I'm using a pioneer PL-117D and I've been having issues with static lately, so I got a cork mat. Currently on my platter is the stock rubber mat, with a small circular piece of metal in the middle. To use the cork, should I remove this rubber mat or simply put the cork on top? thanks xx
quick platter mat question
- Thread starter amur
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What the other guys have said but not explained is that the platter mat should not be too thick so adding the cork to the rubber is probably not a good idea. If the cork is about the same thickness as the original rubber mat that is likely ok on it's own.
If the mat is too high or low the tonearm will change angle relative to the record and this will change the angle (seen from the side) of the needle in the grooves. That can affect the quality of the sound you hear. The tonearm on your turntable does not have a vertical adjustment to it, so you can't easily compensate for extra thickness at the mat.
Have a good look at the tonearm from the side while a record is playing. If the arm tube or top of the headshell is parallel to the record you are fine. If it is high at the pivot end you could use a thicker mat or double up, but if it's low at the back the mat is too thick. A very small amount of deviation from parallel (a degree or 2) might not be a big deal but you should try to avoid it.
If the mat is too high or low the tonearm will change angle relative to the record and this will change the angle (seen from the side) of the needle in the grooves. That can affect the quality of the sound you hear. The tonearm on your turntable does not have a vertical adjustment to it, so you can't easily compensate for extra thickness at the mat.
Have a good look at the tonearm from the side while a record is playing. If the arm tube or top of the headshell is parallel to the record you are fine. If it is high at the pivot end you could use a thicker mat or double up, but if it's low at the back the mat is too thick. A very small amount of deviation from parallel (a degree or 2) might not be a big deal but you should try to avoid it.