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RINGMAT BASE PLATTER MAT &
RINGMAT SPACERS
Ringmat Spacers
Although originally conceived as a means by which the record’s
cutting angle can be replicated on playback, the design of the
Ringmat Spacers has evolved to provide massive improvements in
analogue sound reproduction in their own right. This is because the
Base Platter Mat and the other Spacers provide a much better
interface between the low-mass Ringmat (whichever model) and the
relatively high-mass platter.
The original concept of having the ability to fine-tune the stylus
rake angle and obtain the correct VTA (however described – different
people use different terminology) is still crucial in accurately
reproducing sound from LP’s. A correctly angled stylus axis is
essential for correct tracking of the groove walls.
Ringmat Spacers comprise:
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A Base Platter Mat that
has a special low resonance pattern cut out on the inside of the
latex disc. The 0.75mm thick latex Base Platter Mat is to be used
directly on the bare platter – any platter, provided it is flat (not
concave and without ribs), including the common two-part platters
that have an inner hub and outer platter, such as those used by
Linn, Thorens, AR and many others. Ringmats used directly on top of
a Base Platter Mat provide a much fuller sound, with excellent bass
performance. It is not possible to provide this sort of performance
by using a Ringmat on its own and it is not possible to construct a
mat that achieves such a result other than in a two-part
construction such as exists with the Ringmat Base Platter Mat and a
Ringmat. The nature of the latex used in the Platter Mat is such
that it adheres to the platter, preventing slippage. It also
effectively dampens any ringing of the platter below. The low
resonance pattern makes it far more effective than any other
rubber-based mat.
Picture: Ringmat Gold Spot on Ringmat
Base Platter Mat
The original version of the Ringmat Base
Platter Mat is called a Ringmat Spacer Mat and this has a stud at
the outer edge to enable the other Spacers (see below) to lock in
and not move round whilst records are being played. Apart from the
stud on the outer edge, the Ringmat Spacer mat and Base Platter Mat
are identical. As with the Base Platter Mat, the Ringmat Spacer Mat
is placed on the bare platter. Also, it is possible to add a stud to
a Ringmat Base Platter Mat to convert it into a Ringmat Spacer Mat
to use with the plastic Ringmat Spacers.
Picture: Ringmat Base Platter Mat &
(right) Ringmat Spacer Mat (with stud)
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A range of coloured plastic Spacers,
each a different thickness, that are placed on top of the Spacer Mat
and which lock into it using the stud on the outer edge of the
Spacer Mat. Using the Spacers in various combinations enables the
user to adjust the height of the record above the platter in steps
of 25 microns. Ringmat Spacers enable the stylus rake angle to be
easily and accurately set for each side of an LP (the 2 sides of an
LP are always different – see below) without having to adjust the
height of the tonearm or the stylus pressure and without losing a
reference point at which to return. A standard set of 8 Spacers, as
supplied with the full Ringmat Support System, would comprise:
Top Spacers
2 Green 0.075mm thick
1 Blue 0.100mm thick
2 Slate 0.125mm thick
Base Spacers
1 Clear 0.250mm thick
2 Yellow 0.500mm thick
Picture: Full Set of Ringmat
Spacers
With any
combination of Spacers, at least one base Spacer (Yellow or Clear)
is placed on the Spacer Mat first. All the others are placed so that
the thinnest is on top and the others are in descending order of
thickness. It is very important that a Spacer is not placed on top
of another that is thinner.
All Spacers, including the Base Platter Mat or Spacer Mat, have the
proprietary anti-resonance cut-outs found in so many of the Ringmat
and Statmat products.
Purpose and
Performance Summary
Ringmat Spacers improve LP sound reproduction by overcoming the
following engineering and alignment shortcomings inherent with all
turntable reproduction systems, irrespective of price:
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LPs of different
thickness. Differences in vinyl thickness have always existed, but
the advent of an increasing number of 180g audiophile pressings
makes the current problem far greater.
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Different angles at
which records are cut. This problem is every bit as prevalent as
vinyl thickness and the effects can be just as great.
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The adoption of
platter diameters smaller than that that is ideal from an
engineering aspect.
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The unequal mass of
a record and the platter, which needs to be graduated.
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Unwanted
resonances, which feed up through the turntable and are inherent in
all platters. Untreated, these resonances will deflect stylus
tracking and compress dynamics.
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The "ringing" of
some platter materials, which needs to be damped.
The sonic
advantages are a much wider and deeper soundstage, fuller sound,
greater and sharper dynamics and energy, improved tonal
reproduction, deeper bass response, and the retrieval of far more
detail. Above all, the way the timing of the music, and the setting
of the music within the ambience of the venue, clicks into place.
It may be considered that a Spacer adjustment of 25microns (0.025mm)
is too small to make much difference, but in a highly tuned system
using a non-spherical stylus, such as that used by Ringmat for
design and development purposes, as well as many other vinyl lovers,
a difference of 25microns can immediately rob the sound of the true
magic of the recording. In the right situation, the effect of the
difference is not something that requires focus and attention – it
just hits you hard between the eyes.
If the ability to adjust height is not critical (such as where the
stylus tip is spherical), then the Spacers used with the MRA version
of the Ringmat Support System should be considered. Whilst this
version has only a Spacer Mat and two Spacers (1 Clear and 1 Slate)
instead of the Spacer Mat and the standard eight Spacers of the full
System, the range of adjustment provided enables many records to be
played without any great difficulty and with excellent reproduction
whilst retaining the advantages listed in 3 to 6 above and at a much
lower cost. The MRA version does not include the booklet ‘How to Set
Up and Fine Tune a Turntable’, which is then available separately.
User Tips
When seeking the correct Spacer height (i.e. choosing the right
combination of Spacers), or stylus pressure even, such as when
fine-tuning without Spacers, users may encounter what might be
regarded as the correct height and alignment but which is
nevertheless a false setting. As the height (or stylus pressure)
changes, it can seem to be "right" every 375/400microns
(0.375/0.400mm) in the manner of an octave, but only one such
setting is really the correct one. A false setting usually has
something about the sound that is not quite right, such as being a
bit thin (too much height), ragged at the soundstage extremes (left
and right) or closed in, or bland, non-involving and possibly over
dynamic (height too low). In a good system, such false settings can
still be beguiling and there can be the temptation to think any
shortcomings that may seem to be there is a fault with the recording
or pressing, whereas it really is just a matter of not accurately
aligning the stylus within the groove. (Well, some recordings and
pressings may be at fault!). The treasures awaiting discovery in
those grooves will not be found without a full set of Ringmat
Spacers, or a continually adjustable tonearm height regulator (often
very expensive), or otherwise adjusting the stylus pressure for each
record, or record side even - which method of adjustment would you
prefer?
As just mentioned, one side of a record requires a different height
to the other, by around 75microns (0.075mm). This appears to be due
to the different polarity of the material in the LP and the effect
that this has when stamping it out. Sometimes it is the ‘A’ side
that needs the extra 75microns (a Green Spacer); sometimes it is the
‘B’ side - this uncertainty can arise even within a boxed set of
records.
The material polarity of an LP can also directly affect the sound,
where one side of the record will always sound better then the
other. The adverse effects on the less good side of the record can
be corrected to some extent using the LP Blue Statmat and Statcap in
the manner described in the instructions, as well as increasing the
height by some 75microns.
- Back to
The Ringmat Support System
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You may also like to read:
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Beyond Ringmat -
- Incorporating Ringmat &
Statmat Products into your System -
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