Not sure what cartridge you're using on the mmf-7.1 but unless it's something better than a Dynavector 20XL, I disagree with Audiofeil. That said, IF you're fairly serious about listening to LPs and either already have hundreds of them and/or plan on purchasing hundreds (thousands?) of them I'd get a good RCM.
The fully manual systems work well but become irritatingly tedious after a while, at least it was for me. A manual RCM (basically a vacuuming machine) works very well but also becomes a bit tedious after a few hundred LPs. I have a manual RCM and I've resurrected some really dirty looking used LPs back to VG+ and nearly M- condition. But I wish now I'd spent the money for a good automatic RCM in the first place.
Like you, I'd eventually like to upgrade the turntable but I've been listening to the mmf-7 for three years now with a couple different LOMC cartridges and it sounds very good. I'm in no hurry to replace it.
Tom
The fully manual systems work well but become irritatingly tedious after a while, at least it was for me. A manual RCM (basically a vacuuming machine) works very well but also becomes a bit tedious after a few hundred LPs. I have a manual RCM and I've resurrected some really dirty looking used LPs back to VG+ and nearly M- condition. But I wish now I'd spent the money for a good automatic RCM in the first place.
Like you, I'd eventually like to upgrade the turntable but I've been listening to the mmf-7 for three years now with a couple different LOMC cartridges and it sounds very good. I'm in no hurry to replace it.
Tom