Boston Audio Mat 2
quadzilla
Posts: 1,543
Picked one of these up this week for my Empire with an aluminum platter. Link:
http://www.boston-audio.com/mat2.html
I do hear some differences on first play. Specifically, bass instruments are much more defined and stable in the sound stage now, as are all instruments. Instruments would sometimes "wobble" a bit with all my old mats (or a lot with some of them). Now, things are very focused but without becoming pinpoint, so instruments still have the feel of correct size. I also got a bit more depth and width. It didn't, otherwise, cause any huge changes in in the sound stage or over all tone of playback, so the "neutral" tag does seem to actually fit. Still, it definitely seems like a big upgrade over all the rubber and felt mats I've tried before. I'm also noticing that transients and other very small noises and quick little fills come through more clearly. To give an example there's a wood block in places in Steely Dan's Glamor Profession on Gaucho. I could always here the block, but now I can really hear the specific note it plays, rather than just a transient sound.
So if you have a resonant platter like I do (thing rings like a bloody bell if tapped, thus the trying of so many different rubber/foam mats), I would highly recommend it. It also weighs in just under 1.5 lbs. (about .54 kilo), so would be a good way to add mass if you're looking for a good mat and want to add some mass to a platter.
http://www.boston-audio.com/mat2.html
I do hear some differences on first play. Specifically, bass instruments are much more defined and stable in the sound stage now, as are all instruments. Instruments would sometimes "wobble" a bit with all my old mats (or a lot with some of them). Now, things are very focused but without becoming pinpoint, so instruments still have the feel of correct size. I also got a bit more depth and width. It didn't, otherwise, cause any huge changes in in the sound stage or over all tone of playback, so the "neutral" tag does seem to actually fit. Still, it definitely seems like a big upgrade over all the rubber and felt mats I've tried before. I'm also noticing that transients and other very small noises and quick little fills come through more clearly. To give an example there's a wood block in places in Steely Dan's Glamor Profession on Gaucho. I could always here the block, but now I can really hear the specific note it plays, rather than just a transient sound.
So if you have a resonant platter like I do (thing rings like a bloody bell if tapped, thus the trying of so many different rubber/foam mats), I would highly recommend it. It also weighs in just under 1.5 lbs. (about .54 kilo), so would be a good way to add mass if you're looking for a good mat and want to add some mass to a platter.
Turntable: Empire 208
Arm: Rega 300
Cart: Shelter 501 III
Phono Pre: Aural Thrills
Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
Amp: Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000
Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
Arm: Rega 300
Cart: Shelter 501 III
Phono Pre: Aural Thrills
Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
Amp: Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000
Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
Post edited by quadzilla on
Comments
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Kewl. I have the original Boston Audio Mat 1 which is only 3mm compared to the 5mm thickness of the Mat 2. It is my personal fav over other mats I tried. My table (with metal platter) was originally supplied with a foam mat.
Id really like the nine pound, near 1 thick graphite Heavy Kit Nottingham offers, but it is insanely priced. IIRC it lists for $1,600.Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
