My platter is new from TechDAS unless someone isn't telling the truth... that said...the SS platter bought when the TT first came out is no different than one that can be bought today. The poron mat does not need to be glued on in order to use it. The vacuum holds it secure with the record. I will try both with and without as time goes by. Like I said, last night was the first time using it w/o the mat. I need more listening time to be more definitive on my preference. There is no one shoe size fits all approach. All of our systems and rooms are going to sound quite different relatively speaking.
I just tried with my platter, the mat isn't removable and stuck on tight like the duralumin one. I'm not saying that there's a best here or pushing for the ss over the other platters, the issue I'm trying to figure out with you guys is the discontinuity that you both mentioned. We might not end up liking the same tonal qualities of each platter but we shouldn't have this kind of difference.
david