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I'm Stuck, MMF9 vs. MMF7 vs. Scout vs. Space deck

I realize yes the Scout and the Space deck will be the better piece's overall. Currently I am in the market for this range of turntable, however the real problems with the Nottingham and Vpi designs are "No" hinged dustcover... This is a must in my home, with animals running around etc... I realize there is a dustcover for these models but simply a pick it up and drop over style, I do not want this, it has to be attachable. Beyond this my only other option is to Wall mount a shelf and use my 3" thick Maple butcher block under the table to hopefully isolate it resonably about 5ft in the air, this is not an easy option at all, and really do not want to do this, and really do not like all the dust that will be continuosly on the table.

--So part 2 of the question, I am considering saveing a lot of hassel and cost, and going with a music hall 7 or 9 that have hinged dust covers.

--Question 2.5 of this is , are the increases the 9 over the 7 worth it? I have been reading many prefer the 7 still, but I also read the Arms are JUNK, on music hall tables.

--Question 3, I will really never go any cartridge higher than a Dynavector 10x, or possibly shelter 501, so are the music hall arms just completly a waste for running these types of cartridges, can they even sound good? Are the music halls arms really that bad in comparison to the Jwm or Spacearm?

I really do want a scout or nottingham, but also do not want the fortune invested not being in an easy position for use and saftey and do not want to put a cardboard box over it everytime its in Use and not in use.

Thanks I really appreciate the effort in helping toward a simple solution here, mainly if any glimer of hope exists for the music hall's then that may be the best end game for me.
matrix

Showing 5 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Wow! That's a great deal. I think if you stay with any medium mass and high compliance cartridge the Project will do fine. As far as the Dynavectors, a well regarded A'goner once recommended a 10x4 to me for my MMF-7. I believe that is a high output MC cartridge. I never got around to trying it but I bet it would work for you.

Speaking of cats. I just got rid of 3 of the 5 furries that have been living with me for the last year. Nothing nefarious, my son and his fiance closed on a house and moved out taking their beasties with them. Sure is quiet at night these days.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I'll second Jependleton on the MMF-7. I'm not convinced that the MMF-9 is worth the extra money. I had a MMF-7 for a year and a half before I moved up to my Basis 2500. The 7 is a very good performer, perhaps a bit dark and speed challenged but not out of line considering the price point. A used MMF-7 in good shape is a huge bargain. As for cartridges, I used a Shure V15VxMR (if you can still find one) and I would bet that a Benz Glider (~$800) would work very nicely on the Project arm.

You will want to remove the dust cover while playing. Very easy to slide on and off the hindges.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I love my cats. They are not allowed in my listening room. But I do have the luxury of a dedicated listening room. You have to make a decision, if possible, to exclude the precious feline from the room while vinyl is spinning.

That's my PC side. My normal side says boot the little fur ball's ass out! :)

Enjoy your new table! If you get around to upgrading the tonearm wiring, let me know. I have done this and might be able to save some aggrevation with a few tips. It does make for a very positive tweak as would some experiments with different points.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Hi Matrix,

I used Cardas clips and Litz wire. I even changed out the RCA connectors with Vampires. Probably about $50 total and a couple of hours on a Saturday. You do need to be able to solder but nothing special about that. But you're right, you don't need to do anything and probably should get familiar with it for a while. You'll need to get used to setting VTA which is a pain on the MMF 7 but not that bad. Also, be sure to check the VTF against a good scale like the Shure guage. The dial on the tonearm weight is not accurate to use by itself but is pretty good once you get the VTF in the ballpark.

Another thing I remember is that the MMF 7 like many tables liked to sit on a light weight but rigid table. Like a small end table. I used an old sewing machine cabinet. It sounded way better than the MDF audio stand I first placed it on. More dynamic and it helped focus the bass.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
It's ok to leave it where it is for now. Get used to the sound for a while by listening to many different records. Listen for any distortion that might be due tracking a particularly dynamic piece of music. Then if you think you want to improve the highs or lows you can change the VTA some and see what it sounds like. If you're careful and keep an eye on VTF you won't hurt anything.
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