Why not get a Kuzma Stabi S?
Music Hall 9.3 vs 11.3 Turntable
Hi all, looking for informed opinions ,as in you have one, know them well etc , vs reading the same reviews and forum posts I have.
I have an opportunity to buy either of these at a nice deal so please don’t go down the “ you should buy” rabbit hole. Thanks
The 9.3 comes with or without a Goldring Eroica LX.
The 11.3 comes with or without a Ortofon Cadenza Black.
I am hoping this is my “ forever” table, I’m in my low sixties and not much of a gear swapper. I would use a Sutherland Phono Amp.
Here is where my thinking is at. The 9.3 would most probably be fabulous enough and i could upgrade cartridge in the future if I felt the need/ itch.
The 11.3 has a better arm, more table isolation, better motor systems… my only hesitation, beside a big jump in cost is in certain reviews the Ortofon Black sounds like it could be a tiny bit harsh and finicky to get working at its peak
Do I get the 9.3 and possibly upgrade? Get the 11.3 without cartridge and buy an Ortofon Bronze? A Hana SL or ML?
The rest of my system is Harbeth SLH5 anniversary, Benchmark Amp and Dac3 and I am happy with it. Possible ( another big decision) upgrade to Harbeth 40.3 in future.
Thanks for the well thought out and useful feedback ahead of time
z
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- 13 posts total
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. 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
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- 13 posts total