Music Hall MMF-5.1 or Project RM-5SE

On my MMF 5.1 the motor can be heard in a silent room, from within maybe three to five feet. It should be noted that this is not noise on the RCA outs, but mechanical; zero impact on the amplified signal. I defy anyone to hear it with music playing at even the lowest (listenable) level. I often ask folks with good ears, sitting in "the chair" ~12 feet away, if they can hear it. The answer is no, every time. Even from the best ears, young and old. So yes, a bit disconcerting, but realistically not an issue.

I prefer the MMF 5.1 to anything else I have heard under $750 used. Rega, Pro-Ject, vintage Thorens, vintage Denon, etc. Not being a dealer I have not been exposed to everything, and I certainly know that "absence of evidence is not evidence of absence," so I understand there may be better stuff.

It came with the Goldring 1022 cart with the 1042 stylus (bought on Audiogon for $600 with free shipping; thank you Derik Sedik!) What I find is that it is fabulous with intimate music, like a string quartet or jazz trio (Errol Garner's Concert by the Sea, Fogelberg's Souvenirs), but can be overwhelmed with big sounds like a full orchestra (Haitink's Shostakovic disappoints).

I have been advised by a number of shops - both face to face and via e-mail - that going from MM to MC will make a huge difference in the ability to resolve complex passages, so that is where I am headed.

QUESTION: Anyone have experience with the Denon 103R cart and this table? The Denon has a fairly low Compliance rating and I am wondering if it is good with the MMF 5.1?

I also own an mmf 5 and notice that even the slightest overtighting of the record clamp can cause an audible motor "grind"

Absolutely, in fact I stopped using the clamp because of it.

Older thread, but I wanted to add this to the mix.

(1) One, after less than 3 months use, the MMF 5.1 developed, not just an audible low motor noise, but a ferocious motor noise that was simply unbearable. 3-1 oil onto the motor spindle will not fix this. After sending an email, with an attached audio/video clip capturing the noise to Music hall (unanswered email) I called. Roy shipped a new motor. However, although supposedly they are identical, I was shipped a 2.2 motor (yellow tape) instead of the white taped motor for the 5.1. I replaced the motor, buttoned everything up and it was quiet for another year or so. The same noise came back. I emailed Music Hall once again asking to purchase a motor. Again, no response. I decided to just buy a motor from the Needle doctor (50.00). I also ordered a Cruise Control 2.0 and a acrylic platter from Music Direct. I will be repairing and testing this evening to see what I think. I do like the sonics of the 5.1 compared to my past tables so I am looking forward to the upgrades. Even with the "overall" quality of this table, I have been very disappointed with the level of service they offer regardless of their reputation.

(2) I also purchased a Marantz/Clearaudio TT-15 turntable for another perspective. Once assembled, I try to post a review and comparison of the two. If I can't tell the difference or if the differences are simply unremarkable, you will see both listed on Audiogon and I will purchase a VPI as a final table. This will be about all I can ever justify for a turntable based on my income :-))

Do yourself a favor, research the "motor noise" syndrome on the MMF 5.1. I think you might find this is a very well documented problem. Resolution? Simply a better motor. I don't mind normal service and maintenance for audio equipment, but please....50.00 a year for a motor? No way. My old Denon has traveled the world, been in the attic, in basements and simply "used" and enjoyed. Motor noise? NEVER! Good luck with whoever chooses to buy one. If this one fails....I will replace the motor once again and "kiss it goodbye." :-)

As a Pro-ject RM 5.1SE owner, I can honestly say that I have had this unit close to two years now, play it at least an hour practically everyday and have never heard any motor noise. And I use the supplied the record clamp screwed down onto every LP I spin. Do not know if I got lucky or if those having issues with their Czech motors were simply the result of a bad batch that got straightened out by the manufactures before I bought mine.

Finally, enjoying vinyl as much I do and being gravely afflicted with upgradeitis, I toy with the idea of a new table constantly. But when I listen to a good LP, the performance and sound quality of my Pro-ject diminishes the notion. I suppose it I were to eventually upgrade, it would be a VPI though.