DIY TT mat?

[xneox]

So I was poking around the web looking for different options to replace the mat on the PL-50 I just got, and came across this. I have to tell you, I use material that looks exactly like that to keep the throw rugs from sliding around on the hard floors. I also cut it up to put under my bookshelf speakers, as it works way better than feet.

It looks just like this:



Any reason I can't cut a fresh piece to use as a mat for the TT? The stuff I have is beige, as in the picture, but I've seen it in charcoal.

What do you think?

[Johnny Vinyl]

That's a rather novel idea....try it out! I realy don't think it could hurt any, although it may be slightly thicker.

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by xneox

So I was poking around the web looking for different options to replace the mat on the PL-50 I just got, and came across this. I have to tell you, I use material that looks exactly like that to keep the throw rugs from sliding around on the hard floors. I also cut it up to put under my bookshelf speakers, as it works way better than feet.

It looks just like this:



Any reason I can't cut a fresh piece to use as a mat for the TT? The stuff I have is beige, as in the picture, but I've seen it in charcoal.

What do you think?

You might try it. But, the major concern is to make sure that the tonearm, cartridge, and stylus will be at the proper height and angle for playing the vinyl. I am not sure if the tonearm on your turntable is adjustable for the proper height.

Rich

[xneox]

It's actually slightly thinner than the oem mat...will that cause a problem with angles and such? The difference really seems negligible...

Also, what's the deal with the 'clamps' I'm seeing...they look like weights that people put on top of the record in the center. Do I need one?

[xneox]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

You might try it. But, the major concern is to make sure that the tonearm, cartridge, and stylus will be at the proper height and angle for playing the vinyl. I am not sure if the tonearm on your turntable is adjustable for the proper height.

Rich

Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does 1/32" really make that much difference?

If so, how can I know that an aftermarket mat is the same thickness as the oem mat?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by xneox

It's actually slightly thinner than the oem mat...will that cause a problem with angles and such? The difference really seems negligible...

Also, what's the deal with the 'clamps' I'm seeing...they look like weights that people put on top of the record in the center. Do I need one?

The clamps and weights probably became available after your turntable was made. There are advantages to the clamps and the weights in that they help to flatten the vinyl and improve contact with the platter and as a result they can improve the audio performance. The big questions are how long is the turntable spindle and is the motor able to work with either the clamp or the amount of added weight?

You may want to look into SuperSonic Record Stabilizer on this page from Herbies as a possibility (Does your turntable have a suspension system?):

http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net/ttmat.htm



Rich

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by xneox

Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does 1/32" really make that much difference?

If so, how can I know that an aftermarket mat is the same thickness as the oem mat?

You can try it, but it may well change the sound and performance of the tonearm/cartridge system. Can the height of the tonearm be adjusted on the turntable? If so, you can adjust for the difference in the thickness of the platter mat.

Yes, any mat of the same OEM mat of the same thickness would work. Be aware though that the mats themselves and the materials do contribute to the sound. That is why for over 25 to 30 years (or more) there have been mats of different materials that vinylphiles have been using to improve the performance of their turntables.

Rich

[xneox]

Jesus...this is turning into way more than I thought I was getting into...

No clue as to whether the PL-50 has a suspension. Could have coilovers for all I know.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by xneox

Jesus...this is turning into way more than I thought I was getting into...

No clue as to whether the PL-50 has a suspension. Could have coilovers for all I know.

Looking at the bottom of the well of the turntable (where the platter sat) it looks like there are some coil springs, that would be the suspension or a "sprung" platter system. It is quite likely that the springs can be adjusted.

That is why many of us have turntables that have the ability to change tonearms, etc. But, what you have should at least be a good start providing the stylus and cartridge are still good and the tonearm tracks and the turntable itself is working properly.

You do not need to have a weight, but a platter mat should be on the platter to separate the vinyl from the aluminum platter and to protect the vinyl from the aluminum.

Rich

[CasualKiller]

It's actually a great idea, there's a hifi shop here that uses the same stuff in your pic for their mats and they sell them for 35 bucks a pop. They also make them out of that thin cork roll for bulletin boards.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Now that I've thought about it a little longer, I would still say to try it out: but with caution. You've undoubtedly noticed with your carpet that this material adheres to the floor quite substantially, which is good and prevents your carpet from sliding....the reason we use it.

I would recommend therefore that you not use a heavy weight as the mat may adhere to your vinyl and leave marks. I think you would need to be careful and remove your vinyl after every play. Try it first with some LP's that may or may not be expendable.

Maybe this suggestion is being overly cautious, but I thought I would mention it regardless.

John

[xneox]

Oohhhh, no, that's a very good suggestion. One I hadn't thought of...thanks!

It definitely leaves marks on my cabinet and the bottom of my speakers. Sure, the marks come off with a cleaning agent and some scrubbing, but not something I want to be trying to clean off vinyl.

[FreddieFerric]

Xenox, I would stay away from any record weights and would only use a very light record clamp. Your vintage Pioneer likely has quite alot of mileage on the drive mechanism that I would be very concerned about overloading. As far as a record mat is concerned, I would suggest you look at this one: http://www.sleevetown.com/turntable-accessories.shtml For 11.95 and it has a speed strobe built in, you can't go wrong. Remember, with an older TT, you're always going to be concerned that the table is running on speed. Slight variations may not be terribly noticable from an "it's too fast or too slow" standpoint, but this has this nasty habit of sound coloration. At least in my humble opinion.

BTW, I and an number of other members have enjoyed excellent experiences with Sleeve City, so you should not hesitate to do business with them. Good luck!