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Turntable upgrade, tweaks, or stay put?

I have a music hall mmf-7, stock with goldring eroica and project speed box. Rest of system: Wilson audio Sophias, Musical fidelity KW 500, Musical fidelity Trivista DAC, and Musical fidelity CD player. I really enjoy the mmf7 and have no real complaints. However, I know it is the weakest link in my system. I wonder how much better it could be. Do you think I would have to spend $5-6000 or more on a new tt to get significantly better sound? Any recommendations? Or would some tweaks be smarter? Or just save my money and buy more records? Thanks in advance. As I said, I like my mmf7, but wonder if I am missing out by not having something of similar quality to the rest of my system.
arsh

Showing 17 responses by arsh

arsh OP
367 posts
 
I also have the possibility of using my father's VPI scoutmaster as a replacement. How would it compare with the MMF-7?
arsh OP
367 posts
 
I have the clamp that comes with the table, but no scale or protractor. You think some adjustments could make a big difference? I had the table set up by a pretty good dealer.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I don't know that I feel there is anything missing. Maybe blacker backgrounds and a bit more resolution. The musicality of the table is very good. The phono stage is built into the KW. I love vinyl but also listen to digital. I love my digital front end. I would feel ok spending 5-6k, but more than that seems too much to me for now.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks again for all the good ideas. I did borrow my father's old scoutmaster. It hasn't been used for most of 4 years. It was professionally set up. I put it in my system and put on a record that I know well, and it sounded very distorted. Since I don't think the setup has been changed, I am assuming this is a problem with the cartridge (grado reference master). Both channels play but with severe distortion. I don't remember if this was a problem before in my Dad's system; it could have been and he never got it fixed. Should I get a new cartridge? Seems I can't catch a break here! Also, I think the KW500 phono stage should work for this cartridge. It was fine with the Eroica.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
So I gave the scoutmaster a once-over, and, when viewed with magnification, it appears that the tip on the stylus must have come off at some point. That must be the cause of the distortion! So, now does anyone have recommendations for a good cartridge for the scoutmaster? just stick with a replacement Grado, or something different? Thanks.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks a lot for the great advice. I lubricated the platter bearing with white lithium grease, but I am not sure exactly what to use for the motor. What do you suggest?
arsh OP
367 posts
 
I got the scoutmaster set up with a soundsmith zephyr. Will let it break in for a few days, but it already sounds good. Will keep you all posted. Thanks a lot!
arsh OP
367 posts
 
I added a stainless steel clamp and replaced the belt. Definitely improved the sound. Now I am waiting for my SDS to arrive. Will keep you posted on the results. Thanks all for your comments.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks for those comments. I have a couple of questions about the Zephyr: 1) how long does it take to break in; and, 2) do you have any suggestions on setting the arm height on the scoutmaster with the Zephyr?
Thanks in advance.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks Bifwynne!
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Ok, another question: anyone use Fun-tak or Blu-tak to clean your stylus?
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Do you know of any problems with Blu tak or fun tak?
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Got a 3" maple butcher block board under the scoutmaster, and it sounds excellent.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure if those phono stages are the same, but the integrated sounds great. It may be very similar. I have never had the opportunity to compare.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Ok, so I am thinking of going all in with the scoutmaster. Is the SDS a worthwhile upgrade? Thanks for your opinions!
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks! I do think I have addressed those factors, although I have only a nitty gritty record cleaning machine. Your points are well taken. Please tell me about the ultrasonic cleaner.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks a lot. So, this begs the question: should I get a phono stage rather than the SDS (MF ViNL costs the same as the SDS), or both? And if both, which first? Thanks again.
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