Music Hall MMF-5.1 or Project RM-5SE


Should I spend an additional $200 (plus shipping) to upgrade the MMF-5.1 that I just received to a Pro-Ject RM-5SE, or should I save my money for a year or two to get a significantly better turntable?

I've recently gotten into vinyl - dusted off an old Pioneer direct drive. I'm enjoying it, so I just got a Music Hall MMF-5.1. It's definitely an upgrade over the Pioneer / Grado Black, but I'm not super impressed with it for the price, even with the good price that I paid. It makes a motor noise that is audible when the room is quiet. The Pro-Ject upgrades the tonearm from aluminum to carbon fiber, the platter, and has a different cartridge (Sumiko Blue Point 2 vs. the Goldring on the Music Hall). My concern is that the RM-5SE will have the same motor as the MMF-5.1, which is made in the Pro-Ject factory using mostly Pro-Ject parts. Should I be bothered by that?

Any comments will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Vic
vinyl_33

Showing 1 response by tojohndillonesq

On my MMF 5.1 the motor can be heard in a silent room, from within maybe three to five feet. It should be noted that this is not noise on the RCA outs, but mechanical; zero impact on the amplified signal. I defy anyone to hear it with music playing at even the lowest (listenable) level. I often ask folks with good ears, sitting in "the chair" ~12 feet away, if they can hear it. The answer is no, every time. Even from the best ears, young and old. So yes, a bit disconcerting, but realistically not an issue.

I prefer the MMF 5.1 to anything else I have heard under $750 used. Rega, Pro-Ject, vintage Thorens, vintage Denon, etc. Not being a dealer I have not been exposed to everything, and I certainly know that "absence of evidence is not evidence of absence," so I understand there may be better stuff.

It came with the Goldring 1022 cart with the 1042 stylus (bought on Audiogon for $600 with free shipping; thank you Derik Sedik!) What I find is that it is fabulous with intimate music, like a string quartet or jazz trio (Errol Garner's Concert by the Sea, Fogelberg's Souvenirs), but can be overwhelmed with big sounds like a full orchestra (Haitink's Shostakovic disappoints).

I have been advised by a number of shops - both face to face and via e-mail - that going from MM to MC will make a huge difference in the ability to resolve complex passages, so that is where I am headed.

QUESTION: Anyone have experience with the Denon 103R cart and this table? The Denon has a fairly low Compliance rating and I am wondering if it is good with the MMF 5.1?