Rega P3 / Music Hall MMF 5 or 7 Turntable decision


I finally built a decent digital system that I have coveted for about the last ten years. After reading forums here and elsewhere on the Internet, I would like to get an analog front end. I do not currently have a large number of records (less that 30) and would like to keep my budget around $1000.00. I already have a phono preamp.

I have been leaning towards the Music Hall MMF 5 or 7. I am really tempted to buy the MMF 7. I love the new design!! I have also considered the Rega P3 or P2. For the Rega, I would like the newest model with the new design.

I am very green when it comes to analog and would love to get insights from those of you that have thoughts about the Rega P3 compared to the Music Hall MMF 7 or 5. I would also like to find out if I am overlooking any options. Is the MMF 5 comparable to the Rega P3 or is the MMF 7 a better comparison with the P3? I will most likely buy new since I am not finding a high number of these items here or at the other normal places on the Internet.

I have researched here and elsewhere extensively on Music Hall, Rega, Basis and others and could not find any detailed comparisons related to these brands. I also checked Audioasylum and Audioreview among others. I am looking for information like feature relevant to good sound, quality of design, sound quality and long term use potential. I really want to hear from people that have experiences with multiple brands or have done research on multiple brands.

Just as background, I know the background related to the Regas being durable and about their long history and strong reputation. I know that the Rega tonearms are very well respected. I also know that the Music Hall are made in the same plant as the Project turntables and the build quality might be suspect and that the Project tonearms are not as well respected as the Rega arms.

I listen to mostly jazz(Bill Evans, Jane Monheit, Dave Douglas, Charlie Mingus, Stan Getz, Nina Simone, Dianne Reeves, Groover Washington, Yellowjackets, Miles Davis, John Scofield, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitgerald, Dexter Gordan, Gil Evans, Kenny Barron, Don Byron, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hll, Michael Brecker, Keith Jarrett and Betty Carter). I do not know if this helps, but this is what my current system looks like:

Rega RCD 971 CD Player
Bel Canto 1.1 DAC
Rotel RQ-970BX Phone Preamp
Adcom GFP 750 Preamplifier
Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks
Magnepan 1.6 Q.Rs
Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables bi-wired
Acoustic Zen Matrix interconnects DAC to preamp
Acoustic Zen Matrix interconnects preamp to amps
Acoustic Zen MC2 Digital cable CD Player to DAC
Harmonic Technology Pro AC 11 Power cords for Monoblocks, preamp and DAC
resh2001
Resh2001-

On the subject of cartridges, if you are leaning toward the P3, their top model cartridge (the "Exact"-$500 or so) would work and it would have the added advantage of having the precisely right VTA and it's 3 hole mounting system makes alignment a no-brainer. Be careful of Grados on any Rega table as they tend to hum a little more.

For most "audiophile" tables, a moderately good medium-to-high output MC would probably be the way to go. (retail of $450 to $700 range.) At this level, matching the cartridge with the arm is not a big factor- most cartridges will work fine with most arms. But before you make a final decision, you may want to check back with other "Audiogoners" to get some feedback.

Most of the major cartridge models have had alot written about them and it comes down to the kind of sound you are trying to achieve. Some folks like a certain range of cartridge for classical and some who listen to another genre will swear by another set of cartridges. Like you, I listen to alot of jazz and acoustic music and enjoy a Benz LO.4 very much. (A high-output version is also made.) It's very quiet and picks up subleties that other cartridges seem to miss. It's not "zingy", so it does not accentuate the slight brightness of my Maggies. A lower price-point with similar qualities would be the Benz Glider.

After reading alot of what folks are saying about particular cartridges, you'll get a feel for what will work best for your application and taste. Determine your budget, but don't buy something on the low end of the budget soley to save a couple of bucks- swapping out cartridges can be expensive!

regards
Jim
The MMF-5 is great but it just got me hungry for better sound. The P3 is far superior, and I listen to the same music as you...

The nice thing about the P3 over the MMF-7 is that if you get the upgrade itch later on, the arm you already own (RB300) will compliment just about any turntable you buy.
If you are looking for a used table try the Rega 25...should be in your price range.
Agree with Jimbo. Get something like a Benz Ace or similar.

If you want a fast, responsive cartridge for the jazz drums, I've been hearing really good things about the Ortofon Kontrapunkt A, but it's a low output MC.

I trust the Needledoctor kids. They get to play around with lots of cartridges on different TTs. Guess which is the most popular TT among them...

Hint: It's direct drive...
I would really try to get a used Rega 25 too. It craps all over the P3, a table which, in my opinion, is a step down from your cd rig. I have not heard any Music Hall players.