ANOTHER series of mat/clamp comparisons.

[spiritofmusic]

Unless something really flips expectations around, in the end I've found the Hexmat Absolute mat/clamp to be the overall winner, just about prefer it with the Teac Washi paper sub mat between it and the platter.
It has the edge on speed, resolution, neutrality and transparency over the Stack Serene mat and stabilizer, and on a par with the Stack duo re natural warmth and tone density.
I think the Teac Washi sub mat is providing better traction for the plastic Hexmat on my metal platter, and acting to reduce reflections.
Whatever, the combo really works.
Will be keeping the Stack Serene mat and stabiliser to investigate further over time, but returning the Spec AP-UD1 mat and Black Forest Audio Däd!Mät/Däd!Clämp which both have their pluses, but couldn't match the inherent goodness of the Hexmat and Stack.
A fascinating experiment that I'm so glad I've undertaken, the Hexmat Absolute mat and clamp/Teac Washi Paper sub mat finding and now permanent install is a great way to finish off my series of mods to my analogue front end.
Part of my motivation in running these threads is to bring to people's attention products under the radar or new to the market, and especially those that provide great musical benefits and outcomes.
The Hexmat Absolute/Teac Washi and Stack Serene both do these admirably.

 

[Barry]

Interesting, direct opposite of my experience. Just goes to show every system reacts differently.

I'm with you, djsina2, and Jeff Day who reviewed it in Positive Feedback back in 2015 which is why I tried it.

I'm glad you found what you wanted spiritofmusic. We certainly can't argue with your thorough research. Well done.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Unless something really flips expectations around, in the end I've found the Hexmat Absolute mat/clamp to be the overall winner, prefer it most with the Teac Washi paper sub-mat between the platter and Hexmat.
It has the edge on speed, resolution and transparency over the Stack Serene mat and stabilizer, and on a par re natural warmth and tone density.
I'm convinced the Washi sub mat is both providing better traction for the plastic Hexmat on my metal platter, and acting to reduce reflections.
Whatever, the combo really works.
Will be keeping the Stack mat and stabiliser to investigate further over time, but returning the Spec and Black Forest Audio Däd!Mät and Däd!Clämp which both had their pluses, but couldn't match the Hexmat or Stack.
A fascinating experiment that I'm so glad I've undertaken, the Hexmat Absolute is a great way to finish off my series of mods to my analogue front end.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I'm with you, djsina2, and Jeff Day who reviewed it in Positive Feedback back in 2015 which is why I tried it.

I'm glad you found what you wanted spiritofmusic. We certainly can't argue with your thorough research. Well done.

I think all our systems have different aspects that are addressed by changes. No two systems have exactly the same variables.
Noone more surprised than me on the outcome of the Spec (*in my system*).