VPI Scoutmaster II mat question

[rmcfee]

Good day. I'm new here and it looks like a fascinating place!
I have a VPI Scoutmaster II turntable with a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge. I have been using the table with no mat - I clamp my vinyl directly to the metal platter. Does anyone have any experience with turntable mats that would be better sounding than this method? Thanks!

 

[Another Johnson]

Most people can hear the difference of no mat vs mat. Many, perhaps most can hear the difference between different mats and clamp combinations.

If you install a mat, it will impact your VTA, and if you change your VTA, it will impact your VTF. And if you change your VTF, it will have some effect on your bias force.

So be aware as you play. Mats are usually cheap. Felt, leather, polymer, etc are all available. Only you can decide which configuration sounds best to you. Have fun!

 

[rmcfee]

Thanks. My VPI is not easy to adjust (for me at least) so I'll have to get motivated and experiment once I learn more.

 

[BillK]

Good day. I'm new here and it looks like a fascinating place!
I have a VPI Scoutmaster II turntable with a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge. I have been using the table with no mat - I clamp my vinyl directly to the metal platter. Does anyone have any experience with turntable mats that would be better sounding than this method? Thanks!

Most of us with VPIs as well as VPI themselves actually prefer it without a mat.

I felt the same until I tried a Synergistic Research UEF mat and felt it sounded better than no mat (I had a Super Scoutmaster.)