Which of these turntables for a new kid in town?


I have inherited all of my grandfathers LPs and I need a way to play them. I've considered giving vinyl a try anyway and this is the perfect opportunity. I've searched the forums and the following turntables seem to come up as good options. I would appreciate your opinions...

Music Hall MMF-7
Audio Note TT1
VPI Aries Scout
Michell Technodec (or Gyro)

They are roughly in the same price range. I don't have experience with vinyl and set up, but I'm a quick learner and I'm willing to invest time. I'm doing this now to try out my grandfathers LPs, but I've had my eye on other LPs too from all genres. In this turntable I would like to understand what vinyl hs to offer.

I like the industrial design of all of these turntables, which I value as an important element. I like the simplicity of all of them. Some are more traditional while others are more modern in their styling.

I know that some of these require more set up than others, but may offer more value in the end. I don't want to spend a lot, but i don't want to feel the need to upgrade soon if i fall in love with it. I will initially be using the truntable in my headphone system, but it will probably end up in my main system someday. While you're at it you can throw in some phono amp recommendations if you like.

Thanks!
budrew

Showing 2 responses by dirtyragamuffin

I don't know the Audio Note, so I can't comment on that. I've heard the MMF7 and it is NO contest to th Gyrodec IMHO. I hear the VPI Scout is an outstanding 'table if you don't mind an unsuspended design. The VPI HW19 Mks III and IV are both very good, too, as far as I'm concerned.

I love my Gyrodec SE and would highly recommend it. Got mine used at a very affordable price...the sound is stunning. As far as upgrades, VPI HWs are easy and relatively affordable to upgrade; Michell also offers good platter and PSU upgrades for the Gyro, and they work very well with SME as well as Rega and Rega-style arms (I put an Origin Live Silver on mine) and of course there are a zillion mods for those bad boys.

My $.02

Good luck!
Why not get a wall shelf for it? Arguably the best place for a TT to sit, anyway...Otherwise, I'd get something massive to put under the 'table to help keep vibrations at bay. Make sure the TT is level!

I think you'd be happy with either Michell or VPI. When I was shopping, it came down to those two and I went Michell though it was a VERY tough choice--eventually, "vibe" won out! ;) I'm very happy, but I think if I'd gone VPI I'd still be very happy!