One of the best things about turntables for music and gear enthusiasts is the fact that turntables can be tweaked with aftermarket items like the new Andover Audio TrueGrain Cork Record Mat.

Unlike components such as CD players or music streamers, which offer very little upgrade or “tweak” flexibility, turntables can be tweaked with upgrades to their tone arms, phono cartridges, tone-arm cables, output cables and their mats. Andover Audio says that its new TrueGrain Cork Mat can be used with its turntables, as well as many other turntables from a range of manufacturers.

The Massachusetts-based company explains its new mat is precision-cut and finished to provide users with a smooth surface to protect records, and it dampens vibration, while reducing noise and minimizing static buildup.

According to Andover Audio, typical record mats use cork sawdust fillers or cork waste. The TrueGrain Cork Record Mat is said to use small cork granules that are made from 100% harvested cork from groves located in the central region of Portugal. Andover Audio says that cork is a natural material that reduces noise and vibration.

Andover Audio adds the TrueGrain Cork Record Mat measures 0.15-inches thick by 11.9-inches in diameter, and once it is installed, users can easily lift their records off their turntable platters to either flip to the other side or to play a new LP.

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