I am researching ways to upgrade a Music Hall MMF 2.2 and would like to get some advice.
1. Change the platter to an acrylic one. 2. Add a Soundbox - this is intended to be for automating changing the speed from 33 to 45 with a click - why are folks indicating this would improve sound quality? Confused about that aspect. 3. Changing the cartridge - how high can I go for this type of turntable and arm? Will get a different counter weight if required. 4. Should I consider changing the arm? When do these things become ineffective? I.e., what role does the table itself play in the quality of the sound? 5. I would like to upgrade my phono stage from the NAD PP2 that I have. Would a Project Tube Box make a difference?
When I had my Music Hall MMF5, a Herbies Mat made a huge difference, giving the table a much fuller sound. But the same mat was a downgrade on my Linn. Money back if not satisfied, so it's a very low-risk proposition. Honestly, I would not put much more money into a 2.2. Listen to it, enjoy it and develop a point of sonic reference, so when you listen to something else you'll know if you like it more or not.
The most effective way to upgrade most tables, including ones in the price range of the 2.2, is to upgrade the cartridge. Take a look at your table in the Needle Doctor website and yu will find some upgrade recommendations. I recently upgraded my Pro-Ject table with a new and better cartridge and switched to an acrylic platter at the same time. Much better. Best of luck.
Thank you for your advice. It all makes sense. I was also thinking that buying a new cartridge that I can later transfer to a new turntable makes a lot of sense. Also, the mat and the acrylic platter sound like reasonable upgrades that will provide the right ROI. I will let you know how things go. Thanks again.
Schubert, Sorry - what is a Viridian? I am not finding it in my web searches. That is the second recommendation for a Nagaoka MP 150 which intrigues me. I was considering a Ortofon 2M Blue or a Denon DL-110 based upon advice from a dealer and this is in the same price range - do you think it is a better cartridge than these or just different?
We might not be 100% certain what a Viridian is, but in at least one manifestation he or she is an often helpful poster to various audio threads - as in the 2nd response to your query.
Agree with Viridian's advice. The NAD is a solid performer and works well with your table--when you upgrade a component like that you risk having it expose weaknesses in the turntable/arm that might ultimately lessen your enjoyment. I would not change an arm or a platter on a table like this, unless, in the case of the latter, you want a different sound (acrylic, in my experience, might sound a little less lively, and if you want that the mat might be the cost-effective way to go). Just my $.02.
To recap - I should get the mat and the cartridge but not the platter and definitely not the tonearm. Please correct me if wrong.
One more question - folks online have spoken of a Speedbox adding to the quality of sound for a MMF 2,2. Apparently, this sits between the power cord and the turntable and does something magical to the sound. Does this make sense.
Herbie's mat arrived today. The quality of this mat is much higher than the stock felt mat. It is made from a rubber-like material though not really - more like a synthetic derivative. It is white but has a black, thin plastic-like sheet stuck on top. Both obviously in the shape of the table - circular. I tested with trepidation using two records - Billie Holiday's Lady in Satin and George Winston's Autumn. First, I played the record on the stock mat, tried to remember the sound, and then quickly replaced the mat with the Herbie's and then tried to make a listening judgment. Went back and forth several times. The difference is very perceptible when you start with the stock mat and then go to the upgrade. Before the upgrade, Billie Holiday's voice sounds tinnier - so does the piano. In a separate post, I had complained about how unnatural piano sounds on my system. With the Herbie mat, the vocal sounded fuller. In general, sounds were more amplified. The bass guitar started to thump on my (brand new, by the way :) ) SVS SB-2000 subwoofer. The piano sounded fuller and more natural, though still not as natural as I like it (I have a real piano at home to compare). Overall, a perceptible difference in sound, from changing a mat! What voodoo is this? Magical herbology! :) Thanks to Chayro for that suggestion! Now waiting for the cartridge upgrade to the Nagaoka MP-150, which I had to postpone by a bit as WAF was starting to drop, but will happen soon (next month).
Schubert, I want to clarify something I said earlier. My listening does include some rock, though it's not hard or heavy. More like the James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, Paul Simon, Sting kind, with some Floyd, Dire Straits, Jethro Tull thrown in, as well as I am getting back into the Eurythmics, and some older classics (Animals, Mamas Papas). I hope the Nagaoka MP-150 is still a suitable choice for this type of music, along with the classical and jazz that dominates my listening.
Most cost effective and with immediate results #3...many choices here...I like shure 97me...warning though...if you have never changed a cart it can be challenging...simpler solution would be to upgrade stylus on current catridge if possible...at this price point Nad is a solid choice...I would personally upgrade to a new table before going with soundbox, platter, etc...good luck!
Most cost effective and with immediate results #3...many choices here...I like shure 97me...warning though...if you have never changed a cart it can be challenging...simpler solution would be to upgrade stylus on current catridge if possible...at this price point Nad is a solid choice...I would personally upgrade to a new table before going with soundbox, platter, etc...good luck!
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