does a mat make sense?

[cat9]

Hi all,

I just recently purchased a mint Denon DP-45F DD table. My knowledge of this table in particular and decent vintage TT's in general is minimal - but I am learning and enjoying the journey very much. With the sensors that are in the platter of this TT can a new and different platter mat even be used without compromising the TT's functions? Will I even get a noticeable improvement by doing this? If it is possible, without compromising anything, and it would give me a boost in the quality of sound, what are my best options - felt, cork, Herbies's Way Excellent TT mat, Origin Live, etc???

Thanks for your counsel!

cat9

[EdAInWestOC]

A different mat should not effect the sensors on the table. Denon engineers a pretty good turntable and things like the mat will rarely effect anything to do with the TT speed or its auto matic functions.

The mat that Denon uses is chosed to dampen the platter and result in a balanced sound from the turntable. I have used a variety of mats on my Denon DP-62L and the latest is a very nice surprise.

I bought a Herbies Way Excellent II mat about 6 weeks ago and it had an immediate effect on the sound of the TT. The table is now livelier sounding. It took a few LPs but I now like the sound better than the stock Denon mat or the last combination I used (an Audioquest Sorbogel mat with the stock Denon mat on top).

The open cell Herbies mat does a fine job of damping the aluminum platter and produces a lighter more lively sound. The original Denon mat pretty good but I have to give the edge to the Herbies mat at this point.

Ed