As a general rule, the MDF platter is considered an entry-level product for the modern turntable. If you want to upgrade your listening experience, an investment in an acrylic alternative would be your first choice.
Some people like to have both options available. MDF platters tend to work well for older vinyl records. If you have a collection of modern records that you want to listen to each day, acrylic will improve that experience.
When you need to choose a turntable platter, MDF and acrylic both work well.
If cost is part of the purchasing decision, you can always start with a basic MDF platter and upgrade to acrylic later.
Choosing a Turntable Platter: MDF or Acrylic
The turntable platter is the spinning surface that supports a vinyl record as it places. It’s a critical component of the listening experience because it protects the album’s layers while keeping it stable for the stylus. Today’s equipment typically comes with platters made from MDF or acrylic materials.
MDF stands for “medium density fiberboard.” It’s a wood composite made by binding wood fibers through pressure and heat to create a solid surface. The result is something similar to plywood when the materials are completed correctly.
Acrylic platters are made from transparent plastic. The raw materials are often known by their brand names, which can make finding the perfect turntable for your needs a bit confusing. If the product doesn’t say it’s made from MDF, it’s probably made from this material.
You can find acrylic platters, sometimes called PMMA, in turntable marketing materials.
What is unique about acrylic platters is the coloration that can happen with this material. Since it’s easily machined and thermoformed, it is transparent, light, and shatter-resistant. Manufacturers can add colors, marbling, and other modifiers to create unique looks.
Most platters are 5/8-inch thick, although some turntables use different sizes. You want that thickness to ensure there is enough stability and speed when playing vinyl records.
Since MDF and acrylic are two very different materials, you’ll notice that the turntable platter makes your music sound different.
What Does MDF vs. Acrylic Mean for My Ears?
The acoustic differences between MDF vs. acrylic platters are subtle when used on the same turntable, but they’re still noticeable.
Before you consider those differences, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality cartridge for your turntable. That element determines the overall listening experience more than the platter materials.
If you must upgrade something on your turntable, the cartridge should be first. You can swap out the platter later.
| Qualities of an MDF Turntable Platter | Qualities of an Acrylic Turntable Platter |
| MDF platters tend to offer more durability. Since the wood can be more than a full pound lighter than plastic at this density, the turntable does less work per revolution. | Acrylic turntable platters tend to offer more speed consistency. Since the product has additional mass, you’ll get more inertia. The average wow/flutter rating is 0.05% less. |
| Since the wood has less density, you’ll receive more of an open sound when playing records, closer to what the original intention could be for some artists. | The higher density levels with acrylic materials reduce the number of unwanted vibrations within the composition. |
| Fewer sounds get trapped by the material, adding more brightness and volume to the album. | More energy gets trapped in the material to create clarity and detail that isn’t always found in MDF platters. |
| You can achieve the same vibrational dampening features as acrylic with MDF by adding a platter mat to the product’s surface. | You don’t need to use a mat when playing records with an acrylic platter, reducing the risk of static electricity development. |
All platters go through the same quality control processes before they’re shipped to stores and consumers.
That includes the frequency deviation measurements, wow and flutter determinations, and other qualitative metrics.
Some manufacturers even use digital microscopes to ensure there is no platter wobble happening on the turntable.
Are Turntable Platters Universal across All Brands?
If your turntable’s performance has been decreasing in recent days, the first step to take is to replace the cartridge.
When that effort doesn’t improve the sound, it might be time to upgrade or replace your platter. You’ll find several options available today, including glass.
Some platters have a universal fitting. You’ll need to check the product’s description to see if it can work with your turntable.
■ Are Acrylic Turntable Platters Worth It?
If you need a basic platter for your turntable, MDF is the best option. It’ll play your records, let you sing along, or enjoy a listening experience similar to hearing a song on the radio.
When you’re ready for an upgraded experience, an acrylic platter could be the correct answer.
Although this product costs more than MDF, it’s typically cheaper than glass platters or those made with specialized materials.
Before you purchase the acrylic turntable platter, it helps to research the product’s manufacturer. Although this plastic is reasonably easy to create, the top companies in the United States provide more consistency than imported products.
| Supplier: | Location: | Activity: | Founding Year: | Total Sales: |
| Alro Plastics | Jackson, MS | Distributor | 1987 | Over $250m |
| Altuglas International | King of Prussia, PA | Manufacturer | 1989 | Over $250m |
| Ensinger | Washington, PA | Manufactuer | 1986 | Over $250m |
| Lucite International | Cordova, TN | Manufacturer | 1947 | Over $250m |
| Plaskolite | Columbus, OH | Manufacturer | 1986 | Over $250m |
| Regal Plastic Supply | Kansas City, MO | Distributor | 1954 | Over $250m |
| Acrilex | Jersey City, NJ | Distributor + Manufacturer | 1972 | Over $50m |
| Aristech Surfaces | Florence, KY | Manufacturer | 1997 | Over $50m |
| E&T Plastics | Long Island City, NY | Distributor | 1946 | Over $50m |
| Architectural Plastics | Petaluma, CA | Manufacturer | 1977 | Over $10m |
The only problem with sourcing an acrylic platter from one of these raw material manufacturers is the cost.
American-made plastics are often more expensive than what comes into the country from overseas.
What Is the Best Material for a Turntable Mat?
Turntable mats help MDF platters provide the same sound qualities as an acrylic option without paying as much for the upgrade. Most products in this category are universal, offering several material options to consider for protecting records from scratching and scuffs.
The problem with a standard felt mat on an MDF platter is that it can collect lots of lint and dust. It could need a thorough cleaning in less than a week, depending on your home’s environment.
Some mat materials increase the risk of static affecting your vinyl records.
The issue with dust and records involves how the album clings to the mat. It’s like closing a laptop with a rock between the screen and the keyboard. You’ll eventually damage the side of the record that sits on the mat.
That’s why it helps to compare the different materials to see what turntable mat is suitable for your listening needs.
| MAT MATERIAL: | ADVANTAGES: | DISADVANTAGES: |
| Felt Slip Mats | • It delivers a soft surface for the record without creating unnecessary friction. | • The material attracts static and dust. • There can also be more stylus vibration and less dampening. |
| Cork Mats: | • Turntables receive more static and resonance control with this material while offering a solid surface. • It also creates an attractive aesthetic. | • There is less stylus vibration control with this option than any other mat option. • Some listeners don’t like the changes to the audio quality that happens with this material. |
| Leather Mats: | • This material offers a smooth surface and above-average static control. • It comes in different color options to create a unique visual environment. | • Limited resonance control is available when selecting this option. • The stylus vibration is only fractionally better with this choice compared to cork. |
| Rubber Mats: | • High-quality mats isolate the album from any vibrational interference. • The sounds coming from the vinyl tend to be deeper and warmer while maintaining a safe grip. | • Some records experience too much isolation, creating an unwelcoming listening experience. • Low-quality mats can increase the levels of audible static when the recordings play. |
| SDS Mats: | • Sound Dampened Steel uses an aluminum bonding with polymers to dampen the excessive vibrations. • You’ll receive excellent sound, static control, and resonance accuracy. | • Metal platters have numerous resonance problems that create listening issues. • Adhesive pads are often needed to prevent the record from slipping. Some units produce heat when playing. |
Best Turntable to Use for Vinyl Records
When you have a record collection that deserves to be played, you’ll need a turntable that can handle your best albums.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT is the turntable I trust when I’m settling in for a long listening session. It features a manual operation with selectable RPM speeds and a direct-drive motor to prevent skating.
It uses a universal half-inch mount headshell and a dual magnet cartridge with an elliptical stylus for a consistent playback performance.
The felt mat needs a replacement after a couple of months. If you don’t want to mess with swapping it out, a thin rubber platter can go on top without interfering with how the turntable plays.
Audio Technica uses an aluminum platter underneath the mat with a stroboscopic design, so it needs a little support to deliver the results you want.
You’ll get a USB cable, detachable RCA, an AC adapter, a 45 RPM adapter, and a counterweight. The design offers a hinged cover that you can remove if you don’t like the look.
Although nothing can fix overplayed vinyl, you’ll find the sound quality from this turntable is excellent. It consistently exceeds my expectations, and I think it can do the same for you.
A Final Thought on Choosing a Turntable Platter
I feel that acrylic is the best option for most turntable platters. Since the material is similar to the records, you’ll create a natural cancelation feature for unwanted frequencies.
The catch here involves whether you’re getting more resonance than what you want. If your current platter doesn’t have problems in this area, it might be better to use MDF, cork, or rubber for your turntable.
When you have trouble with record slippage, I’d switch to a rubber mat instead of using an adhesive product. It’ll reduce the damage risks to your favorite albums.
There isn’t a definitive answer here. What matters more is what you enjoy when listening to your records.
Each platter type (including mat additions) create specific audio outcomes. Choose the one you like the most that works with your turntable to create a home system that you’ll love to use each day.