OMA polycrystalline graphite mat - why does it work?

[dcc]

I found this on the Audionautes website:http://www.audionautes.com/prodottiaudionautes/accessori/hdg_eng.htm

 

[djsina2]

Sounds interesting.
I believe, I have seen an early version of thr Audio Tekne mat, this one had no cut out for the label.

Has this been changed by Audio Tekne with their actual product? Has your carbon mat a Record label cut out?

Than I would order such a thick carbon mat!

There is no label cutout. AT may be willing to make you one with it though.

 

[No Regrets]

Have you ever considered the SPEC AP-UD1a?

The SPEC AP-UD1a made in Japan. This is the updated one, that has the center recessed to accommodate the record label. It's circumference, if I remember correctly, is also just slightly less than the original AP-UD1, to allow you to remove the record while still spinning so that you do not lift the platter mat off along with the record.

The following links talk mostly of the original SPEC AP-UD1. I haven't found much info on the new and improved, updated SPEC AP-UD1a as it is still pretty new.

Here is a link of one for sale https://audiotweaks.nl/product/spec-ap-ud1a/

Here is a link of Jeff Day commenting on the original SPEC AP-UD1. The AP-UD1a is the updated mat and is what you would want to have.
https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/todays-fresh-catch-the-spec-ap-ud1-analog-disc-sheet/

I happen to have two of the AP-UD1a mats. I had ordered one, and simultaneously, my wife ordered me one as a present, not knowing I had already order it myself. I only have one turntable, so if anyone is interested in buying my second unused mat, let me know. I paid $350 ( it came to $372 with tax and shipping ). Make me a reasonable offer and it's yours

Best wishes,
Don

 

[djsina2]

Have you ever considered the SPEC AP-UD1a?

The SPEC AP-UD1a made in Japan. This is the updated one, that has the center recessed to accommodate the record label. It's circumference, if I remember correctly, is also just slightly less than the original AP-UD1, to allow you to remove the record while still spinning so that you do not lift the platter mat off along with the record.

The following links talk mostly of the original SPEC AP-UD1. I haven't found much info on the new and improved, updated SPEC AP-UD1a as it is still pretty new.

Here is a link of one for sale https://audiotweaks.nl/product/spec-ap-ud1a/

Here is a link of Jeff Day commenting on the original SPEC AP-UD1. The AP-UD1a is the updated mat and is what you would want to have.
https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/todays-fresh-catch-the-spec-ap-ud1-analog-disc-sheet/

I happen to have two of the AP-UD1a mats. I had ordered one, and simultaneously, my wife ordered me one as a present, not knowing I had already order it myself. I only have one turntable, so if anyone is interested in buying my second unused mat, let me know. I paid $350 ( it came to $372 with tax and shipping ). Make me a reasonable offer and it's yours

Best wishes,
Don

I compared the SPEC directly with the Audio Tekne. The SPEC mat is fantastic. I did prefer the Audio Tekne slightly more though.

 

[No Regrets]

I compared the SPEC directly with the Audio Tekne. The SPEC mat is fantastic. I did prefer the Audio Tekne slightly more though.

That's awesome that you were able to compare the SPEC with the Audio Tekne!
I would consider that to be very high praise for the SPEC considering it costs less than half the price of the Audio Tekne
The other differences are that the SPEC is much thinner, so no need to be concerned for spindle length and it is much lighter as well... thereby causing less strain on the turntable motor.
Also, the newly updated SPEC AP-UD1a does have the record label cutout
For the money, I think it would be very difficult to find a better sounding platter mat.

Best wishes to all,
Don

 

[djsina2]

That's awesome that you were able to compare the SPEC with the Audio Tekne!
I would consider that to be very high praise for the SPEC considering it costs less than half the price of the Audio Tekne
The other differences are that the SPEC is much thinner, so no need to be concerned for spindle length and it is much lighter as well... thereby causing less strain on the turntable motor.
Also, the newly updated SPEC AP-UD1a does have the record label cutout
For the money, I think it would be very difficult to find a better sounding platter mat.

Best wishes to all,
Don

Yes that’s true, the SPEC is definitely easier to use with the average turntable. The only thing I didn’t like is the coating on the underside is instantly scratched up when using on the CSPort metal platter.

 

[No Regrets]

Yes that’s true, the SPEC is definitely easier to use with the average turntable. The only thing I didn’t like is the coating on the underside is instantly scratched up when using on the CSPort metal platter.

I can certainly understand that. I guess I've never noticed that aspect as I just always leave the SPEC platter mat on the platter, so I never see the bottom side of it

Best wishes,
Don

 

[jjhf1234]

I have used Boston Audio graphite mats on my turntables for the past 15 years.

Another happy previous Boston Mat user. Would probably try it on my current table but it has a raised spindle area that would prevent it from resting flat

 

[Basile: Locrian Audio]

@dcc et al.
Thank you for your recommendations. I finally bought the Boston Mat and it works fine. Graphite makes a huge difference. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Basile

 

[BruceD]

Hmm Interesting--the original SimonYorke Mat is Graphite -what is the differences with the OMA version--thank you

BruceD

 

[Basile: Locrian Audio]

Unfortunately, I have not compared the two in terms of sound. OMA was too expensive to risk the purchase. The Boston mat sounds excellent. The OMA is a bit thicker.