Hello everyone, Just picked up a Technics 1500c and was looking to upgrade the mat to a Funk Firm Achromat. I read through several posts here and other sites and it seems to do miracles on sound improvements. As most of you, if sound can be improved...I will consider. Problem is I am not sure which model to purchase. 3MM, 5MM or the 1200. Any guidance would be appreciated.
I recently got a SL-1200GR and use a 5mm funk firm from my previous table. In my system, the FF mat is a much cleaner sound. The stock mat has more bass, but is less detailed. Some prefer the stock mat, it makes sense if you have a leaner sounding system. Doesn’t hurt to try
Thanks gguy. Its just that I read (can't remember where) that the technics metal platter has a groove which prohibits the FF mat to fit properly, hence why they make a mat called 1200. I just don't know if my platter is the same as the 1200.
I believe this is on the older 1200’s. On the GR, it is near flush. The stock mat also does not have a lip. I am not sure if this is the case with the 1500C
Thank you. I also orderd a Ortofon 2M Blue stylus to upgrade from the red. will check back in a couple of weeks to give you my verdict. Cheers!
If you can adjust arm height, the Oswald Mills mat is pretty amazing...but pricey. (0.235 inched thick.) Oswalds Mill Audio - OMA Graphite Mat | OMA Accessories They also make a headshell, on the 'heavy' side, but sounds very very 'calm.' Oswalds Mill Audio - Headshell | OMA Accessories I have used them on the 1200 GAE and liked what I heard.
playing loud bass is a great way to test a new mat. the FF simply did not sound very good in my system on my GR- the bass was hollow and weaker sounding, lacked impact and colored the midrange. after fiddiling with a few others i decided to by another herbies way excellent mat (same i used on a previous table) and it sounds the best.
Be careful with cartridge height here. The SL-1500C has a different cartridge height range than the SL-1200 series...it’s 3mm lower. If you put a taller mat, you might have a problem raising the arm high enough to accommodate taller cartridges.
Thanks for the heads-up snorker. I beleive I am already 4. Will need to verify if I can add an additional 2mm.
Switched the red out with the blue. After a break-in of about an hour I find the sound to be warmer throughout the LP, which is to my liking. So a thumbs up for me.
Looking into this as well, as the 1500c rubber mat seems to attract lots of static. Not sure what size would be appropriate thoughm 3mm or 5mm? Also would this imply readjusting the tone arm?
According to Funk Firm's site, the 1500C uses a standard 1200 to cope with the lip on the platter available in black only.