Should I spend more than the MMF-7?

mgalusha · « **Reply #20 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 04:15 am »

Hoots,

There is something very wrong with your cartridge. If the tracking force isn't too high (and I believe you mentioned that you checked it), then it's very possible the suspension has failed in the stylus assembly.

I have an MMF-5 as well and it never acted like that. I have replaced the cartridge with a Grado but not because it was riding the disc. My stock cartridge has a 1-2 dB channel imbalance but the stylus assembly is just fine. I'd be willing to part with it for $20 if you would like it.

Back to your subject. I don't know how much better the MMF-7 motor, bearings and arm are than the MMF-5 but they are probably very similar. If you are going to upgrade, I would save some cash for a substantially better unit. I have a personal fondness for a Teres but there are plenty of good tables out there.

Mike

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #21 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 04:41 am »

It looks like something's wrong there--either defective cart or stylus, too much VTF or the wrong VTA (I'm not sure if VTA is adjustable on an MMF).

BTW, the 1000 series of Goldring is upgradable by swapping stylii--1012 can go up to 1042 without changing the body of the cart.
http://www.isolation-racks.com/goldring1000%20series.htm

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #22 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 10:59 am »

Quote from: Psychicanimal

See, that's exactly my point: too much ignorance out there combined with arrogance.

For a rational opinion of the 1200--
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/240888.html
Batman has posted his opinions on AC as well.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #23 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 01:06 pm »

Quote from: Beezer

And how did they sound over the phone?
...

Quote from: Beezer

No comparison - the Basis would whoop ass on that direct drive P.O.S. with whip cream and cherry on top. I haven't heard either... Beez

Hoots · « **Reply #24 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 03:53 pm »

bigger gap than a CD is thick?

JoshK · « **Reply #25 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 04:46 pm »

Hoots,

Definitely something wrong. I think they are right on what likely is the problem. I owned a MMF-5 and used both the 1012GX and the 1042D, neither rode like that, close but not nearly that close!

mgalusha · « **Reply #26 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 05:59 pm »

Hoots,

I know you mentioned checking the tracking force, what do you have it set at? Another question, when you set the force to zero how well does the arm balance? Does it move freely? Does it return to the balance point if you move it up or down. I'm asking because if the arm does not balance easily and move freely, it's possible the bearings are binding. Not likely but it's worth checking.

Do you have any type of stylus force gauge? If so, you might want to measure it. The indicated force on the arm is usually a little off but even so it shouldn't cause it to sit on the record like that.

Mike

Hoots · « **Reply #27 on:** 19 Sep 2003, 09:47 pm »

I think I am now about a CD width of a gap...photo looks worse. I'll check the balance...I simply got it to balance and the dialed the weight to 2.0.

Even with the arm suspended prior to playing the needle doesn't hang very low. Bummer. I really don't want to dump money into this table.

doug s. · « **Reply #28 on:** 22 Sep 2003, 01:08 pm »

imo, of course!

doug s.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #29 on:** 22 Sep 2003, 07:12 pm »

Well, that was an interesting gallery of TTs. Here's a very interesting and informative thread:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1058699691&read&3&4&

Remember, the record contains only half the music. The time axis depends on the TTs speed stability.

doug s. · « **Reply #30 on:** 22 Sep 2003, 08:12 pm »

hi francisco,

i thought ya may like those, especially this one!

that a-gon thread *is* interesting. i had a chance to buy one of those self-centering nak decks a while back for $800... i could kick myself now, that i dint do it, if only cuz of the profit i coulda made re-selling it!

anyway, i agree w/the speed stability issue 100%. which is why i got a great improvement adding an o-l dc motor kit to my oracle, & why i later got a similar improvement when i upgraded the power supply to a mondo (retail $1200) lab-grade harrison labs (now hewlett packard) dc power supply. (also, the latest oracles, w/their improved teflon platter bearings, are supposedly a big improvement w/the speed stability thing, over an awreddy good situation. i have no reference point here, as i got my oracle w/the bearing upgrade awreddy installed.)

i predict you will enjoy yer technic's power supply upgrade *immensely*...

ymmv,

doug s.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #31 on:** 23 Sep 2003, 03:45 pm »

Quote from: doug s.

that a-gon thread *is* interesting.

anyway, i agree w/the speed stability issue 100%. which is why i got a great improvement adding an o-l dc motor kit to my oracle, & why i later got a similar improvement when i upgraded the power supply to a mondo (retail $1200) lab-grade harrison labs (now hewlett packard) dc power supply. (also, the latest oracles, w/their improved teflon platter bearings, are supposedly a big improvement w/the speed stability thing, over an awreddy good situation. i have no reference point here, as i got my oracle w/the bearing upgrade awreddy installed.)

i predict you will enjoy yer technic's power supply upgrade *immensely*...

ymmv,

doug s.

Yes, that thread sheds light on a subject that a lot of people discount. The same people that bash the 1200 are for TTs that use flimsy AC synchronous motors and corresponding utility provided AC for speed regulation--fools.

Zaikesman sent me two long and detailed e-mails on the 1200's power supply. Kevin installed a switch so that he can A/B the inboard and outboard power supplies. He wrote me that the power supply upgrade is more significant than the tonearm fluid damper!