[Wayner]

I never liked the original mat that came with my Technics SL1200, and I have been trying out different ones. Having worked on/junked/replaced many a mat over the years, I have assembled a nice collection.

The mystery to me is finding a mat that isn't to soft, so as not to suck out all the little detail of a recording, and not too hard, to let any kind of table mechanical noise thru. Sounds like it should be easy, but it aint.

Just wondering what you guys are using....

Wayner

[Airborn]

Herbies Way Excellent mat.  He has ones specifically recommended for the Technics 1200 series. Fits your description of not too soft but still dampening the ringing platter.

[BaMorin]

Just wondering what you guys are using....

Wayner

Can't say for the 1200, as I've never owned one. I did pass around a couple of mats to folks at another forum site. (1200 owners) An Acromat, and a handmade deerhide.  The deer hide is what I use on my AR's. Not sure though that the mat (any) on the 1200 cures what "ails" the table though. That last comment wasn't in a derogitory manner. I believe the main bearing adds too much energy to the platter. Asking a mat to drain that energy, or keep it away from the album is difficult due to the albums contact with the spindle.

[starkiller]

2nd the Herbies mat!

[LM]

My vote is for the Herbies as well though having bought it originally for another TT, mine was a bit thinner than I wanted for the Techy so I also use a plain 1.0 mm butyl rubber mat underneath to keep my VTA adjustment in a good range.  I also use a 600g Audio Technica weight and the combo is excellent.  One proviso however, this is with an aftermarket bearing (not cheap) fitted which quietens the TT mechanical side a lot and my set up, particularly with the weight, might not work as well with the standard bearing.  In fact I used to prefer the KAB clamp rather than a weight with the original bearing.  What a black art it all is.