I had tried a number of mats over the years, but it wasn't until I bought my first heavily Merrill modified AR turntable that I realized it's a platter SYSTEM that makes a difference. George Merrill would upgrade the stock mass produced AR drive platter bearing with one manufactured in a higher grade of steel and with closer tolerances. He would substitute the aluminum platter with an acrylic one, and on top of that would come a LEAD mat. (Pliable and dead.) The record was laid on the lead mat, and coupled to it with an outer periphery ring and either an inner clamp or weight. George was a pioneer in the use of acrylic platters and periphery weights.
Since hearing that platter system for the first time, I have been unable to go back to any other. I was lucky enough to purchase one of George's later model Heirlooms (with same platter system) several years ago, and I am in the process of having that table refurbed and upgraded by George's present partner Anthony Scillia.
You can learn more about George and Anthony's new platter system here:
http://www.merrillaudio.com/philosophy.html
Dave
(Disclaimer: I am the exclusive seller of what are the current Merrill mods. I sell because I wholeheartedly believe.)
Since hearing that platter system for the first time, I have been unable to go back to any other. I was lucky enough to purchase one of George's later model Heirlooms (with same platter system) several years ago, and I am in the process of having that table refurbed and upgraded by George's present partner Anthony Scillia.
You can learn more about George and Anthony's new platter system here:
http://www.merrillaudio.com/philosophy.html
Dave
(Disclaimer: I am the exclusive seller of what are the current Merrill mods. I sell because I wholeheartedly believe.)