Music Hall 5.1 owners?

The Herbies mat was a surprising improvement. Otherwise I think the Goldring that comes with it is a very good match. I had a 5.1 and I thought it was excellent, even in comparison to a 10K CD player, so if it doesn't sound good to you, something's probably wrong. What are you looking for that you're not getting?

Thanks for your response, Chayro. I too have the Herbie's mat with similar results. Nice improvement. I can't say I have any specific complaints as far as not getting what I want, but rather, I want MORE- relatively cheaply. More detail, accuracy, more of what is in the grooves. More magic. I am considering HO moving coils and MM as well. I was curious as to any carts others may have tried with this table.

Best,
Robert

Getting more relatively cheaply is not something you're going to get with analog. Really - the 5.1 is a good table. I think the problem is elsewhere. What phono preamp are you using? The problem is, as I'm sure you know, the arm on the 5.1 really can't take advantage of a really good cart, although the Goldring is pretty good. I'll tell you, my friends bought the Marantz table, which comes with a nice arm and cart for about $1500 and it sounds damn nice. Just sell the 5.1 and save for something better. IM0.

If you don't have one, a Pro-Ject Speed Box (or Music Hall's version) is a very good upgrade in general. It's not just a convenient 33/45 rpm changer.

I use on on my Pro-Ject 1Xpression and have heard them on other Pro-Ject's and Music Halls. I haven't heard it on the MMF 5.1 specifically, but the all share Pro-Ject motors, and the 5.1's motor may very well be the same as my Xpression's. The improvements are across the board; there's not improvement in one area at the expense of another. It's very hard to find that in this hobby.

The Speed Box 2 is about $150, so it's not a major expense. Places like Music Direct have a 30 trial period, so there's almost no risk. Haven't heard the Speed Box SE to be able to say if it's worth the extra cost.