Tuning Tip #4
Ready for a really outlandish concept?
Believe me that your felt turntable mat might have a preferred way up. Try reversing it; flip it over and listen to the results. It’ll only take a minute and, as always, you have nothing to lose except a few moments of your life. This is definitely worth doing if you own a Linn Sondek LP12 of any vintage.
Once you’ve established which face of your mat would rather be in contact with the record than the sub-platter, mark it with a blob of ink or similar and then try reversing the direction of the drive belt. In other words flip it inside out and compare the resulting sound to the original. It will certainly be different… but always remember that different does not necessarily mean better.
Linn’s reps used to tell me that the preferred orientation was that with the belt hung over you finger the closer it came to being a figure of eight shape was best. Try it at home… because those reps of yore were famous for dishing out, let us say, one or two fanciful notions on occasions.
Finally, do not be tempted to use Spray Mount or any similar adhesive to stick your turntable mat to the platter. It does not do anything for the sound quality… and you just know that it is somehow going to find its way on to your precious vinyl!
