Advice on a turntable for a clean midlevel system


Any opinions on a turntable to fit my system; a work in progress? My consideration:
I have 2 in college, so i need to be cost effective. Thus, I am not in the $10,000 plus spectrum.
My Likes: a system that has lots of detail with sweetness in the midrange (the better to hear Coltrane's tenor and Madeleene Peyroux's vocals) , some sound-stage, I like everything from folk, jazz, classical and rock.
Current system: Panasonic techniques turntable from 1975 with Grado Gold cartride (this I want to give to one of my sons), California Audio Lab DX 1 NAD Integrated amp- plan is to upgrade to a Creek (5350) or Bryston, Tetra M1200 speakers- they fit my listening space well.
rich_barrett

Showing 2 responses by sonicbeauty

Usually, most Music Hall turntables offer pretty good value. I own the mmf-7 (not the 7.1). It has things like an external, isolated motor, a nice acrylic platter, double-deck base, a nice cartrige that comes with it, ajustable VTA (something the Regas lack at this price point), a dustcover, and last but no least, stunning looks in high-gloss piano balck finish.

The 7.1 has the newer carbon fiber arm.
The previous 7 has the Project 9 series alu arm (this was found on $ 2,500 pro-ject tables). I doubt you will hear the difference.

You can even upgrade buy adding the pro-ject Speed Box II psu.


I sincerely think the mmf-7 is a no-brainer for not much money.

I think - given the situation - that the mmf7 is a better choice than any VPI turntable. Not because it isn't a great table IT IS.

But, read the initial post again....it needs to be COST EFFECTIVE.

Looking at the A'Gon ads today you can get a complete not-too-shabby music hall mmf7.1 (most recent model) turntable INCLUDING a GOLDRING - GL 2400 MM CARTRIDGE (still selling for $ 600.00 ). Price of the 'TT INCLUDING Cartrige? $ 780.00.

What kind of VPI equipment CAN you buy for this amount? Maybe a TONEARM only ?

Using the intended Creek integrated, the mmf turntable will be more than good enough and borderline overkill.

All you need, really, but again, no bragging rights. Still this table looks stunning for sure and is a fantastic value.

Spare parts? This thing has a pro-ject tonearm, Rega platter, and project motor.