BobNY

I came across this in a review of the Marantz TT15. I thought it may be of interest since the topic of mat vs. no mat was discussed earlier, "The preceding paragraphs describe what I heard using the turntable sans mat. I’ve never been a big fan of felt mats, especially is areas prone to static. However, being thorough in this review demanded that I at least try the included mat. By placing the stylus on a still record and tapping various parts of the plinth and the stand’s top plate, I was able to determine (or otherwise) the efficacy of the mat. After repeating this experiment several times, I can confidently state that the mat does have a positive effect on damping the sound of tapping. Score one for the mat, but what about actually playing a record? Using the mat necessitates raising the arm (using the supplied shim), to compensate in the change of VTA due to the mat’s thickness. It is therefore possible that I had set up the arm very slightly differently, but I did notice a small, but worthwhile improvement when using the mat. Most notably, backgrounds were a bit blacker (i.e., the surface noise is less pronounced), and a subtle sheen or haze that was previously present was now absent (or at least much reduced). Verdict The Marantz TT-15S1 is closely related to the Clearaudio Emotion, so one can easily argue that it comes from a somewhat distinguished pedigree. Fortunately for potential purchasers, with sound quality that is pretty good overall (especially when the mat is used) and build quality that is also good, the TT-15S1 lives up to its pedigree. If looks and decor are important to you, the TT-15S1’s striking white acrylic finish will be a refreshing change from the usual black. All things considered, if you’re looking for an integrated turntable at or around this price point, the Marantz TT-15S1 is well worth considering, and certainly worth an audition" I thought it was interesting that the reviewer thought the mat improved the sound.

Air dry. Only takes a few minutes. Any stray fluid evaporates quickly

Do you have anything other than your turntable hooked up to the receiver? CD player etc.... If not hook up the FM antenna and make sure that you also get no sound with that as well. Make sure you tune to a nice strong station. If you get no sound from other sources then its either the amp or speakers. To check your speakers disconnect the speaker wire from the receiver. Take a alkaline battery and hold the negative wire to the negative side of the battery. Then take the positive wire and tap the positive side of the battery with it. You should hear a little thump in the speaker when you touch the positive side. If that happens then your speakers are able to produce sound. That leaves the amp as the culprit. So first try other sources, then move on to test the speakers.

Feeling the same way. I'm listening to Pat Metheny on my TT15 at the moment and it sounds spectacular!

Tardcore's table rules! I'm with the others. Definitely get stands. Having the speakers a bit further apart will help as well. Also your speakers are a bit towed out. straighten them out and give a bit of inward toe and you will image better. With speakers so close you will have a pretty small sweet spot, but it will be there. Things will get a bit better once you have them further part on stands.

http://clearaudio.de/en/_archive/tonearms-satisfy.php If you wait on the page the picture switched between the different versions. This is the aluminum, just black instead of silver. I have set up clear audio tables with the Satisfy arm. This is the same. Only difference is the headshell on the marantz have the posts on it so it bolts to the arm in the proper location for the virtuoso. No need to align the cartridge. The others dont have that and you have to align yourself.

I Haven'd had any static problems using the mat. The felt mat on my old table was a nightmare. This one is much higher quality and seems to work well.

Yes, but the results can vary depending on ambient temperature.

Mine came out to 2.3 using their method. To be fair I had scale so I wasn't to concerned with the accuracy of my 4.2 turns of the weight. Just used it to get close to fine tune with the scale.

Hmm.. Come to think of it my entire system is European Engineering.. British amp, German turntable and Danish speakers. The Marantz is all set up and running. So far so good. Even though I have spent a good amount of time listening to this table recently it wasn't on my system in my room. Initial impression in my system is very good. So far it's everything I was hoping it would be as compared to my Rega / Blue Point Special. To sum up my initial impression, Great bass, top end has lots of detail without being in your face. A very pleasant warmth to its overall presentation.

Well...... Today I finally lost the battle. I took home a TT15 tonight.

ajxd, Looks great!!

The distance from the plinth to the bottom of the cue box on ours is 13/16". That is with the mat. Couldn't find my metric ruler

Yes, I will in a little while. Keep in mind this one has the mat installed, so the thickness of the mat will have to be taken into account.

^^^^ This is correct and exactly how it is on the one here. Here are some pictures for reference. Cue in raised position Cart above record in raised position . Lowered onto record to show VTA. There is no adjustment for the cue height.