The Dude Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 I have seen people use and sell turn table mats made out of cork. Are these snake oil or do they actually work. I was thinking they should be cheap to make but is it worth my time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 I am curious... what have you heard that they are supposed to do for the sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted December 13, 2013 Author Share Posted December 13, 2013 I know I have read stuff in the past but don't remember. Maybe that should tell me something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted December 13, 2013 Author Share Posted December 13, 2013 Something about coupling the mat to the table better, along with coupling the record to the mat better. Which it must make the sound better, but the way these guys talk about it around the web it seems like it would make it a hole other system, like wow I can't believe I didn't spend this kind of money on this upgrade years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted December 13, 2013 Share Posted December 13, 2013 I've been thinking about throwing the MMF cork mat on my RP-1 because I hate that my felt one always wants to stick to my records! (Static electricity I'm sure) plus $50 is a lot cheaper than what I really want (Funk Firm Achroplat) Would seem to put a $299 platter on a $445 table! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted December 14, 2013 Author Share Posted December 14, 2013 I've been thinking about throwing the MMF cork mat on my RP-1 because I hate that my felt one always wants to stick to my records! (Static electricity I'm sure) plus $50 is a lot cheaper than what I really want (Funk Firm Achroplat) Would seem to put a $299 platter on a $445 table! I was thinking one could just find the same thickness from like a hobby lobby, or auto parts store. That way you don't spend the 50 on a mat, unless you think the cheap version was good the the expensive version will be better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David H Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I used to make cork mats for turntables, its fairly simple. I don't know that I heard any difference in the sound, but I preferred it to the felt. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted December 14, 2013 Author Share Posted December 14, 2013 The more I read about who is upgrading, it seems to be more people with felt mats then rubber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I don't have any mat on my TT... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I keep using the mat that came with my Garrard 301. If it was good enough for EMI and the BBC it should be good enough for me. I thought mats were only really used for guys scratching on records to protect the other side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holtrp Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I made my own cork mat a few months back and didn't notice a difference in sound. The rubber mat on my thorens works just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 It's a cheap experiment to make. Go to Michael's or any palce that sells it, and buy some cork shelf liner. Cut two equal pieces. Cutout a circle the size of the record label in one, remove backing and attach to other piece. Trim outside edges into a circle and for $10 bucks you are good to go. I've done it but noticed little, if any, difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singlemania45 Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I've tried many mats. The best combination I have found is using an origin live mat sitting on any acrylic platter as the mat provides super grip and improves the timing and transients. It also did wonders in eradicating static. An acrylic platter mat on top of the original rubber also works with my Garrard GT250 despite the fact there is no VTA adjustment and the Technics EPC270 rides slightly low at the back. Tried cork on a number of turntables but it didn't work as well for me as introducing acrylic in the sandwich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1UC Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I don't have any mat on my TT... Same here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 The best improvement I've found for my turntable performance is by not using a turntable and going strictly digital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I've tried that... and while it does indeed sound good, it's not even in the same ball park as my analog set up, even with all the pop cracks snaps and clicks. then again, I don't have an uber expensive DAC either... I will have to try one sometime, because I must have thousands of cd's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I've tried that... and while it does indeed sound good, it's not even in the same ball park as my analog set up, even with all the pop cracks snaps and clicks. then again, I don't have an uber expensive DAC either... I will have to try one sometime, because I must have thousands of cd's That Oppo of yours should be more than sufficient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iRONic Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 The best improvement I've found for my turntable performance is by not using a turntable and going strictly digital. Ah yes, the old 'lazy man's' solution... The best improvements I've found for my ~32 year old Technics SL7 turntable are; -a complete overhaul, lube, & replacement of every capacitor (29) on the PCB -dynamat damping material under the platter -when our brilliant forum bretheren figure it out -- a static/cleaning solution for LPs -new Grado Prestige Gold-1 cart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 Cleaning, relubing are a must, I just had this done to my Dual. That thing works like a robot, I hear barely if any snap crackle pops. I have all so thought about the dynamat, another one that was done to a couple I have seen. I must say I don't feel the need for any improvements, but like Thebes said its cheap enough so why not give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 If you are looking at cork, make sure it is soaked. I really like my cork soaked. Here is a docuemntary on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuj1aKxET8Y Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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