Music Hall MMF-5: laid back sound?


I just got my first "real" turntable, a Music Hall MMF-5. The image stability, channel separation, soundstaging and lack of noise are leagues beyond anything I've encountered in my experiences with older direct-drive tables and lesser belt driven designs. I'm feeling, however, that the dynamics are a little reigned in with the MMF-5, and the bass is a bit mushy. The cart is the stock Goldring 1012 and it was set up by a local analog guru who's done right by me in setting up other tables. I replaced the rubber feet with BDR cones (3 of 'em) and have the table leveled on a granite platform which is spiked to the floor, so I don't think isolation is (exclusively) the issue. I also replaced the stock felt mat with a Herbie's Way Excellent mat. I considered rolling the Amperex orange globe 6922s in my phono stage (modified Moscode Super It, pretty sweet!) for something a little livelier, like maybe new tubes from Electro Harmonix, but that's getting into the whole tone-control trip. I already have very transparent cables in the chain (Audio Art IC3, see my review), and my current setup of an ATI 1502, passive pre and Dynaudio 50s should let all the good stuff through, so maybe this is just the character of the table. Is there something else I can do here, or should I look at a Rega for more snap and tighter bass?
jfacker

Showing 6 responses by judy426

I wouldn't get too bent out of shape here Jfacker. After all we're talking about a turntable/tonearm/cartridge that sells for $500 used. This isn't a Brinkman you know. :-)
Unfortunately the Denon 103 will not even come close to reaching its' potential with the MMF-5 tonearm. Bad investment.
Not a resonance issue only the trackability of the MMF-5 tonearm. Don't believe me if you wish; ask around.
BTW 16Hz is high not fine.
It would be serviceable in the Rega 900 but the 250 and 300 are entry level tonearms; the 103 is not an entry level cartridge. Again ask around if you need more info.
Having the best system and having a good ear are 2 different issues. He doesn't like Zyx cartridges either. I disagree with him.
The fact of the matter is that Rega arms, the 900 nothwithstanding, have very poor bearing design and consequently will not track medium-high end cartridges to their optimum level. Let's not get emotional about this; facts are facts.
Regarding Mark Baker making a living off of Origin. Good for him. General Motors makes a lot of money selling Chevrolets every year but is it the best car you can buy? Hardly.
You're fighting an uphill battle here my young friend.
Thank you.
Dan,
No, only the bone stock 250 and 300. I have not heard any of the modded versions. Thanks.