the RCA cables
- just picked up a black deck cove that looks nice
- I'd like to pick up the platter / mat next
- Then I plan on KAB's Superflex arm upgrade. I am considering once I have this arm adding some black shrink tubing to the outside over and above the internal dampening
- The I'd like to possibly consider the dampening mod KAB offers

I have a large vinyl collection, that is expanding, that encompasses 95% of my listening time. Worth upgrading that delivery device :)
 
I'd listen to what Kevin/KAB has to say since he gets excellent feedback re his products from his customers. Last time I checked he was recommending the thin Technics rubber mat with his new poly metal mat.
 
Agreed. Like I said it may be the that Ringmat isn't the best for this table. If his combo is better by all means I will go that direction and part ways with the Ringmat.
 
What sold me on trying it was the fact that the stock platter was damped from below so the engineers must have thought it a good idea and the cost was $15 in materials.
 
Being somewhat snow bound here in Ashevegas I'm very likely to start removing the rubber. Might be a few days before I get some dynamat but so be it.

After I read the thread, I removed the platter and rung it, lot more than I expected. The dynamat, even if it slightly improves this is worth the $20
 
My SL-1200 MK2 platter after Dynamat Extreme application. Click on the pic. No ringing here.
 
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Got some on order from Amazon

And interesting arm mod on your picture site. Info please :) Looks like you used Al tubing with a carbon tube dampening. I plan on a KAB arm, then shrink wrapping (I think)
 
RickeyM said:
There are aftermarket platters available for the SL-1200MK2 that claim to be damped far better than the stock platter and those that have them say they work famously. The trouble is that they're expensive, like well over $500 expensive. There is an alternative which involves replacing the stock Technics rubber under-mat with something vastly more effective.
Click to expand...
Zu Audio has a platter upgrade that is affordable and well worth the cost. Basically, they ship you a new platter with the underside filled with silicone impregnated with some kind of metal shot. If you like it, keep it and send your old platter back for a credit.

As regards the KAB metal/pvc mat, I haven't heard it but metal is the most effective way to damp ringing, IME. If it were me, I would use it in place of the rubber mat and use the Ringmat on top if that's your mat of choice. Otherwise use it as is with a clamp or weight for a tighter bass presentation and more dynamic detail, or use another mat on top. Either way, the Zu Audio platter and the KAB mat together should the cat's meow.
 
HappyTrails said:
Got some on order from Amazon

And interesting arm mod on your picture site. Info please :) Looks like you used Al tubing with a carbon tube dampening. I plan on a KAB arm, then shrink wrapping (I think)
Click to expand...
I saw the [url=http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?29887-My-Second-“Techie”-–-well-all-of-it!] mod [/URL] on another site. Scroll down to pic 6. The stock tonearm tube is universally regarded as the weak link of the Technics tonearm. I got the tubing, headshell and wiring on eBay for about $60. Basically I'm the guy who doesn't know he can't do something, so I go out and do it.
 
Impressive. Both your arm rebuild and the link on the guy's complete refurb. Although I'd consider the arm rebuild I think I will stick with the replacement, dampened and rewired from KAB, but add some shrink wrap dressed up well. But the carbon shell is tempting


I have most of the rubber removed from the bottom of the platter. Carb cleaner seemed to dissolve the glue, sadly my can of it was about toast and I didn’t get to use much. I had some MEK, but solvated (old) that did fair..... I will say it was well stuck to the bottom! Toughest part may be the outer groove and using something to dig the rubber out completely. I brought the platter into the office, where I have access to IPA, MEK, Acetone and Toluene plus a sand blaster. Hope to have some free time to tinker with it and finish it off
 
Well trying to upload a image of my dampened platter......

https://flic.kr/p/RdodVg
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RdodVg
 
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