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Put a 1/4" thick cork mat on my ROK L-34 - impressed!

beatcomber

beatcomber

AK Member
As many of you know, last winter I rebuilt and re-plithed a mid '50s Rek-O-Kut Rondine Jr. L-34. I was getting pretty darn good results, but I could detect just a little rumble when using the stereo SME 3009 arm, especially since its Shure M91ED is fitted with a sensitive JICO SAS stylus.

The stock mat is a thin piece of rather hard plastic - not the best choice for a platter mat. I experimented with a DIY 1/8" thick cork mat, and that helped a little, but wasn't able to fully remedy the rumble. (I was also unsatisfied with my inability to cut it into a clean, even circle.)

I found an Amazon seller offering 1/4" thick cork mats (ie: 2x the usual thickness) for ten bucks, so I decided to give it a shot:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD38XDQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

I can't say what effect it will have on your turntable, but it has made big improvements to this ROK's performance! Besides suppressing the noise floor considerably (yay!), I am also noticing a pretty big improvement in imaging. I had previously been a bit disappointed that I wasn't getting much soundstage depth compared to my other turntables, but now I am getting a vividly 3D sound-image. Transients and slam are much more impactful too.

The seller was excellent too, contacting me prior to shipping to confirm that the spindle on my turntable is tall enough to accommodate a 1/4" thick mat (it's VERY thick). Indeed, on the ROK just a little nub pokes out, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of trying one out.

I highly recommend this mat, especially for those of you with idler decks.



 
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Did you change your VTA to account for the higher mat, or if not, could the difference in VTA account for the changes you're hearing?
 
Just placed an order this mat for my CVS-12. Will post the upgrade thread when I'll receive the mat. Thanks for recommending!
 
I have been thinking about trying this on a DD table. I've heard that cork makes a difference on this particular model DD. I almost pulled the trigger on a 1/4" thick 12" dia mat on that auction site.. meant for setting potted plants on. Then I saw the specifically made platter cork mats with raised cork dimples.. Twice the money... Choices, choices!

Good to know you had awesome results with this one! Thanks for the link. Also, that ROK is NICE!
 
MickeySmile said:
Just placed an order this mat for my CVS-12. Will post the upgrade thread when I'll receive the mat. Thanks for recommending!
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I hope you get the same positive results that I'm getting; I think you will! :thumbsup:

rollcentre said:
I have been thinking about trying this on a DD table. I've heard that cork makes a difference on this particular model DD. I almost pulled the trigger on a 1/4" thick 12" dia mat on that auction site.. meant for setting potted plants on. Then I saw the specifically made platter cork mats with raised cork dimples.. Twice the money... Choices, choices!
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The cork planter mats at Home Depot have a layer of rigid plastic that would need to be removed; possibly the one you saw on eBay is the same. You would also have to be careful about accurately drilling the center hole. Either way, a PITA!

As for the cork dots, the Amazon seller also offers a 1/8" thick version. You could then go to your local dollar store and buy some adhesive-back cork dots and mod it yourself. I had considered that, but supposed that a super-thick mat would do a better job of suppressing rumble, which was my primary goal.

Good to know you had awesome results with this one! Thanks for the link. Also, that ROK is NICE!
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Thanks, man! I'm pretty impressed by how powerful it's sounding with the mat upgrade. My expectations have certainly been exceeded in that respect. Background noise is greatly lowered and it just sounds all-around more focused. It's a joy to listen to.
 
Guys you can buy cork of various thickness at home centers and craft shops ,,, easy to make a custom mat. If you don't have adjustable vta this is a good option.

I went through a cork mat phase. Now I use leather on my AR and Thorens.

Cheers, Bob
 
And now, you can try what is popular amongst the Lenco enthusiasts,.... the stacked platters.
My daily driver has been converted to a heavy platter deck. On top of that heavy platter, I use a rubber mat. I then place a second platter on top of the rubber mat (the original light platter, because I like the look better than a second heavy platter, which I've also tried). The original light platter has an MDF ring cut to fit inside of it.
I then have a second rubber mat, and a layer of cork bonded to a piece of masonite hardboard. On top of that is a Technics 1/4" rubber mat.
A sandwich stacking so to speak.
I tried the Home Depot cork/vinyl planter base, and it warped into a taco shell shape. The cork/vinyl layer has since been replaced. It was two Home Depot cork/vinyl planter bases that I glued together. They eventually warped into a taco. Since then, I found a cork/masonite base that is stable.
Edits due to pre-coffee posting.

DSCN2630_zpsgfa0cbwh.jpg

The layering, from bottom to top:
~ Heavy Lenco platter, with rubber pulley drive belt for damping around its perimeter.
~ Rubber mat
~ Original Lenco light platter (have also used second Lenco heavy platter)
~ Rubber mat
~ Cork-Masonite mat
~ Technics rubber mat
The second platter is aligned with a DIY spindle extension of precision hobby brass tubing
 
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Glenn,
You might consider gluing a short piece of brass tubing inside the center hole of your cork. You can find precision brass tubing at just about any hardware store, or competent hobby shop.
Find a piece that fits over your original spindle. Cut that piece to the thickness of your mat, and glue it in.
This creates a more solid center hole, that won't wear if you take the cork mat off.
 
I got the same 1/4" mat for my DD Technics, so far so good. Actually thinking of topping it with a thin deerhide mat to get the VTA just right with a Denon DL-103.
 
Don't be so cheap. Buy one all ready done. No cutting No fuss. Mine is cork and rubber mix dual layer with the record label recess and overhang. A really nice mat. :beatnik:
 
mfrench said:
Glenn,
You might consider gluing a short piece of brass tubing inside the center hole of your cork. You can find precision brass tubing at just about any hardware store, or competent hobby shop.
Find a piece that fits over your original spindle. Cut that piece to the thickness of your mat, and glue it in.
This creates a more solid center hole, that won't wear if you take the cork mat off.
Click to expand...

Interesting idea, but I'm not clear on what the benefit would be. Could you elaborate?
 
beatcomber said:
Interesting idea, but I'm not clear on what the benefit would be. Could you elaborate?
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The center hole, with cork, will have a tendency to break away, or deform a little bit, every time you take the platter off for maintenance. It won't take long before you have a loose fitting platter mat.
 
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