In article bt-B24364.11280805062006@localhost,
bt wrote:

My H-K T-45 turntable has its original mat, which seems very stiff--I
have a hunch it would be brittle if I bent it.

Would it make a significant improvement of I replaced it? If so, which
(reasonably priced) mats do the job? This seems like one of those areas
that is vulnerable to faith-based "audio voodoo," but if I can really
improve the sound for $25, I'd like to know about it. Thanks in advance
for your replies.

If your mat is indeed brittle, it seems like it could be doing a poor
job in reducing vibration from the platter. What mat is best for your
set up depends on how the rest of the system deals with vibration, if I
would try several alternatives, were I you. With my systems, I've had
good results with sorbothane mats, like the Audioquest mat.