This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

184.61.127.46

Posted on September 19, 2023 at 11:53:07

ecl876
Audiophile

Posts: 3229
Location: Bend, Oregon
Joined: January 14, 2007
Contributor
Since: January 28, 2012

As far as prices go in the audio world, I guess nothing surprises me anymore. But I am still capable of being outraged! Are they kidding with this mat? Of course, there are those like Michael Fremer that have said it really makes a difference in sound. With a few special ingredients added it's still A ROUND PIECE OF PAPER WITH A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE! However, for those unable to spring for this particular mat, they do have bargain basement mats selling at $349 and $249.

https://www.gcaudio.com/products/stein-music-the-perfect-int

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RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

Lew

15:05:36 09/26/23

In fairness to Fremer

M3 lover

12:55:09 09/21/23

RE: In fairness to Fremer

ecl876

18:34:03 09/21/23

...

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RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

Lew

15:05:36 09/26/23

In fairness to Fremer

M3 lover

12:55:09 09/21/23

RE: In fairness to Fremer

ecl876

18:34:03 09/21/23

I'm still using the same felt mat that came with my deck 20+ years ago.

Goober58

23:05:45 09/20/23

Glad I am happy to run no mat on my MoFi Ultradeck

Steve Parry

13:39:30 09/20/23

Michael Fremer

Analog Scott

09:01:41 09/20/23

Tilting at Windmills won't get you anywhere!

oldmkvi

08:52:35 09/20/23

RE: Tilting at Windmills won't get you anywhere!

ecl876

13:14:03 09/20/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

welly

22:30:11 09/19/23

7

Glad to see you linked the Teac Washi Mat. A very nice paper mat for a mere $30.

Mick Wolfe

13:59:32 09/20/23

RE: Glad to see you linked the Teac Washi Mat. A very nice paper mat for a mere $30.

Mick Wolfe

09:03:22 09/22/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

ecl876

22:50:44 09/19/23

4

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static.

tketcham

05:07:46 09/20/23

3

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static.

Mick Wolfe

09:27:33 09/22/23

2

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static.

tketcham

16:55:06 09/22/23

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static.

Mick Wolfe

10:04:35 09/23/23

Oh get over it...

musetap

21:48:39 09/19/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

hahax@verizon.net

20:50:53 09/19/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

ecl876

20:24:23 09/19/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

John Elison

20:17:58 09/19/23

+ 1 )MT(

J. S. Bach

05:50:22 09/20/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

neolith

17:03:08 09/19/23

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

flood2

15:10:30 09/19/23

3

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

pictureguy

15:23:10 09/19/23

2

but Pi is endless so we will watch for version 2point0 /nt

Story

15:33:57 09/19/23

Very true..

flood2

15:30:30 09/19/23

I'll stay with my $20.00 mat:

J. S. Bach

13:57:59 09/19/23

I can still see it

13th Duke of Wymbourne

12:34:57 09/19/23

Like the emporer's new mat? (nt)

Brian H P

13:06:05 09/19/23

I can still see it, posted on September 19, 2023 at 12:34:57
13th Duke of Wymbourne Audiophile Posts: 2568 Location: Orange Co., Ca Joined: September 19, 2001	The best version would be made of such fine materials that it is invisible and only audiophiles with the keenest hearing can hear the improvement.

Like the emporer's new mat? (nt), posted on September 19, 2023 at 13:06:05
Brian H P Audiophile Posts: 1184 Location: Oregon Joined: December 18, 2012	nt

I'll stay with my $20.00 mat:, posted on September 19, 2023 at 13:57:59
J. S. Bach Audiophile Posts: 9511 Location: Chester, SC Joined: November 28, 2001 Contributor Since: June 29, 2004	it really looks neat at 78: Later Gator, Dave

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 15:10:30
flood2 Audiophile Posts: 2517 Joined: January 11, 2011	...but it should give you a "Carbon Neutral" sound! :D Seriously though this hobby invites this kind of money grab and preys on the less informed audiophile with plenty of money to throw around. Regards Anthony "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 15:23:10
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22514 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	IF this mat is 'the best possible'? It should be called 'OMEGA' not 'PI' After all, Omega is the end of the alphabet...... Too much is never enough

Very true.., posted on September 19, 2023 at 15:30:30
flood2 Audiophile Posts: 2517 Joined: January 11, 2011	Maybe the company is run by people with a sense of humor....what they really meant to call the product was "Pi" in the Sky! Regards Anthony "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

but Pi is endless so we will watch for version 2point0 /nt, posted on September 19, 2023 at 15:33:57
Story Audiophile Posts: 9316 Location: NJ Joined: December 11, 2000

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 17:03:08
neolith Audiophile Posts: 4819 Location: Virginia Joined: February 21, 2002 Contributor Since: December 2, 2004	Lost me at "quantum treatment." "Our head is round in order to allow our thoughts to change direction." Francis Picabia

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 20:17:58
John Elison Audiophile Posts: 23727 Location: Central Kentucky Joined: December 20, 2000 Contributor Since: January 29, 2004	I think what Fremer might have meant is that it really makes a difference in your pocket book. :-)

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 20:24:23

ecl876
Audiophile

Posts: 3229
Location: Bend, Oregon
Joined: January 14, 2007
Contributor
Since: January 28, 2012

I forgot to include a word from the manufacturer:

"This carbon enhanced mat can provide hours of unadulterated listening pleasure. For those with money to burn, it can also be used as a receptacle for your favorite cannabis. Add your favorite mixture and simply roll as indicated. It burns evenly with a pleasant aroma. In this case, even if you are unsatisfied with this product as a record mat, we guarantee you won't give a damn after a few healthy tokes! Happy listening!"

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 20:50:53
hahax@verizon.net Audiophile Posts: 4183 Location: New Jersey Joined: March 22, 2006	It's time to get used to this kind of product in audio. It's here to stay. If it offends you ignore it. What bothers me more(but probably shouldn't) is the waving of hands to describe why it works. here's another product that claims quantum treatment or some other undefined treatment to make 'better' sound. More magic crystals.

Oh get over it..., posted on September 19, 2023 at 21:48:39
musetap Audiophile Posts: 31300 Location: San Francisco Joined: July 8, 2003 Contributor Since: January 28, 2004	The price INCLUDES free shipping. "Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 22:30:11

welly
Audiophile

Posts: 1641
Location: QLD
Joined: January 22, 2001

Isn't this just a "breathed on" version of the one shown at the link below...

Both are made of "Japanese paper", so the extra $620 goes on a coat of lacquer and shipping... Or, maybe it's "the research"...

Cheers

Welly
He hoped and prayed that there wasn't an afterlife. Then he realized there was a contradiction involved here and merely hoped that there wasn't an afterlife.
- Douglas Adams

Teac Washi Mat?

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 19, 2023 at 22:50:44

ecl876
Audiophile

Posts: 3229
Location: Bend, Oregon
Joined: January 14, 2007
Contributor
Since: January 28, 2012

Here's some clarification.

https://trackingangle.com/equipment/teac-ta-ts30un-turntable

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static., posted on September 20, 2023 at 05:07:46
tketcham Audiophile Posts: 6613 Location: East of the 100th meridian USofA Joined: March 21, 2005 Contributor Since: October 1, 2005	I'd pay $30 for a paper thin mat that reduces static. But I'll wait until I see people mentioning that it works.

+ 1 )MT(, posted on September 20, 2023 at 05:50:22
J. S. Bach Audiophile Posts: 9511 Location: Chester, SC Joined: November 28, 2001 Contributor Since: June 29, 2004	Later Gator, Dave

Tilting at Windmills won't get you anywhere!, posted on September 20, 2023 at 08:52:35
oldmkvi Audiophile Posts: 10469 Joined: April 12, 2002	Save your Outrage for when you really need it!

Michael Fremer, posted on September 20, 2023 at 09:01:41
Analog Scott Audiophile Posts: 9603 Joined: January 8, 2002	The guy who can always hear digital steps in any vinyl record and gave two of his highest reviews to records cut from digital files before that fact was revealed. Sure it makes a difference. He can hear specifically what the carbon does and what the quantum technology does. He can even tell you what Forrest the trees were cut from to make the paper just by ear.

RE: Tilting at Windmills won't get you anywhere!, posted on September 20, 2023 at 13:14:03
ecl876 Audiophile Posts: 3229 Location: Bend, Oregon Joined: January 14, 2007 Contributor Since: January 28, 2012	I don't get your reference to Don Quixote. I'm not "attacking imaginary enemies." I really wasn't outraged, just engaging in hyperbole. Perhaps I should have said "ridiculous", "greedy", "rapacious", "rip off" or more to the point GROSSLY OVERPRICED!

Glad I am happy to run no mat on my MoFi Ultradeck, posted on September 20, 2023 at 13:39:30
Steve Parry Audiophile Posts: 2446 Location: No. California Joined: August 19, 2002	Not going to go down the mat rabbit hole. Getting too old for that...-Steve

Glad to see you linked the Teac Washi Mat. A very nice paper mat for a mere $30., posted on September 20, 2023 at 13:59:32
Mick Wolfe Audiophile Posts: 3242 Location: AZ Joined: October 10, 1999 Contributor Since: September 4, 2000	NT

I'm still using the same felt mat that came with my deck 20+ years ago., posted on September 20, 2023 at 23:05:45
Goober58 Audiophile Posts: 5289 Joined: November 15, 2016	I think it's getting kind of thin but I just traded in my old XX2 for a new one and this setup sounds better than I remember it ever sounding. People have different needs and there will always be someone there to fill them. Awesome product and more power to those who get a benefit from buying them.

In fairness to Fremer, posted on September 21, 2023 at 12:55:09
M3 lover Audiophile Posts: 6464 Location: SW Mich Joined: May 29, 2005 Contributor Since: July 4, 2007	The Tracking Angle review was written by Malachi, not Mickie. However, so many components seem to be grossly overpriced these days, at least by my standards, it's hard to pick out one to complain about. "The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

RE: In fairness to Fremer, posted on September 21, 2023 at 18:34:03

ecl876
Audiophile

Posts: 3229
Location: Bend, Oregon
Joined: January 14, 2007
Contributor
Since: January 28, 2012

I think this is where I got my information about Fremer. It could be wrong.

From Audiogon:

" I decided to start this discussion to hear different experiences from Rega RP10 and P10 users. I know Rega does not suggest replacing their own, supplied with turntable, mat as doing so can degrade the sound but I have to say that I am loyal opposition to that concept, looking for replacement ASAP.

I know Framer recommended the Stein Music The Perfect Interface Carbon mat but $625 for mat is quite steep I think. Even the cheapest one is $250 and I do not consider It a bargain.

Does anybody here use either of those two mats and can share some insight as to why they are so expensive and if they really make that much of a difference?"

RE: Glad to see you linked the Teac Washi Mat. A very nice paper mat for a mere $30., posted on September 22, 2023 at 09:03:22
Mick Wolfe Audiophile Posts: 3242 Location: AZ Joined: October 10, 1999 Contributor Since: September 4, 2000	Another note on the Teac Washi Mat. Many of the original sellers are showing "out of stock". It seems to be much harder to find at the original list of $30. Several eBay sellers are trying to fetch between $50-$100+. The most laughable is Amazon with a ridiculous $1488. It does appear that Analogue Seduction in England (for one) still has them for roughly 25 British Pounds.

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static., posted on September 22, 2023 at 09:27:33
Mick Wolfe Audiophile Posts: 3242 Location: AZ Joined: October 10, 1999 Contributor Since: September 4, 2000	I've never had a static issue with any of my mats, but I think it's due to the fact I've used an old Oracle carbon fiber record brush. This brush has a grounding wire that I attach to my phono stage. There are several record brushes out there that have a similar grounding feature. Certainly worth a shot as none of them are that pricy.

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static., posted on September 22, 2023 at 16:55:06
tketcham Audiophile Posts: 6613 Location: East of the 100th meridian USofA Joined: March 21, 2005 Contributor Since: October 1, 2005	Good suggestion. I don't usually have a problem with static around the turntable but occasionally, when the humidity drops or it gets really cold out and the heat is running a lot, I'll get some crackles as I take the record off the platter. I've thought of getting a grounded brush and your post is a good reminder to try it. Tom

RE: Might be worth $30 if it reduces static., posted on September 23, 2023 at 10:04:35
Mick Wolfe Audiophile Posts: 3242 Location: AZ Joined: October 10, 1999 Contributor Since: September 4, 2000	Good luck. Hope that works for you. For the record, I've used both the Teac Washi Mat and currently the Auditorium 23 mat (thinner version) with no static issues.

RE: This turntable mat is NOT for the masses., posted on September 26, 2023 at 15:05:36

Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10829
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000

You've really got to love this sentence from the Galen Carol website:
"The resonance optimization between the record and turntable is essential for the best reproduction quality of a turntable. Unique, hand-made Japanese paper is enhanced with carbon composite materials and quantum treatment."

I don't know whether the language comes from Galen Carol or from Stein Music, probably the latter, but shame on them for "quantum treatment". As for "carbon composite materials", paper is made from cellulose, and cellulose is basically a long chain carbohydrate.

Vinyl Asylum

This turntable mat is NOT for the masses.

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