The MMF-5 has a Sonata moving magnet on it. I also have an MMF-7 with a Goldring Elite moving coil. I've been through a number of turntables and cartridges over the past 35 years and have never had hum that wasn't associated with a ground problem. Hum that is audible through the speakers is inherently caused by a ground problem. If you seem to be getting more hum as the tonearm gets closer to the motor, then the ground problem may well be in the motor or the power cord. If you can isolate the hum to the cartridge, then it is likely that there is a bad ground inside the cartridge or with the headshell leads. Good luck in finding the problem.
TT/cart that doesn't pick up motor hum
i am looking for recommendations on a budget ($500-$1000) TT/cart combo that does not pick up any EMI from the motor. My current setup is a music hall mmf-5 with goldring cartridge (stock). at normal listening levels it sounds fine, but turned up, especially in quiet passages, there is hum, which gets louder when the tonearm is closer to the motor. I have noticed this in other budget turntables/cartridges (rega p2/grado) as well so i know it is not a problem unique to mine. i am happy with the sound quality of the mmf-5 otherwise, but this hum makes it unusable given that i am using it to reference recordings in my home recording setup.
furthermore, i have tried using mumetal to shield the motor as best i can, but the hum persists. perhaps the motor needs to be completely covered which i am unable to do, hence i would like to find a turntable/cartridge that is better designed.
i don't know a lot about turntables, however, in order to not have this hum, i assume that (a) the turntable should be designed so that the motor is far away from the cartridge, and or (b) there should be magnetic shielding on the cartridge and/or motor. please correct me if i'm wrong.
I should mention i also have a technics 1200 with ortofon silver dj cartridge. i have always dismissed this TT as not being up to par, however i am curious to know if others feel this would be a good alternative; perhaps i sell the MMF-5 and use the money to upgrade my phono pre (rotel 970) or cartridge/stylus? any thoughts/suggestions are very welcome!
furthermore, i have tried using mumetal to shield the motor as best i can, but the hum persists. perhaps the motor needs to be completely covered which i am unable to do, hence i would like to find a turntable/cartridge that is better designed.
i don't know a lot about turntables, however, in order to not have this hum, i assume that (a) the turntable should be designed so that the motor is far away from the cartridge, and or (b) there should be magnetic shielding on the cartridge and/or motor. please correct me if i'm wrong.
I should mention i also have a technics 1200 with ortofon silver dj cartridge. i have always dismissed this TT as not being up to par, however i am curious to know if others feel this would be a good alternative; perhaps i sell the MMF-5 and use the money to upgrade my phono pre (rotel 970) or cartridge/stylus? any thoughts/suggestions are very welcome!
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