Thin leather mat suggestion

leyenda

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Mar 2, 2011
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Would like to seek recommendation for thin leather mat ala the Micro Seiki AS-1. I have the AudioSilente leather mat but if possible would like something thinner. Appreciate any inputs/leads.
 

Solypsa

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I don't have any leads ( sorry ) however am curious how you like the AudioSilente leather mat. Have been thinking to buy one...
 

leyenda

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Mar 2, 2011
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@Solypsa - the AudioSilente is high quality. However, compared to the Micro mat, it is significantly thicker. I like the Micro mat but mine is the doughnut shape that is used with its own vacuum platter. I think I hear the thickness effects so I am looking for something thinner to try. Micro's own leather mat for regular platter is too expensive to try.

@Shuggie - looking like it, thanks for the suggestion! Do you use it yourself? How do you like it?
 

Audiophile Bill

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You can contact Stefano Bertoncello @ Twogoodears - I think he does thin leather mats.
 

Shuggie

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@Solypsa - the AudioSilente is high quality. However, compared to the Micro mat, it is significantly thicker. I like the Micro mat but mine is the doughnut shape that is used with its own vacuum platter. I think I hear the thickness effects so I am looking for something thinner to try. Micro's own leather mat for regular platter is too expensive to try.

@Shuggie - looking like it, thanks for the suggestion! Do you use it yourself? How do you like it?
I prefer the Funk Achromat, but the Zavfino leather mat is very good on top of a rubber mat, which otherwise on its own often results in a rather 'rubbery' sound character.
 

thedudeabides

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Jan 16, 2011
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I prefer the Funk Achromat, but the Zavfino leather mat is very good on top of a rubber mat, which otherwise on its own often results in a rather 'rubbery' sound character.
Can you please explain a "rubbery" sound versus a "non rubbery" sound.
 
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Shuggie

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Can you please explain a "rubbery" sound versus a "non rubbery" sound.
Simple - rubber mats seem to me to impart a heavily damped sound character that robs 'life' and 'vibrancy' from the music. Rubber mats are great for folks who obsess about their platters 'ringing' and never listen to any alternatives, but otherwise they are a cheap to produce option that's not often the best for sound quality. I will make an exception to this broad statement - the original Thorens TD-124 hard, ribbed rubber mat is by far the best sounding option on those decks, but it's hard rubber, so not quite the same thing as most soft rubber mats.

As always in this business, it pays to be open minded and ultimately to trust your ears. What sounds best is best.
 

thedudeabides

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Thanks for the explanation. The TT equivalent of sorbathane isolation pucks.
 

Audiophile Bill

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Audiophile Bill

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Atmasphere

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Simple - rubber mats seem to me to impart a heavily damped sound character that robs 'life' and 'vibrancy' from the music. Rubber mats are great for folks who obsess about their platters 'ringing' and never listen to any alternatives, but otherwise they are a cheap to produce option that's not often the best for sound quality.
I don't agree. The platter pad's job is to control resonance in the LP caused by the stylus tracking the grooves. If the mat is too soft, the vinyl depresses and might sound rolled off. If its too hard, might be too bright. The pad should be the same durometer as the LP in order to absorb vibration and prevent coloration. It helps if the pad reduces resonance in the platter too.
 

Solypsa

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Tango

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they´re Hiraga clones made from hard baby pig skin....I have 3 here, but haven´t tried them yet
Spare one for crispy roasting. Taste great dipping with sweet soy sauce. Eat together with chinese bun.
 

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