Music Hall 9.3 vs 11.3 Turntable

Can I jump in? I can't answer your question directly, but you can't really have too good of a turntable and cartridge. Blow the budget and get the best you can afford, you'll have it a long time so it's worth spending a little extra on it. Hope that helps. 

FWIW I had the MMF-7 years ago when it first came out. It was a decent table and got me back into vinyl. But the VPI ScoutMaster blew the doors off of the 7. How much better is the 9? I don’t know. But I really doubt it will run with the ScoutMaster. If I had to choose between the 9.3 & the 11.3, I’d go with the 11.3 mostly because of the better motor. But is it worth $2K more? I doubt it.

However there is a ScoutMaster over on US Audio mart with the JMW arm which is nearly $1k cheaper and IMO a better deal. You can add the speed control from VPI if necessary. I didn’t see a need but every little bit helps. This is my opinion based on my experience. The Music halls seem over priced. But I haven’t been in the market for a while and maybe they have gotten significantly better.

BTW *I have no affiliation with the SM seller. I just looked for VPI and it appeared

I think you should get the 11.3 so you will not be stressed out later about not buying it. Your dealer should be able to assist you with the best choice of cartridge. 

Similar experience to @artemus_5. Had a MMF 7.1. Bought a pre-owned VPI Classic 2 with a Classic 3 tonearm. Different league. If you want a new table, I would also look at some of the higher end Pro-ject tables. There are many other options. The Music Hall turntables do get better as you move up the line. I went from 5.1 to 7.1 and it was a noticeable difference.

Why not get a Kuzma Stabi S?

Save even more money and buy the MMF-7.3. It already has the ortofon Bronze installed. It's a terrific table especially in the walnut finish. Michael Fremer said that he could not justify the higher cost of the 9. He said this: "This time, the question is: Is it worth another $500 to go from Music Hall's MMF-7 to their MMF-9? The quality of the components, particularly the arm, is higher, and the cartridge is a small but significant step up, but I'm not sure the difference is sound is worth the difference in price. My sonic memory had me preferring the bit of warmth and "give" the MMF-7 had over the MMF-9. "

All, thanks for the input.

Had a quick look at the VPI ads and they look good. 
Audioguy85 you have a good point that goes back to my original question of getting the 9.3 and then upgrading cartridge, phono amp etc. 
I know it will all be good , and I know you all search for the tipping point or blend that hits the spot.

The Music Hall deal I’m offered is solid and as I said in op I’m not much of one for chasing tweaks so I tend to be less enthusiastic about stuff that “ is even better with…” , different power supply, platter etc…

We play in a very opinionated audio world. Lots of great stuff.

thanks again

z

You can love a great 'deal' but you cannot hear it. You will be listening to your choice for years.

I prefer a removable headshell, for optional cartridges, both of these are fixed arms. Also an arm with easily adjustable arm height.

I would first buy this Acos Lustre GST-801 Tonearm

Then find a table to put it on.

Then pick a cartridge or two, spare headshells ...

A few tools and skills are DEFINITELY REQUIRED, to properly align a cartridge. Initially, a dealer, friend, yourself. If you acquire these skills yourself, you have the advantage for the rest of your life! 

You will need to replace worn stylus/cartridges and thus probably try other cartridges in the future, they will need to be aligned.

...................................

I have my friend's nearly new Goldring Eroica LX here, (he cannot play MC), and it is very nice sounding, (perhaps a bit polite).

Strangely, playing same LP, new, clean, comparing to other cartridges with my other arms, Shure V15Vxmr with Jico SAS on Boron; AT33PTG/II with Line Contact on boron, I frequently find the Goldring's Gyger II line contact stylus 'gummed up'.

Frequently enough to make me think it's unique shape heats up/hangs onto debris differently. I wonder if others have any comments about this? 

someone ought to buy that gst-801, this listing has great photos of it.

https://yahoo.aleado.com/lot?auctionID=g1049219749#enlargeimg

used once, maybe twice

I'm tempted just because one in this condition is extremely rare

@elliottbnewcombjr I have the Music Hall MM7  and  4 Phono Cartridges (all low hours like new) (Installed now Dynavector 20x2 H) and in storage a retipped Dynavector 10*5; Goldring Elite, and Goldring Eroica  LX.  I agree the Goldring sound very good if not outstanding but too polite with my hybrid 65 dB phone stage but appear to loose something in a short amount of time and I suspect things are gumming up. I have no way to verify this is the case. My next step was going to try to give the Goldring a good as I can cleaning and try again.

ronald_p

you are a great example of the need for a removable headshell.

I don’t know about the Music Hall TT’s. Can you order a different arm? without an arm? have a seller install your own arm?

Live near Plainfield, NJ, I'll help you figure it out, I've got some tools of mass destruction.

Gunked up Gyger II, now thete’s II of us.

I bought the 9.3 when it first came out with the goldring cartridge. I eventually  upgraded to a Koetsu black which was nice bump up. I immensely enjoyed the 9.3 and only recently traded table for AMG Giro and then to the Viella. I auditioned the Giro side by side with the 9.3. The Giro was better so that’s why I made the trade but it’s not oh my god, this is so much better. I like to trade up when I can so waste lots of money in the process but fortunately can afford it. That being said you will be very pleased with the 9.3 and should be a forever table for you.

@lxgreen thank you for the input. My current thought/leaning is to go 9.3 and then I have some room to either get it without the goldring and buy a separate cartridge or try the goldring and upgrade if I feel inclined.

Hard to imagine that any of the “ nice” tables out there wouldn’t fulfill my needs! It becomes a decision based on emotion, budget, perception, and indeed sound. All playing a part…. Thank again