Platter Mat or No Mat

[theoman]

I wonder if I should use a mat or just lay the record on the metal surface? I've read both ways.

 

[malden]

That's some platter, I wonder what a record would sound like if it was glued to it?

 

[sturgus]

You just have to try it both ways and decide what works for you.

 

[bimasta]

That's some platter, I wonder what a record would sound like if it was glued to it?

Brilliant idea! I have 5,000 LPs — all I have to do is buy 5,000 of those platters! Consider it done.

 

[bimasta]

Should I use a mat or just lay the record on the metal surface?

I do both. Kinda. I have a SAEC SS-300 metal mat. Some unknown alloy with a different resonant frequency that kills all resonance in your platter totally dead — so they say. So I do put my records on a metal surface. Is that the same? Sounds great by the way.

 

[Tedrick]

I don't use a mat with any of my VPI's, which includes a Classic 1 with the aluminum/stainless steel platter. But the best advice is to try it both ways and go with what sounds best to you.

 

[tnsilver]

I find the concept of vinyl directly on metal a little worrying. I am no big mat fan either, but I'd try some thin felt or cork between the two substances just for protection. Do experiment though, by all means.

 

[DesertTwang]

I admit it didn't even occur to me that there might be folks out there who place vinyl directly on a metal platter. I'm not going to judge that approach because I lack personal experience with it, but I think I am going to revise my working hypothesis about the origin of what I have hitherto regarded as "paper scuffs" on second-hand records... (until convinced otherwise).

 

[UncleBingo]

Try it. A friend of mine uses his VPI that way and it sounds great. Static discharge would be the only worry for me in the winter...

 

[Freddymac2]

With the level of gear that you have listed, you should be able to determine what is better for your system. My rule is, if the record is talking to you with the amp turned off you are loosing signal and blurring the original recording. Some cartridges talk more than others, due to stylus compliance, cut, or case resonance, IMO. Bad cartridge alignment will also add to this problem.

 

[danj]

Perhaps a thin cork or composite mat to prevent the metal platter from scratching the LP or vice-versa.

 

[Tedrick]

I find the concept of vinyl directly on metal a little worrying. I am no big mat fan either, but I'd try some thin felt or cork between the two substances just for protection. Do experiment though, by all means.

I admit it didn't even occur to me that there might be folks out there who place vinyl directly on a metal platter. I'm not going to judge that approach because I lack personal experience with it, but I think I am going to revise my working hypothesis about the origin of what I have hitherto regarded as "paper scuffs" on second-hand records... (until convinced otherwise).

Perhaps a thin cork or composite mat to prevent the metal platter from scratching the LP or vice-versa.

Lot of misinformation showing up in this thread. The OP has a VPI Prime with the aluminum/SS platter. This platter is so finely machined and polished that there is NO danger of scratching a record, certainly no more risk than any other 'table.

 

[DesertTwang]

Lot of misinformation showing up in this thread. The OP has a VPI Prime with the aluminum/SS platter. This platter is so finely machined and polished that there is NO danger of scratching a record, certainly no more risk than any other 'table.

Interesting . Thanks!

 

[DeeCee]

On this platter in my system, the best sound is no mat; however I use a mat now due to static issues. But since I bought a new zerostat, I may go back to the bare platter.

Like mentioned above, you’ll have to try one and see!

 

[malden]

Brilliant idea! I have 5,000 LPs — all I have to do is buy 5,000 of those platters! Consider it done.

But just think of how much vinyl will be saved because 18 grams will no longer be needed...

...of course, sides 1 and 2 will have to be on separate discs....

 

[malden]

I find the concept of vinyl directly on metal a little worrying. I am no big mat fan either, but I'd try some thin felt or cork between the two substances just for protection. Do experiment though, by all means.

I would think that polished metal would be less abrasive than a paper inner sleeve.

 

[bimasta]

...of course, sides 1 and 2 will have to be on separate discs....

Good point! So I'll need 10,000 platters. No problem.

 

[malden]

Good point! So I'll need 10,000 platters. No problem.

d'oh !

 

[rocknroll1]

Brilliant idea! I have 5,000 LPs — all I have to do is buy 5,000 of those platters! Consider it done.

actually you would need 10,000 if wanted to listen to both sides

 

[Ilikevinyl]

That platter was designed for the record to be placed on it without any mat. If you try a mat on top, make sure you readjust your VTA setting!