Recommendations for a phono preamp for MMF5

You might want to look into getting a Monolithic PS-1.
I just bought a Music Hall MMF5 turntable myself, and am
quite pleased so far with the PS-1.

The turntable should not be a consideration of which RIAA you choose.

What really matters is what cartridge you plan on using. If you want to keep budget under control, I'd recommend choosing either a high output MC or an MM. Any of these would easily be accomodated by most RIAA circuits.

I think the Clearaudio Alpha is an incredible bargain for ~$250 new. The Gram Amp SE is supposed to be a great budget RIAA (though I have never heard it). I think it was reviewed in the last TAS. I'm pretty sure it is available factory-direct for ~$250.

There's a school of thought that says that phono stage is more critical than cartridge. I agree. Like Avideo, I have a Monolithic Phono Stage. Many say it's the best phono stage under $1K...Greg and Dusty know how to combine their talents and are able to produce budget components that are unbelievably musical.

If you insist on a Music Hall, I suggest you buy used. You could do much better for your money, though...

P/A

i disagree entirely. i feel that you can't do better for the money that a music hall.

please take p/a's message with a grain of salt as he's *very* biased towards his dd (technics, i think) setup, and always insists its superiority over any other budget table, and many not-so-budget tables. (not that there's anything wrong with being biased, just best to be aware of it)

now, back to the question at hand: i'd go with the creek if you're using the cartridge that came with the music hall. if you wanna upgrade that (the cart), i'd recommend the dynavector 10x4, as it's a very musical, reasonably priced high-output mc that any phono stage can easily handle, and fits into a mm phono in.

and, i don't necessarily feel that you should upgrade the cart, either. a family member uses the mmf2.1 w/ the standard cart into the creek w/ a linn majik-i and a pair of tukans. the sound is fantastic.

while i prefer the rega, music halls are amazing.

In this price range also consider the Radio Shack 42-2111 battery powered phono preamp (retails for $25, but requires a charger and batteries to be practical). Out of stock @ RS, as far as I know, but an online dealer still sells them from a closeout buy. Search "rat" @ the Audio Asylum Vinyl Forum and there is much info on these. I took it a step further and use two units in dual mono configuration. Good sound and "dead" quiet due to the type of power supply. A couple of other people will soon be trying them in dual mono configuration, so watch for their comments if interested.

Quote: "please take p/a's message with a grain of salt as he's *very* biased towards his dd (technics, i think) setup, and always insists its superiority over any other budget table, and many not-so-budget tables. (not that there's anything wrong with being biased, just best to be aware of it)"

I have not mentioned my TT in this thread--I just think the Music Hall & the glass 'n particle board TTs are WAY overrated. For belts, I am biased *for* SOTA. Much better beef for the money--and made here in Chicagoland.

I read in HD that *Thorsten* posted in AA that the Technics 1200 is "stunning" when rigged w/ an audiophile cartridge. He must be biased, too...