SonicArt Posted January 31, 2024 Posted January 31, 2024 Origin Live has just released their new multi layer platter mat, not a huge amount of info on it yet but from what Mark has said I am guessing it has a thin layer of the special laser cut material they are using on the top of all the new MK5 multilayer platters on their TT's. Added appears to be a layer of the original "Performance Mat" and there is something else (he cites 3 layers) which I am not sure of. So what does everyone think about a $500 platter mat? I am interested to try one out and will order a few with my next parts order. It's quite expensive even in the world of hi-end turntables but it could be a revelation in resonance control, I have a feeling it may be rather deck dependent as to the performance increase one achieves but if we cannot experiment where is all the fun??
aussievintage Posted February 1, 2024 Posted February 1, 2024 30 minutes ago, SonicArt said: if we cannot experiment where is all the fun?? Yes, platter mat experimentation is a great, and usually cheap, way to try and improve a system. $500 is a bit more than I call cheap however. I am still using leather and cork/neoprene that I made myself. 1
andyr Posted February 1, 2024 Posted February 1, 2024 2 hours ago, SonicArt said: Origin Live has just released their new multi layer platter mat, not a huge amount of info on it yet but from what Mark has said I am guessing it has a thin layer of the special laser cut material they are using on the top of all the new MK5 multilayer platters on their TT's. Added appears to be a layer of the original "Performance Mat" and there is something else (he cites 3 layers) which I am not sure of. When it arrives, Mark - I'm happy to lend you my $500 'SPEC' mat ... so you can compare. Just email me, if you're interested.
e83cc Posted February 2, 2024 Posted February 2, 2024 On 1/2/2024 at 3:13 PM, andyr said: When it arrives, Mark - I'm happy to lend you my $500 'SPEC' mat ... so you can compare. Just email me, if you're interested. Do you have a Spec AP-UD1 or the AP-UD1a. I am curious on the former - there appears to be no recess for the record label - does the record actually sit on the mat or just the label.
andyr Posted February 2, 2024 Posted February 2, 2024 3 minutes ago, e83cc said: Do you have a Spec AP-UD1 or the AP-UD1a. I have the UD1. When I bought it ... I wasn't aware there was a UD1a. 3 minutes ago, e83cc said: I am curious on the former - there appears to be no recess for the record label - does the record actually sit on the mat or just the label. Correct - there is no recess. However, the outside edge of my LPs sits quite flat against the mat.
SonicArt Posted February 2, 2024 Author Posted February 2, 2024 Sounds interesting! Am not sure on lead time with the new STRATA, but will let you know when I get hold of one.
SonicArt Posted May 1, 2024 Author Posted May 1, 2024 Thought I should update this thread and add my own review on the STRATA now I have had the chance to use one across a couple of tables, and on some customer tables. Short answer, it works! The STRATA has added to the sound of every table its been fitted to, from vintage CEC, various Rega, to the Oracle Delphi. It gives a more transparent image, you can feel the instruments and the performers in the stage, they gain a little more holographic presence, the top end is cleaner, the mat appears to be controlling hi frequency resonances very well as hi pitched instruments have a much cleaner sweeter sound, violin strings are particularly sweeter with the mat. Bass has more impact and a better separation, you pick up more detail in the bass notes being played. On two Oracle Delphi's now I have tried the mat, yesterday I delivered a rebuilt Delphi to a local SNA member, and we tested out the original Oracle silicon mat vs the Oracle machined acrylic mat vs the STRATA. It was quite evident that the STRATA outperformed the others, and when you are listening to music like classical or instrumental, that subtle delicacy and separation of instruments is the difference between an enjoyable listen and an immersive one where you are drawn into the performance. It has a similar effect on all the tables I have tried, and so far most noticeable on glass and alloy platters. Would love to hear feedback from anyone else using the Strata...
Guest Moon 600i V2 Posted May 3, 2024 Posted May 3, 2024 I bought the Gravity One and since I already have the original OL platter mat I am trying the combo against my Collaro mat and felt original on my P8. So far nothing conclusive but it may come down to which is less fatiguing in the end and encourages me to play more records. Like tapping feet the subtle tell-tales are the story. Maybe I should take a break in the digital camp for a while.
SonicArt Posted May 3, 2024 Author Posted May 3, 2024 A quality TT certainly shouldn't be fatiguing, the one thing with the Strata was its smoother, sweeter in the top end, removing more of the resonance I feel is allowing the music a purer reproduction.
Guest Moon 600i V2 Posted May 3, 2024 Posted May 3, 2024 14 hours ago, SonicArt said: A quality TT certainly shouldn't be fatiguing, the one thing with the Strata was its smoother, sweeter in the top end, removing more of the resonance I feel is allowing the music a purer reproduction. I am now using the OL Upgrade Platter Mat with the Gravity One with satisfactory results so the Strata Mat must be mega. Too bad it is $500.00 CDN before shipping. I will wait until I can hear one at my dealer before I bite.
SonicArt Posted June 17, 2024 Author Posted June 17, 2024 Thought I should update this thread as there have been some changes in the world of STRATA A few months ago I asked OL to make me 290mm mats for the Oracle TT, then I had a customer wanting one for a 285mm Technics, then a 293mm Garrard...this caused OL to re-evaluate the size of the standard STRATA . I spoke with Mark at OL, and he told me they would be standardising the diameter in order to suit the widest range of tables. They have decided on 285mm as it will allow fitment to most tables out there. I do have one original 298mm STRATA left in stock, and I may have one more 290mm left but wont know until the latest shipment is in my hands tomorrow/wed. So if you were thinking of getting one and wanted the larger diameter to better suit your platter now is the time to do it!
rossb Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 I recently bought one of these mats from Mark and have it on my PTP Solid 9. It is an extremely good mat - tonally well balanced and dynamic. It is also substantial enough to provide some damping of the metal platter. Expensive no doubt but I have been happy with the result.
vinyl-62 Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 1 hour ago, rossb said: I recently bought one of these mats from Mark and have it on my PTP Solid 9. It is an extremely good mat - tonally well balanced and dynamic. It is also substantial enough to provide some damping of the metal platter. Expensive no doubt but I have been happy with the result. Maybe I should also try the mat on my PTP Solid 9 as see what the result is!
rossb Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 7 minutes ago, balk2117 said: Maybe I should also try the mat on my PTP Solid 9 as see what the result is! Definitely worth a try if the cost is not prohibitive.
SonicArt Posted June 17, 2024 Author Posted June 17, 2024 I have another order being processed, lead time is 7-10 days at present due to the slowish nature of production and the backlog. I have a shipment arriving tomorrow of Gravity One pucks and some mats but 99% sure the mats are all spoken for, so only the one original 298mm left right now.
SonicArt Posted June 25, 2024 Author Posted June 25, 2024 Hey guys, just wanted to let you know the last of the original size are gone, I have just received the latest shipment, will be sorting backorders tomorrow, and there are two 290mm mats available. This may be the last of the 290mm, from now on the size will be the standardized 285mm.
AFCAD Posted June 25, 2024 Posted June 25, 2024 Just purchased a 290mm OL strata mat from Mark for my Garrard. Fits like this, so all good: Enjoying it a lot, noticing really nice tone and detail etc etc. All very balanced really. Recommended if you can justify it (no more upgrades for me for a bit!). ...and Mark @SonicArt was a pleasure to deal with (thanks!) 1
SonicArt Posted June 25, 2024 Author Posted June 25, 2024 Hmm that fits really neatly, thanks for showing us! Tone is a good description, separation is more noticeable too for me, complex passages are more about individual instruments, less blending of sound. 1
billstevenson Posted December 28, 2024 Posted December 28, 2024 I am new to this forum and this thread just caught my eye. I bought two of these mats last spring, one in the standard size for my VPI HW40 and one sized smaller, according to Origin recommended for the Technics SL1200 series tables. They both sound the same, which is excellent as already discussed here. The smaller size for the Technics tables is too small, looks funny. While I love these Strata mats, I recommend the standard size for the Technics TTs.
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