If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you know that every little detail can make a big difference in the quality of your listening experience.
One aspect that often gets overlooked is the turntable mat. While many turntables come with a standard rubber mat, there are other options available, including acrylic mats.
But are they any good?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of acrylic turntable mats and help you decide if they’re worth the investment for your vinyl setup.
So sit back, grab your favorite record, and let’s dive in!
Are Acrylic Turntable Mats Any Good
Acrylic turntable mats have become increasingly popular among vinyl enthusiasts in recent years. The material is known for its ability to control resonance and improve sound quality, making it a desirable option for those looking to upgrade their turntable setup.
One of the main benefits of an acrylic mat is its ability to remove rumble and static, resulting in a cleaner and more crisp sound. This is especially noticeable when compared to factory-installed rubber mats. Additionally, acrylic mats are compatible with both 33 1/3 and 45 RPMs, making them a versatile option for any vinyl collection.
Another advantage of acrylic mats is their ability to couple with the playing surface of the record. This helps to control resonance generated by the stylus scrubbing in the record groove, resulting in better performance and sound quality. This also eliminates the chance of mistracking caused by movement between the mat and platter.
However, there is some controversy over whether acrylic mats truly improve sound quality over other materials such as cork. Some vinyl enthusiasts have reported no noticeable difference in sound quality when switching to an acrylic mat.
Additionally, some users have reported issues with static buildup on acrylic mats, which can attract dust and other particles. This can be a nuisance for those looking to maintain a clean listening experience.
Ultimately, whether or not an acrylic turntable mat is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re still using a stock felt or rubber mat on your turntable, upgrading to an acrylic mat will likely result in improved sound quality. However, if you’re already using a high-quality cork mat or are not experiencing any issues with your current setup, an acrylic mat may not be necessary.
What Is An Acrylic Turntable Mat?
An acrylic turntable mat is a mat made of acrylic material that is placed on top of the turntable platter. The material is denser than most other types of turntable mats, which gives the platter a greater mass and helps to stabilize speed consistency. Acrylic mats are known for their ability to control resonance and improve sound quality, making them a desirable option for vinyl enthusiasts looking to upgrade their turntable setup.
When a record is placed directly onto the acrylic surface (without a slip mat), the record is effectively “coupled” with the playing surface. This helps to control resonance generated by the stylus scrubbing in the record groove, resulting in better performance and sound quality. Additionally, acrylic mats remove rumble and static, resulting in a cleaner and more crisp sound.
While there is some controversy over whether acrylic mats truly improve sound quality over other materials such as cork, many users report noticeable improvements in sound quality when switching to an acrylic mat. However, some users have reported issues with static buildup on acrylic mats, which can attract dust and other particles.
Benefits Of Using An Acrylic Turntable Mat
There are several benefits to using an acrylic turntable mat for your vinyl setup. Firstly, the material is known for its ability to remove rumble and static, resulting in a cleaner and more crisp sound. This is especially noticeable compared to factory-installed rubber mats, which can generate unwanted noise and vibrations.
Another advantage of acrylic mats is their ability to couple with the playing surface of the record. This helps to control resonance generated by the stylus scrubbing in the record groove, resulting in better performance and sound quality. This also eliminates the chance of mistracking caused by movement between the mat and platter.
Acrylic mats are also compatible with both 33 1/3 and 45 RPMs, making them a versatile option for any vinyl collection. This means you won’t need to switch out your mat when playing different types of records, saving you time and effort.
In addition, acrylic mats are durable and long-lasting. They can withstand wear and tear from regular use, making them a reliable investment for your turntable setup.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with static buildup on acrylic mats, which can attract dust and other particles. This can be a nuisance for those looking to maintain a clean listening experience. To combat this issue, some vinyl enthusiasts suggest using an anti-static brush or spray on the mat before playing a record.
Drawbacks Of Using An Acrylic Turntable Mat
While acrylic turntable mats offer several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main concerns is the potential for slippage, especially with slightly warped records. This can be particularly noticeable when cleaning records with an anti-static brush. To address this issue, some users may choose to add a record weight to their setup to improve contact between the record and the acrylic surface.
Another potential issue with acrylic mats is static buildup, which can attract dust and other particles. This can be a nuisance for those looking to maintain a clean listening experience. However, there are anti-static solutions available that can be used to reduce static buildup on acrylic mats.
Finally, some vinyl enthusiasts have reported no noticeable difference in sound quality when using an acrylic mat compared to other materials such as cork. While acrylic mats are known for their ability to control resonance and improve sound quality, the impact may not be significant enough for some users to justify the investment.
How To Choose The Right Acrylic Turntable Mat For Your Setup
When it comes to choosing the right acrylic turntable mat for your setup, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure the mat is compatible with your turntable’s platter size and spindle hole size. Most acrylic mats are designed to fit standard turntables, but it’s always best to double-check before making a purchase.
Next, consider the thickness of the mat. Thicker mats can help to control resonance and improve sound quality, but they may also add unwanted height to your setup. Thinner mats, on the other hand, may not provide as much sound improvement but will be less noticeable in terms of height.
It’s also important to consider the surface texture of the mat. Some acrylic mats have a smooth surface, while others have a more textured surface that can help to reduce static buildup. If you’re experiencing issues with static on your current setup, a textured acrylic mat may be a good option.
Finally, consider your budget. Acrylic mats can range in price from around $30 to over $100 depending on the brand and thickness. While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always equate to better sound quality.
Comparing Acrylic Mats To Other Turntable Mat Options
While acrylic turntable mats have their advantages, it’s important to consider other options before making a final decision.
Felt turntable mats are a common choice and are often included with turntables. They offer a soft surface that can help to reduce static and provide a warm sound. However, they can also generate more noise and vibration than other materials, which can affect sound quality.
Leather turntable mats are another option that offers a unique texture and flexibility. They provide additional protection to records and can help to reduce static. However, they can also dampen sound and enhance bass tones, which may not be desirable for all listeners.
Cork turntable mats are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to control resonance and improve sound quality. They offer a natural surface that can help to reduce static and provide a warm sound. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can attract dust and other particles.
Rubber turntable mats are often included with turntables and offer a non-slip surface that can help to reduce static. However, they can generate more noise and vibration than other materials, which can affect sound quality.
When compared to these options, acrylic turntable mats offer unique benefits such as improved sound quality and compatibility with both 33 1/3 and 45 RPMs. However, they may not be necessary for all listeners and may have issues with static buildup.
Ultimately, the best turntable mat option will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to consider factors such as sound quality, durability, and static control before making a final decision.
Real User Reviews: What Vinyl Enthusiasts Think Of Acrylic Turntable Mats
To get a better understanding of how acrylic turntable mats perform in real-world situations, we looked at reviews from vinyl enthusiasts who have already made the switch. Here’s what some of them had to say:
One user with a vintage Sansui turntable noted that they replaced their original 3mm rubber mat with a cork mat and found that it improved sound quality, especially for rock and hard rock music. They were interested in trying an acrylic mat but were unsure if the cost was worth it.
Another user with an old Rotel RP1000 turntable tried an acrylic mat and found that it significantly reduced background noise and improved bass response. They noted that the sound difference between the acrylic mat and their previous rubber and cork mats was noticeable, but not necessarily “astonishingly” better. They also mentioned that the acrylic mat was perfectly flat and did not wobble, but could be slippery when using a static brush on the record.
Overall, users seem to have mixed opinions on the benefits of acrylic turntable mats. While some have reported noticeable improvements in sound quality, others have not noticed a significant difference. However, many agree that acrylic mats are a worthwhile upgrade for those still using stock rubber or felt mats.
