brianwillson
I recently purchased the Music Hall MMF 2.2 from Music Direct for $225.00 on sale, from $450.00. This table has a Project arm and I believe the table and arm is made in the same factory that makes the turntable you are considering. I also believe they are quite similar. The included cartridge with the 2.2 stunk and I replaced it with the Grado Black. I also purchased the acrylic platter and this along with the Grado cartridge made the 2.2 listenable. Of the 4 turntables that I have inherited or purchased since getting back into vinyl after 35 years, (Music Hall 2.2, Onkyo cp1280f (DD), Harmon Kardon t65c and the Marantz tt15s1) I really believe the value or the best table for the money are the two vintage tables. (Onkyo and HK) The Harmon Kardon that I purchased for $270.00 off craigslist combined with a Denon DL110 is my favorite table. (The Marantz tt15s1 is no slouch either) In its day the HK received the nickname the "poor man's Linn Sondeck". Harmon Kardon also made the t55c and t60c. All are nice vintage units. If you must buy something new, I agree with roberjerman, the Pioneer PLX 1000 with a Denon DL 103 or 103r would be a nice combination. If you need to stay in the under $400 category I would look at a vintage table. If I had it to do all over again I'd bypass the new entry level tables. The vintage tables have the look and feel of a quality made product.
However, a lot of us are just like my 19 year old son...hard headed... me included!
Best of luck with your audio journey!
I recently purchased the Music Hall MMF 2.2 from Music Direct for $225.00 on sale, from $450.00. This table has a Project arm and I believe the table and arm is made in the same factory that makes the turntable you are considering. I also believe they are quite similar. The included cartridge with the 2.2 stunk and I replaced it with the Grado Black. I also purchased the acrylic platter and this along with the Grado cartridge made the 2.2 listenable. Of the 4 turntables that I have inherited or purchased since getting back into vinyl after 35 years, (Music Hall 2.2, Onkyo cp1280f (DD), Harmon Kardon t65c and the Marantz tt15s1) I really believe the value or the best table for the money are the two vintage tables. (Onkyo and HK) The Harmon Kardon that I purchased for $270.00 off craigslist combined with a Denon DL110 is my favorite table. (The Marantz tt15s1 is no slouch either) In its day the HK received the nickname the "poor man's Linn Sondeck". Harmon Kardon also made the t55c and t60c. All are nice vintage units. If you must buy something new, I agree with roberjerman, the Pioneer PLX 1000 with a Denon DL 103 or 103r would be a nice combination. If you need to stay in the under $400 category I would look at a vintage table. If I had it to do all over again I'd bypass the new entry level tables. The vintage tables have the look and feel of a quality made product.
However, a lot of us are just like my 19 year old son...hard headed... me included!
Best of luck with your audio journey!