@lewm Yes, I verified the platter with a magnet since this was pretty surprising to discover. For further reading there’s references in multiple forums to some Music Hall tables coming with ferrous platters and similar discoveries with MC carts. mounted on these.
Regarding this and tolerances, in the range of the mmf 2.3 (~500usd msrp), these would in all probability be generally acceptable and outside generally audibly problematic. From what I understand, and have personally seen, most LPs have more significant manufacturing tolerances than were visible on the table.
There’s the undeniable cost aspect too, molded parts are cost effective vs precisely machined versions. This calculus isn’t unique to a given major manufacturer. This can be further exacerbated by manual speed changes since it’s less possible to identify and maintain an ideal mating alignment. As the components for Music Hall are made by Pro-ject upgrades to both platter and subplatter are easily available but add nearly an additional 50% to a $500 msrp table.
To Pro-Ject/Music Hall’s credit the original setup covers/masks these inconsistencies well. It seems generally a well developed/balanced product for target audiences. Sort of akin to passenger car vs a track prepped car in commute use. It’s when you start looking for more performance, perceived shortcomings become more apparent.
In other words it’s probably a better idea to buy a better table than to expect to mount an MC cart to one of these or at least acceptable that other adjustments/upgrades will be required to support. To rejoin the car analogy you wouldn’t want to drop in a significantly more powerful motor without being prepared to address tires and likely other supporting systems like brakes. You may be able to get away with changes in a generally equivalent band but moving outside a certain range will have more dramatic demands on connected systems.
I totally agree I should never have accepted a table with a channel that would drop. It’s shocking to hear so many stories of QC issues around new TTs again no manufacturer seems to have the corner on the market here either.
My excitement and desire for my own first TT to just workout blinded me to the obvious and I’d yet to realize how common QC issues are with new TTs. It’s ultimately a recurring lesson for me I seem to learn with many projects I get into and perhaps a cautionary tale for others. With online purchases you’re on your own to determine issues and try to deal with returns. The benefits of accessible local dealer support vs generally lower cost or increased access to options via online shopping. Or maybe even the true cost of a purchase vs the sticker price?
I’ll still choose to look on the bright side and focus on the knowledge gained and shockingly high quality my mmf 2.3 setup now delivers. Perhaps this the source of my rediscovery of the same lessons. 🤣
Regarding this and tolerances, in the range of the mmf 2.3 (~500usd msrp), these would in all probability be generally acceptable and outside generally audibly problematic. From what I understand, and have personally seen, most LPs have more significant manufacturing tolerances than were visible on the table.
There’s the undeniable cost aspect too, molded parts are cost effective vs precisely machined versions. This calculus isn’t unique to a given major manufacturer. This can be further exacerbated by manual speed changes since it’s less possible to identify and maintain an ideal mating alignment. As the components for Music Hall are made by Pro-ject upgrades to both platter and subplatter are easily available but add nearly an additional 50% to a $500 msrp table.
To Pro-Ject/Music Hall’s credit the original setup covers/masks these inconsistencies well. It seems generally a well developed/balanced product for target audiences. Sort of akin to passenger car vs a track prepped car in commute use. It’s when you start looking for more performance, perceived shortcomings become more apparent.
In other words it’s probably a better idea to buy a better table than to expect to mount an MC cart to one of these or at least acceptable that other adjustments/upgrades will be required to support. To rejoin the car analogy you wouldn’t want to drop in a significantly more powerful motor without being prepared to address tires and likely other supporting systems like brakes. You may be able to get away with changes in a generally equivalent band but moving outside a certain range will have more dramatic demands on connected systems.
I totally agree I should never have accepted a table with a channel that would drop. It’s shocking to hear so many stories of QC issues around new TTs again no manufacturer seems to have the corner on the market here either.
My excitement and desire for my own first TT to just workout blinded me to the obvious and I’d yet to realize how common QC issues are with new TTs. It’s ultimately a recurring lesson for me I seem to learn with many projects I get into and perhaps a cautionary tale for others. With online purchases you’re on your own to determine issues and try to deal with returns. The benefits of accessible local dealer support vs generally lower cost or increased access to options via online shopping. Or maybe even the true cost of a purchase vs the sticker price?
I’ll still choose to look on the bright side and focus on the knowledge gained and shockingly high quality my mmf 2.3 setup now delivers. Perhaps this the source of my rediscovery of the same lessons. 🤣