MMF-5

rjd · « **on:** 10 Jan 2003, 11:11 pm »

I'm looking for a new TT no more than $700. It looks like it's down to the MMF-5 and the Rega P2. I would really like to use a high output moving coil cartridge but they both come with the Goldring. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

Rocket · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 01:11 am »

hello,

why don't you have a look at audiogon and do a search for a user by the name of "underwoodwally" (his actual name is walter leiderman one of the directors of perpetual technologies and the graham company).

he is a near new music hall mmf7 with the goldring eroica cartridge (i'm not sure if this is mm or mc tho) he is selling it for $790 us and i think that this would be an excellent buy. i had the rega 2 and i had problems with feedback when i turned the volume up, i would go with the rega 3 instead if i was you.

anyway good luck

regards

rod

duff138 · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 03:05 am »

I pulled this from H.D. vinyl forum

I have been shipping new P3 for US$500 plus shipping. No cartridge though. e-mail to me at paullam@sk.sympatico.ca if you are interested.

_________________
Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc.

I would go with this over the Music Hall 5. I believe when I emailed him he said it was $25 shipping, so that would leave you with $175 for a cartridge if you want to stay in the $700 price range.

Mathew_M · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 04:00 am »

I own the MMF5 and it's ok. Unless you can find one for less than 400 I would look at the Rega. I've never heard the Rega but IMO the MMF 5 can be a bit flaky on setup. The included cartridge rides too close and isn't the best tracker. Also the arm is not upgradeble.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Jan 2003, 02:37 am »

Quote from: Rocket

hello,

he is a near new music hall mmf7 with the goldring eroica cartridge (i'm not sure if this is mm or mc tho)

The EroicaH found on the MMF-7 is a high output MC cartridge that would be compatible with most MM phono pre's. An excellent table for the price. New or Used.
I have personally found the MMF-5 to be a good table for the price also but as mentioned, not upgradable easily. A very good entry table non-the-less.

rjd · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 12:44 am »

Thanks all. I will be checking out the MMF-7 this weekend. This might be what I'm looking for.

Rocket · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Jan 2003, 01:21 am »

hello,

good luck with your audition. if you like the mmf 7 try underwoodwally who posts thru audiogon (ps i have no affiliation with him), i bought my perpetual technologies dac thru him and i live a very long way from the us.

he was very helpful. i may buy the mmf as the au dollar is getting stronger it is now 58c to us dollar.

anyway good luck.

regards

rod

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Jan 2003, 05:18 am »

Quote from: rjd

I'm looking for a new TT no more than $700. It looks like it's down to the MMF-5 and the Rega P2. I would really like to use a high output moving coil cartridge but they both come with the Goldring. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

I say it over and over--in this price class the modified Technic SL-1200MKII is the undisputed clear winner. Go drive down I-90 and take the Arlington Heights Rd exit. There's a Gutar Center there--that's where I got my 1200 ($450).

Then go to www.kabusa.com and get the 1200 tonearm fluid damper ($150). I have two cartidges at this time: an Ortofon X5 MC (2.5 mV) and a Beta release of KABUSA's modded Stanton Groovemaster II (MM). The Ortofon is excellent and if you want to risk the grey market thing I got mine from Juki the Hong Kong pirate...$110.

There's quite a few posts in Audiogon and HD on modding 1200's. Also, there's a review of the fluid damper in Audiogon (accessories). Outstandig device, I'd say.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 03:03 pm »

< Then go to www.kabusa.com and get the 1200 tonearm fluid damper ($150). I have two cartidges at this time: an Ortofon X5 MC (2.5 mV) and a Beta release of KABUSA's modded Stanton Groovemaster II (MM). The Ortofon is excellent and if you want to risk the grey market thing I got mine from Juki the Hong Kong pirate...$110>>
=======
Wow, PsychicAnimal, I must have my head up my )(, but I don't remember you or anyone else mentioning this - what a very cool option.

I know one of the many things that fail to reach digital heights is speed accuracy in most belt drive TT's. From Walker to VPI, there are companies willing to offer multi-mega$ cures for this. But, direct drive seems to negate this expensive option. Of course, there are alwsy trade offs elsewhere.

I had an (original) Townsend Rock with outboard trough, silicone fluid and paddle combined with a dense and heavy plinth and good arm (Helius). Even with cheapo Grado cartridges, it was unlike any TT I've heard now or since (from memory). It was solid, striking and involving...and tracked like a bugger.

Seems to me that Panasonic's (Technics) deep R&D pockets help us again as a good starting point, and $150.00 more for the damping trough is money well spent. A large wad under $1000.00 would buy a good TT with the upgrades and a nice record cleaner and you're in vinyl heaven.

Ever consider toearm wrap? Is the Technics regular or PMount?

May just try this - KAB's website very cool. Thanks for the tips.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Jan 2003, 04:42 pm »

Zaikesman uses the tonearm wrap and likes it, but I wouldn't do that to my TT. Too ugly. If some kind of foam could be applied to the inside of the tonearm in selected locations...

The 1200 is standard mount. The modded Groovemaster II is an integrated headshell cartridge. Getting rid of the headshell is a great idea!

doug s. · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 03:29 am »

if ya have to buy brand-new, take the psychic's adwice - the technics is the real deal. he's taken alot of shit from folk on ass-gon about this, but the 1200 is a great deck. another option is a used sota, oracle, well-tempered, basis, yust to name a few. keep yer eyes peeled, & get a really nice vintage deck for the same $$$...

doug s.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 04:30 am »

Yeah, that Technics 1200 is a hummer of an idea - dang!

The tonearm wrap is ugly (it's ugly on my black wand Thorens) it could only be uglier on the silver Technics arm.

This really seems like a great ticket for about $500.00. It's on my list of to-do's down the line now...

Thanks Psychic..I look forward to defending you in future next time someone takes a snobby audiophile swipe at you for mentioning 'direct drive' and Technics.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 04:47 am »

This afternoon I had a fellow A-goner visit me after reallizing we lived some 15 miles from each other. His system is just digital, with a Wadia transport, Dodson DAC, Cary pre & SET monoblocks plus Cain & Abbby speakers. After hearing my 1200 on steroids he asked me to set up an old Dual DD he's got stashed away...

We listened to wide program material, then Triumph on vinyl & CD. There was no contest--Vinyl rules.

Rocket · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 09:41 am »

hello,

i still don't think you can pass up the rega 3 or if you can go a little further the music hall mm7 range of turntables.

just mho.

regards

rod

ps you should audition for yourself and see what you like

doug s. · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 02:56 pm »

the 1200 will kill the rega 3 or the mmf7, sonically. so will any decent used $250 deck like a systemdek, later ar, cj walker, etc... *absolutely* audition, & see/hear for yourself!

doug s.

Rocket · « **Reply #15 on:** 24 Jan 2003, 01:16 am »

hello,

actually i have owned a rega 2, rega 3 and an acoustic research eb101 and the rega 3 and ar eb101 were on a par.

sorry can't comment on the technics haven't heard one.

regards

rod

ps does acoustic research still make turntables? i think the eb101 was made in england.

doug s. · « **Reply #16 on:** 24 Jan 2003, 02:41 am »

hmmm, i got my ol' cj walker from a guy that had "upgraded" to an eb101... the cj was nicer than a p3 i compared it to. but, mebbe it was cuz i upgraded the subchassis to corian, the armboard to delrin, & it had a sumiko premier ft3 arm? still, @ $200-$300, usually equipped w/decent arms, the ar's are good bargains.

acoustic research no longer makes turntables...

regards,

doug s.

Hoots · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Jul 2003, 06:01 pm »

I can't comment on the other TT's but I bought a 30-day old MMF-5 for $350 and am happy with the performance. The only issue is that the cart rides close to the record and warping around the lip of the lp can make the needle skip. I have some flimsy classical lps that have this issue but most of my lps play great.

For an upgrade I've been thinking about the VPI Scout, MMF-7, used LINN LP12, Rega 25, etc. Others?

doug s. · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 03:35 am »

hoots, of the ones ya listed, i'd only consider the vpi. for others, see my post a few lines up.

doug s.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Jul 2003, 11:31 am »

Quote from: Hoots

For an upgrade I've been thinking about the VPI Scout, MMF-7, used LINN LP12, Rega 25, etc. Others?

You might check out the Nottingham TT's if there are any dealers in your area. I have the Spacedeck but haven't compared it to the other tables you've mentioned.

A "local" dealer (Hollywood Sound in Fla.) carries both VPI & Nott' and often recommends the Nott's over VPI even though he has carried VPI much longer. Now that Nottingham has expanded its line to offer the entry level Horizon, it's more directly competitive with VPI.