Greetings from down unda...
We're in lockdown at the moment, too many C19 bugs running around...
So what better to do than listen to some fine tunes!
Speaking of metal mats, I was using one by Spec, referred to as the Aluminium disc mat. Japanese high tech stuff, and sounds awesome! It was highly recommended by a few good mates and the limited time I had with it was very enjoyable.
Yes, limited, simply because due to severe static issues I'm having with this very mat. So, whenever I approach the TT and get ready to lift off the LP to change sides, all the static build up on me travels straight through to the Spec mat, discharging it onto the phonostage and onto the preamp, forcing it to shut down with a loud kaboom!
Obviously due to the monoblocks being powered on... so I reactivate the preamp and once again I hear Canon fire equal to that of 4th of July!
I've tried various gizmos, even approached the TT butt naked, only that static discharge went in a slight different direction... ouchey!
Grounded this and grounded that, nothing to avail. So I had no choice other than to go back to the carbon fibre mat that was supplied and recommended by Rega for my RP8. So all is good and absolutely zero static, plus I can put some clothes on! The Carbon fibre mat sounds mighty fine, and I'm enjoying LPs just as much without the Spec mat. Whatever said and done, the analog sound is something magical.
The Spec mat is up for sale since but no takers, I guess people were worried about the static issues. Anyone else faced similar issues and if so, would be interested to know your solution/s if any?
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ