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What cartridge for MMF-7?

Recently acquired the Music Hall MMF-7 w/o a cartridge. I know it usually comes with the Eroica but am looking for other choices. Or if the Eroica, do I go for the high or low output. I was planning to get the Sumiko Phono Box to keep my costs low. I am very new to vinyl and would appreciate any and all input. Thanks.
stuartbranson
twl
3,251 posts
 
Your selection of phono stage will have alot to do with what cartridge you can use. You need to have the proper amount of gain for the cartridge. I think that if you are going to use a low cost phono stage, that you would be better with a good quality MM cartridge. Possibly the Goldring 1042. Another possibility would be the high output MC like the Eroica or a Dynavector 10x4. But remember the phono stage is an important part of the analog system, and should not be skimped on. Reduced performance of a phono stage will lower the performance of your whole analog rig.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
You must have been reading my mind, Stuart. I have been contemplating this same question and would be interested to see what suggestions get posted here. I currently have a mmf-7 with a shure v15vxmr that the previous owner had chosen. I believe it is about the same price as the Eroica. After tweaking the vta and tracking force I have been pretty happy with the sound stage and music details that this setup provides. I am getting the sounds I remembered vinyl being capable of. But, I know I'll get used to this and want to get more!
stuartbranson OP
183 posts
 
The problem is, is that my budget is really tight and even the TT is a stretch. I was hoping, in the substitution solution, to get a used cartridge for now. The same with going cheap on the phono stage. I am just overwhelmed by the sheer #'s of choices and the effects of output, weight, MC vs MM.
Twl: Is the recomendation of MM because of the output? (btw, nice system)
twl
3,251 posts
 
Stuart, thanks. Yes I recommended MM becuase of the output. With low output MC, there is more gain needed, and inexpensive phono stages aren't known for doing that very well.

Here's what I'd recommend. Go the inexpensive route on the phono stage and the cartridge, with the idea of upgrading both when you can. A rule that I generally go by is to never spend more on your cartridge than on your table. If the cartridge costs more than your table, you can get better sound by upgrading the table, than upgrading the cartridge. The Goldring MM cartridges are surprisingly good for the money. If you want a good low priced phono stage, take a look at the Gram Slee line. They have a good one that will do MM for low bucks, and it sounds good. Also you might check out the Hagerman Bugle for $125.
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