Music Hall mmf-5 turntable

usp1
usp1 Posts: 207
edited November 2012 in 2 Channel Audio
Is this a good starter turntable? I can get it used for $200. Are there better alternatives at around that price.
Post edited by usp1 on
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    I need to make a quick decision. ANy first hand experience with this turntable would help a lot.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2012
    That's a fine choice for that price.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited November 2012
    Good price. Get it.
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  • lakesailor
    lakesailor Posts: 319
    edited November 2012
    As long as it is in good working order for $200 it is a great buy. Enjoy it.
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  • Spiffyfast
    Spiffyfast Posts: 35
    edited November 2012
    Great price, go for it if its in good shape.
    Mains: Polk Audio SDA-2Bs
    Center and Surrounds: Bic Acoustech
    AVR: Pioneer 1015tx
    Amp: Anthem Amp 1
    Turntable: Project Debut III
    Inputs: Xbox 360, Samsung BDP-1000, Apple TV
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    Thanks all. Hopefully I can swing this deal.
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 648
    edited November 2012
    If it comes with a cartridge with a stylus in good condition, I would say go for it also. Do you know what cart is on it? If it has the same cart that came with my 5.1 (see my signature below), a new stylus can run over $200. You could also put a different cart on it for much less $.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Vizio V585-H11 ~ Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450

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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited November 2012
    Love mine,had it for years, at the price you quoted, it's either broken or hot! They are going in the 400 buck range! A new one will cost you eight bills,check it out,good piece of equipment if ok go for it!
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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    The cartridge is the Goldring 1012GX and he claims the needle is fine. Also, apparently in good working condition. Lets see if it all works out. It has to be picked up and driven about 150 miles and there is no original packaging ... so I am a bit concerned about that.
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 648
    edited November 2012
    usp1 wrote: »
    The cartridge is the Goldring 1012GX and he claims the needle is fine. Also, apparently in good working condition. Lets see if it all works out. It has to be picked up and driven about 150 miles and there is no original packaging ... so I am a bit concerned about that.

    If the stylus is good, then that is a great deal. I have two other Goldring 1012GX carts that I acquired since I bought my 5.1. One was a throw in on a trade and the other I bought barely used for $100. That cart sells for $450 new now and it sounds great in my system. I wouldn't worry about the no original packaging if you are picking it up.
    The 5.1 has several upgrades from the mmf-5, but sonically they should sound very close. The mmf-5 has a glass platter which IMO is better than the alloy platter that came with mine. The 5.1 has better feet and it also has RCA jacks at the rear so you can use different cables. I paid $700 for my 5.1 in 2007 and have added heavy brass feet and a Pro-Ject Speedbox II since then. The 5.1 that Music Hall sells now for $875 had a $200 Goldring cartridge instead of the 1012GX. Now they come with an Ortofon Magic 3 cart that I can't find any info on. I'm sure that Roy Hall opted for the Ortofon becuse they are less expensive than the Goldrings. For $200, you can't go wrong. Let us know how it works out for you.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Vizio V585-H11 ~ Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450

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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited November 2012
    I hope your in your car now. For $200 its well worth the drive. Here's hoping you get it for the holiday.
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited November 2012
    Great price for a really respectable table. I personally have an MMF-2.1, and an MMF-7, and have also set my dad up with the MMF-5.1. All 3 are great tables at their respective price points. The only things I don't care for on the 5 is the glass platter, and the stock Cartridge. Not that they're bad, I just would have preferred to see an acrylic platter on it, and a not so laid-back sounding cartridge. But that's just my personal preference. Hope it's in good shape and you're able to snag it. Should be a very enjoyable table.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 648
    edited November 2012
    cmy330go wrote: »
    Great price for a really respectable table. I personally have an MMF-2.1, and an MMF-7, and have also set my dad up with the MMF-5.1. All 3 are great tables at their respective price points. The only things I don't care for on the 5 is the glass platter, and the stock Cartridge. Not that they're bad, I just would have preferred to see an acrylic platter on it, and a not so laid-back sounding cartridge. But that's just my personal preference. Hope it's in good shape and you're able to snag it. Should be a very enjoyable table.

    Which stock cartridge came with your mmf-5? The Goldring 1012GX that came with my 5.1 is not laid back IMO. It is very dynamic and slightly forward on my system. I think the earlier mmf-5 came with a different cart, but I can't remember which one.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Vizio V585-H11 ~ Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450

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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    What a disappointing evening. The guy just emailed me that he has to back out of the deal because his wife did not know he was selling the TT and she wants to keep it. So the search continues. Thanks for all the encouragement.
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited November 2012
    classic carl wrote: »
    Which stock cartridge came with your mmf-5? The Goldring 1012GX that came with my 5.1 is not laid back IMO. It is very dynamic and slightly forward on my system. I think the earlier mmf-5 came with a different cart, but I can't remember which one.

    Same cartridge that you have. For whatever reason the one on his table has always just seemed a little soft sounding.
    usp1 wrote: »
    What a disappointing evening. The guy just emailed me that he has to back out of the deal because his wife did not know he was selling the TT and she wants to keep it. So the search continues. Thanks for all the encouragement.

    Bummer. Not often you hear of a wife complaining about a guy getting rid of gear.

    Here's to hoping your search is short, and successful! Cheers
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 648
    edited November 2012
    usp1 wrote: »
    What a disappointing evening. The guy just emailed me that he has to back out of the deal because his wife did not know he was selling the TT and she wants to keep it. So the search continues. Thanks for all the encouragement.

    Wow. I've never heard that excuse before. Maybe she's a Polkie and was reading all of our comments. :mrgreen:
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Vizio V585-H11 ~ Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450

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  • usp1
    usp1 Posts: 207
    edited November 2012
    THe excuse sounded shady to me as well. Maybe he got a better offer. Any suggestions on alternatives?
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