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Help Me Justify Recent MMF7 purchase

So, I just bought a Music Hall MMF7 from the classifieds a few days ago after reading lots of glowing reviews online. Spoke with the owner of the store I bought from and a guy a Needledoctor and both said it was damn hard to beat. Eventually I want to run this table through a McIntosh 6300, and I havent decided on the speakers yet. So, I feel like I know where Im going with this purchase, but I'm just swaying a bit, because I havent personally gotten a chance to listen to it and be blow away.

I've been playing a Technics SL1900 through a Marantz 2215 to Infinity RS 5 floor speakers for the past 5yrs, some might laugh at such components, but I'm only 25 so my purchases have been more on the economical side, but my vinyl collection is outstanding. side note: the Marantz has probably been the most satisfying purchase I've made so far, it was perfect for my college apt and now my first place.

I started reading a lot thread posts the past week about other TT's specifically mod'ed SL1200's that beat the MMF7's and similarly priced platforms. So here I am, great deal on an MMF7, but did I really get the best I could?

Please take it easy on the young guy making his first big purchase and having a bit of post-purchase-dissonance. Just maybe looking for some insight from current/previous owners or people just know more than I.

(a little plug for the guys at questaudio in PA, they are great fellas)

Your buddy from KY, Jay
fightingwords

Showing 2 responses by tketcham

tketcham
291 posts
 
I've been running a mmf-7 turntable for over three years and still enjoy listening to vinyl just about every night I can. As I've upgraded components (phono preamp, cartridge, speakers) the mmf-7 has allowed the music to sound better and better with each change.

The Goldring Eroica H (if you bought the combo package) isn't a bad cartridge either. As I mentioned, the mmf-7 will sound even better when the time comes and you decide to upgrade the cartridge.

Also consider upgrading the platter mat. I found that a good mat (I recommend the Herbie's mat) further reduced surface noise and made for a nice quiet background. Bass response improved as well.

I will likely upgrade turntables eventually but I'm in no hurry. The mmf-7 is still workin' just fine. So give yours a chance before running after the next pretty platter.

Tom
tketcham
291 posts
 
I wouldn't change out the Eroica H just yet. It's not a bad cartridge and is easy to maintain. (It isn't too fussy about alignment and you can easily see the stylus for cleaning and for experimenting with cartridge alignment.) Tvad mentions he found the Eroica to be etched and tizzy. It mellows with hours played (around 40-60). I found the Eroica improved a bit by running it at 1000 Ohms loading instead of 47,000 Ohms. Seemed to dampen the brightness. Also, a Herbie's Way Excellent mat helps to quiet the surface noise and shift the tonal balance (slightly) towards the mids and bass. It's subtle, but noticeable.

Don't make too many changes too quickly. It'll just confuse things. Get to know the sound of the Eroica H. See if you notice any tweaks or adjustments you try. Learn what you like or dislike about it's presentation. Then you'll have a better idea of what you want to change when that time comes.

For reference, I've been running an Audio-Technica AT33PTG and a Dynavector DV-20XL and they both sound darn good with the mmf-7.

Tom
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