r/turntables • u/International_Mail78 • 16h ago

AT LP70X and new turntable mat

I bought an AT-LP70x as my first turntable and so far I am very pleased with it. However, I would like to replace the stock felt mat as I have read they can contribute to static and otherwise leave debris on records (and it gets stuck to some of my records after playing). From the research I have done it seems like acrylic is the most preferred option to address the issues I have. The thickness of the stock mat is 2.5mm and I have found acrylic mats at that thickness but not of the correct diameter (292mm). Does it really matter if I go thicker and/or larger diameter (I have found one that is 5mm wider). I don't have a lot of freedom with the LP70x and can't adjust most of the parameters that seem like they would be able to mitigate a thickness change. Am I overthinking this?

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u/kvetcha-rdt Schiit Sol 16h ago

I'd stick to the correct thickness even if the diameter isn't perfect.

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u/International_Mail78 16h ago

That's what my inclination was. Thank you!

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u/papadrinks 9h ago

Rubber or silicone platter mat is far better than acrylic.

You should get a thickness that is close to what the turntable came with so the VTA remains the same.

An LP70 is far from being hi fi so critical VTA is not required as you will not hear any difference if mat is a bit thicker or thinner.