Made with finely textured, open-cell silicone foam, this mat has unsurpassed vibration-absorbing characteristics and no resonant qualities to discolor the music. Records are thoroughly decoupled from unwanted platter micro-vibration. Available in a variety of thicknesses and diameters to fit almost any turntable.
A black elastomer "donut" on top of the white foam base reduces vinyl/stylus feedback and eliminates lateral slippage. Also provides for recessed label area and outer edge lead-in. Completely non-tacky, records lift right off the mat, while the underlying foam holds firmly to the platter (records can be lifted off while the platter is turning).
Since its introduction in December, 2002, Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mats have been tested against almost every kind of turntable mat with many different kinds of turntables, both in-house and by our customers. Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mats have consistently proven superior to stock felt mats and clearly outperform stock rubber mats. With virtually any kind of turntable, a Way Excellent II Turntable Mat is a safe bet to do better than any cork, Sorbothane, shelf-material, or hard carbon/graphite mat. Compared to high-end mats costing several times more, Herbie's Way Excellent II Turntable Mat consistently competes within a margin of personal preference or better with most turntables.
Way Excellent II delivers extremely fast dynamic response and finely-textured, natural detail with subtle ambience, not a false "staccato-like" sense of detail like cork and some other materials tend to provide. With a truer rotation of the vinyl, you get a more faithful rendering of the music and atmosphere of the originally recorded event.
If unsure which mat to choose, you'll virtually always do well with a Way Excellent II Turntable Mat that's closest in thickness and diameter to your turntable's stock platter mat.
*A note on thickness:
The open-cell silicone foam used with Way Excellent II Turntable Mats is very efficient and does not necessarily need to be as thick as stock rubber mats to effectively isolate a record from the platter and do a better job at it. Any thickness above 4mm simply adds thickness and height, with no real increase in isolation capacity. Usually, the only reason you would need a mat thicker than 4mm is if you cannot adjust VTA/tonearm height to accommodate. With platters not prone to ringing or excessive rumble, a thinner mat is usually sufficient.
Custom center hole:
All Way Excellent Turntable Mats are available with custom center hole for only $1.50 extra, any size up to two inches diameter, or 4.25" (108mm) "donut" hole. If you would like a custom center hole, simply order whichever Way Excellent Turntable Mat you want, and specify in the "comments" section of the order form the desired center hole diameter, in either inches or millimeters.
Standard Way Excellent II spindle hole is 7.25mm (.2854") and accomodates all standard LP spindles (which vary only slightly, from .278" to .285"). Standard singles "45 RPM" adapter requirement is 1-1/2".
Way Excellent II-2mm:
Recommended upgrade for most turntables with thin felt mat. (For turntables without VTA adjustment, choose whichever mat is closest in thickness to your present mat.) Ideal for Linn, AR, Audio Note, Oracle, and other suspended-platter turntables. Great upgrade/replacement mat for Pro-Ject; Music Hall MMF–series; Rega Planar–series (except P9); Nottingham Horizon, Horizon SE, Spacedeck. Overall mat thickness: 2mm; weight: 60 grams (2.1 oz.).
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables with stock felt mat.
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Fits Pro-Ject Debut Carbon.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter. For Pro-Ject turntables with 280mm platter and other turntables requiring an undersize 11" mat (for Pro-Ject models having a 300mm platter, a full-size 295mm-diameter mat is appropriate).
Way Excellent II-2.4mm:
Recommended for turntables with medium thickness felt mat. Popular choice for ceramic-platter Rega P7 (click for photo). Overall thickness: 2.4mm; weight: 65 grams (2.3 oz.).
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 292mm (11.5") diameter.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-3mm:
Recommended for turntables with thick felt mat or thin rubber mat about 1/8" thick. Most popular upgrade choice for Thorens, Orbit, VPI Scout 1.1, and VPI Traveler (for Scout 1.1 and Traveler II* platter with raised center hub, choose 4.25" donut hole option from the Shopping Cart drop-down menu). Overall thickness: 3mm; weight: 70 grams (2.5 oz.).
*Note on VPI Traveler II: when VPI Traveler version 2 first came out the platter had a raised center hub, while more recent version 2 Travelers have a flat platter. The 4.25" donut hole option is only needed if your Traveler II has the raised center hub, otherwise the standard center hole is fine.
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Perfect for Gyrodec MkIII and other tables needing an 11.5" mat.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter. Garrard Zero100.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-3.4mm:
Upgrade replacement for Oracle mats and for any turntable requiring a medium-thickness platter mat. Overall thickness: 3.35mm; weight: 82 grams (2.89 oz.).
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 290mm (11.42") diameter. For Oracle Delphi tables having a recessed platter a little under 11.5" from inner lip to lip, and other turntables using an 11-7/16" diameter mat.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-3.7mm:
For turntables with mat about 5/32" thick. Overall thickness: 3.7mm; weight: 99 grams (3.5 oz.).
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-4mm:
For turntables with mat 4mm thick* and for VTA-adjustable turntables with semi-hollow cast platters prone to ringing. For belt-drive turntables, 4mm thickness provides sufficient isolation to effectively reduce or eliminate motor-induced 50Hz - 60Hz hum.
Popular choice for Empire, Technics, Garrard, Dual, Denon, Harman/Kardon, Kenwood, JVC, Lenco, Pioneer, and Well Tempered turntables. (For turntables without VTA/tonearm height adjustment, use whichever Way Excellent II is closest in thickness to your present mat.) Overall thickness: 4mm; weight: 108 grams (3.8 oz.)
Size options:
- 295mm (11.6") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. For tables using an 11.5" mat like Technics SP10, SL-1300, and bevelled-platter Garrard turntables.Great for Luxman PD–series turntables.
- 290mm (11.42") diameter. Fits Technics SP-15 and SP-25.
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285mm (11.22") diameter. For platters with a raised outer ridge like AT LP-120, AT-LP140XP, **Technics SL-1200 series, SL-1500-series and other turntables using a thick 11.25" or 285mm mat.
**Some Technics SL-1200 series turntables may require a 290mm-diameter mat. Measure the diameter of the platter within the raised outer ridge to determine correct mat diameter. - 280mm (11") diameter. Pioneer PL-100, PL-200, PL-300, PL-400.
Way Excellent II-4.5mm:
With dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat about 3/16" thick*
Overall thickness: 4.5mm; weight: 113 grams (4 oz.)
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter. Ideal for most Pioneer PL-series turntables that do not have VTA adjustment (PL-12D, PL-15D, PL-512, PL-514, PL-516, PL-518, and others).
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-5mm:
With dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat 5mm thick*
Overall thickness: 5mm; weight: 120 grams (4.2 oz.)
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter. Audio Technica AT-LP5.
Way Excellent II-5.3mm:
With dual-layer foam base.
Overall thickness: 5.3mm; weight: 125 grams (4.4 oz.)
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-5.56mm:
With dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat 7/32" thick*
Overall thickness: 5.56mm; weight: 136 grams (4.8 oz.)
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-6mm:
With extra thick dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat just a little under 1/4" thick* Overall thickness: 6mm; weight: 153 grams (5.4 oz.).
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-6.35mm:
With extra thick dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat 1/4" thick*
Overall thickness: 6.35mm; weight: 160 grams (5.6 oz.).
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-6.9mm:
With extra thick dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat just over 1/4" thick* Overall thickness: 6.9mm; weight: 182 grams (6.4 oz.).
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
Way Excellent II-7.2mm:
With extra thick dual-layer foam base, for turntables with mat about 9/32" thick* Overall thickness: 7.2mm; weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz.).
Size options:
- 292mm (11.5") diameter. Full-size mat for most turntables.
- 285mm (11.22") diameter.
- 280mm (11") diameter.
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesBest mat I’ve had on my turntable.
United StatesI'm surprised
I'm surprised how good this is. I was suspect, but in dealing with static on the turntable, I was ready to try anything. This works significantly and reduced my static greatly. I'll be buying one for my son soon.
CanadaI am Impressed
You know we are constantly being told how great this or that is on line and it really is hit or miss wether the great thing is all that. Well, Herbie's Way Excellent II turntable mat is everything Herbie says it is. I ordered one after reading multiple unsolicited recommendations on various turntable chat sites. I was looking for something to replace the tired old original mat on my SP-15. I ordered one of those Acrylic mats everyone is raving about right now, from another site, but I didn't realize the SP-15's platter is smaller than most, so it didn't fit. That went back. So I had a look on Herbie's site, they knew exactly what I needed for the SP-15. It got to my door super fast and when I played the first record there was a definite difference from the old rubber mat. It wasn't a huge difference but it wasn't suttle either, it was like something was removed from in front of the speakers, slightly opening up the overall sound. It makes the records just a little clearer, but still retains all the things I love about this turntable. If you're looking at replacing your old mat I really think you should give one of these a try.
United Stateshighest quality mat I own, I plan to buy another for second turntable
my turntable sounds really good but does not have vta for tonearm. For a long time I used a thin flat record as a turntable mat in order to get the correct vta with a taller cartridge. This worked well but I was curious. I was curious enough to spend more than I would normally consider to just hear a herbie way excellent II mat. For me, totally worth the asking price. An upgrade, particularly in bass. I was not missing bass before but more is better.
United StatesImpressive selection, guidance, effectiveness and craftsmanship
From 50 years experience of listening to, repairing, and setting up turntables, I've found HAL mats to be the best in all regards. Brilliantly made, precisely fitted, effective, well-packaged and promptly shipped, offering some variations that are very handy in optimizing TT performance.
United StatesImpossible to reach??!!
I have not had a chance to try the new platter mat but wanted to comment on the terrible (non existent) ability to reach a person at the company. I had questions before I bought. I called several times, left voicemails and tried email….nothing! I was concerned if the company was even still alive and if I should order!? I did and it arrived….so at least that is good! With luck the product is good and right for my application. I selected yes for “Do you recommend this product” because I had to select yes or no. Selecting no would be unfair having not tried it yet, basing it on the non existent customer service.
CanadaGreat quality product
United StatesTurntable Mat and Sliders
I recently made my second purchase from Herbie’s. Way Excellent Turntable Mat and it is way excellent. Previously purchased the glides for speaker spikes and they are a floor saver- made positionjng my heavy speakers a breeze. Both orders were promptly addressed and shipped. Will continue to purchase accessories from Herbie’s
United StatesGreat Mat, Great Service
Works well. Replaced stock technics rubber Matt. No slip. Good platter fit
SpainExcellent mat
I got this for my turntable and I can say only good this about it. Compared to the rubber mat this made the bass frequencies more clear and tight without losing any punch. Nice mids and highs with no surface noise make this hard to beat.
United KingdomWay Excellent II Mat. Excellence, in a mat.
Has seriously improved my turntable’s performance, which is based on a Technics SL 1200 dd, with modified plinth, power supply and 12 inch tonearm. Hadn’t realised until it arrived and was unpacked that the mat is floppy, rubbery and rather dense. Previously been using something called an Achromat, made out of less forgiving materials, which came with the TT, a Monarch junior from UK based Inspire HiFi. What this means is that the WE mat sits really well on the platter, has enough friction for LPs to stay put, and when weighted seems to flatten any vinyl that has become warped. Extends frequency range, deadens rumble, stylus tracks better, music has more poise, yet a bit more heft too. Great mat, and just like every other product I’ve bought from HAL, works really well. Buy with confidence. Now want the SS record stabilizer, but it seems to have been out of stock for ever.
United StatesWay Excellent Mat II
Turntable mats always change the sound of the vinyl playback system. This fact makes it difficult to judge whether the change is good or not. The same can be said of cables, tubes, etc. I listen primarily to orchestral music and I’m hearing more of the concert hall ambience (in recordings made in large halls) that I don’t hear with other mats. I suspect this is because the W.E.II TT Mat is allowing the stylus to retrieve the micro details in the groove that are smeared with other mats. I have tried several mats: cork, rubber, leather, felt, Funk Achromat, and Herbie’s is my favorite. Don’t hesitate to try one.
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