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Platter mats

C

ChuckB81

New Member
Hi,
I just picked up my first turntable since I was a teenager, last week: a slight fixer-upper of a Technics SL-D202. I'm finding the couple of parts I need, without much trouble, and having a blast listening to the little vinyl collection I've accumulated, but there's one part I need that I'm clueless about: A mat.

What do you look for in a basic turntable mat? Anybody know if there was a factory mat for this tt? Is there a difference in requirements for belt-driven vs. direct-drive tt's? I don't need anything too exciting, and the sound I'm getting is acceptable when I play records without one at all, but I assume the system is designed to work with one.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any words of wisdom, and happy listening.
Charlie
 
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The SL-D202 does have a mat – it can be seen here: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-d202.shtml - the black thing on the platter is a rubber mat. You’ll need to register to download the manual, if you want it.

The mat is a crucial part of the turntable, in that it supports the record, and prevents resonance in both the record and the platter, particularly with metal platters. Using one helps prevent damage to records, and improves sound by dampening resonance. Occasionally turntables with platters made from acrylic or similar materials don’t have mats, because the platters are well damped, and of a similar quality to the records.

Things to look for in a mat include that it’s of a good damping material (eg felt or rubber) and supports the record over its full surface (12” or 300mm in diameter). Rubber mats should have a depression in the centre to accommodate the thickness of the paper record label, and be slightly thinner at the edge, to accommodate the slightly thicker record edge. Some mats (often felt) also include graphite fibres, to short static to earth via the metal platter – that helps stop the record from attracting dust from the surrounding air. They are usually advertised as anti-static mats, and are worthwhile.
 
There is a lot of info to be gleaned from the frequent platter mat discussions on www.vinylengine.com. Right now there's one going on about leather mats & if you search you'll find more - along with the complete 360 degrees of opinion about them.

Ben
 
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