Dan,
We some times have to actually work when we are at work!
Getting back to the review, I am truly amazed at the difference a mat makes. One of you who is poopooing the 1k mat upgrade may want to audition it.
Basis TTSorbothane mat: Really brings out the bass and puts meat on the mid range. I do not hear loss of detail in the treble, but it is weaker in strength than mids and bass. Overall, it presents music that you want to listen on.
MMF5 mat: Even presentation. Well balanced but thinner all across the tonal spectrum. Overall, you can leave the chair if something comes along.
Oracle Isolater mat: Well balanced presentation. Details and bass are good and voices are neutral. Definitely want to stay in you seat to hear the rest of the LP
MMF 5 TTI just want to say I am comparing the mats and not the systems. This setup with Project arm and Goldring cartridge definitely is a step or two below the Basis setup in musicality.
MMF mat: This is the entry level sound. Pretty good detail but not much bass and depth. Just for this review I went up to my bedroom where I "tolerate" my wife's college system consisting of Sony receiver, Technia TT with generic cartridge and Bose speakers.
![Embarassed :oops:](https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/icon_redface.gif)
She insists on having them there because it was her first major purchase on her own and is proud of them.
![Surprised :o](https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/icon_eek.gif)
What am I to say excep to say, "they are lovely, honey?" I mean they are just for "mood" music, you know.
![Wink :wink:](https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/icon_wink.gif)
Anyway, MMF5 blows this set up out of the water. So, those of you looking for a good beginning set up, there is a big gain at this level from your college (at least for me) consumer level TT.
Sorbothane mat: It adds little more bite to the bass but not really balanced. Probably not worth the expense for this "upgrade".
Oracle Isolator mat: This is a highly unlikely combination. The overall sound is balanced for the setup but there is not a whole lot of difference. It's definetly not worth the cost of this "upgrade".
Oracle TTOracle mat: This is my best system -- detailed, balanced, punchy and nuanced. This beats stock Sony XA777es SACD presentation. This is also the set up that frequently gets me in trouble because I find myself saying, "I will be right there," alot when my wife calls for the upteenth time!
Sorbothane mat: It is pretty close in overall sound but loses some details. Still good but not worth the PITA in peeling off the record after playing.
MMF mat: Don't do it. Loses all detail.
Not to be a tease, but I gotta go back to work again. Post some of your conclusions. I will post my conclusion later. Remember I only had my two ears to depend on.
Ciao!