$64.99
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, such as the SL-1200G, require a 290mm-diameter mat. Measure the diameter of the platter within the raised outer ridge, if present, 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 StatesA++
Happy with purchase if mat. Seamless transaction and arrived fast and with clear, detailed directions. I had measured my platter by a fraction and Herbie was quick to respond with a detailed and assuring message. High recommend!
United StatesTurntable mat
I really like the new Herbies way excellent 3 turntable mat. The lack of static is amazing. Quick shipping too!! Thank you!
United StatesWonderful Product
I purchased a 4mm Way Excellent primarily because my new cart was shorter than the VTA adjustment would allow on the SL1210GR. The product seems very well made and isn’t bad to look at either. Does my rig sound better? I really don’t know. Still breaking in the cart. But either way it’s doing exactly what I had hoped for. Thank you!
United StatesTurntable Mat works wonderfully
Love the looks, and the improved sound from my new mat.
United StatesHerbie’s Is The Best!
I have tried many record mats, but believe the the unpretentious Herbie’s Audio Lab is the most competent and flexible manufacturer of all! The fact that the mats are available in different thicknesses is a great bonus, too.
United StatesWay excellent turntable mat
Great Very pleased
United StatesSo far this product is very nice. First day and my lps are loving their new mat. From 114gm. to 180gm., everybody seems quite happy. Here’s to tomorrow!
United StatesWay x 2
My “4mm” mat was really only aboot 3.6/3.7 mm. That changed VTA
United KingdomWay Excellent II in the whest audio studios London UK
Hi all. Just wanted to share a few words with you about the 2 x Way Excellent II mats we purchased back in Feb. We have been using them on our Technics SL-1200G/ Audio Technica ART20 combination as well as our in-house designed turntable with a 10" Alphason HR-200S tonearm with Ortofon MC Anna. The turntables are in constant use. We recently became aware of you guys through a client on Instagram. The playback resolution has really elevated using your mats. To be honest, I bought them mainly because I liked the design/ look, but I was bowled over when I...read more
United StatesWay Excellent
It is exactly that! Herbie responded directly to me with the item he recommended for my Technics SL-J2. No tone arm adjustment needed. It took a few tries to get it centered correctly to avoid wavering as the turntable has a 45 rpm adapter as the register and not a simple spindle hole. So happy to have my turntable back! Highly recommend! Thanks Herbie!
United StatesWorks great!
Fits well, made well. Less static and seems to help reduce overall noise. A worthwhile purchase!
United StatesWorks great!
Once you get it placed correctly it just stays put. It works in conjunction with my spindle weight to nicely marry my vinyl to the platter to tighten up the bass increase stability. I suggest listening to Herbie and saving the paper mat to cover the Way Excellent mat when not in use to keep it dust and lint free.
