This is my update after getting the Funk Firm Acromat. Actually, I had rather low expectations, but the improvement in clarity, transparency, and tighter bass over the stock rubber mat was more than I was expecting.
My impression was the kind of impact I would expect putting a considerably more expensive cartridge in the system. I was a bit reluctant to put money in this area, but to my ears this was easily worth it. I tried a variety of music genres, as well as simple to full orchestra. I didn't want improvements in just one area.
Everything benefited. The increase in micro details was perhaps the biggest difference, even on less complex recordings. Even the tone on individual instruments and voices seemed to reveal more detail. I now think the rubber mat was blocking some of this.
I ordered the SL-1200 version of this mat. It is rather thick and leaves only a small amount of my spindle, but I use a weight rather than a clamp so it works fine.
My impression was the kind of impact I would expect putting a considerably more expensive cartridge in the system. I was a bit reluctant to put money in this area, but to my ears this was easily worth it. I tried a variety of music genres, as well as simple to full orchestra. I didn't want improvements in just one area.
Everything benefited. The increase in micro details was perhaps the biggest difference, even on less complex recordings. Even the tone on individual instruments and voices seemed to reveal more detail. I now think the rubber mat was blocking some of this.
I ordered the SL-1200 version of this mat. It is rather thick and leaves only a small amount of my spindle, but I use a weight rather than a clamp so it works fine.