Debut III vs. MMF 2.1

cmy330go

Hopefully you guys can help me make up my mind.

I'm in the process of picking out a turntable for my HT system. As of now I'm torn between a Music Hall MMF 2.1 and the Project Debut III. Now I realize these two tables are much alike, but here is my dilema. The Debut seems to be the most talked about in this price range. Which makes me think that fresh out of the box it may be a little better setup than the Music Hall. I would assume mainly because of a more solid, substantial tone arm. However the Music Hall brags adjustable VTA. So my questions is....a few years down the road (or sooner) if I want to change the cartridge, will the ability to better adjust the Music Hall's arm then make it the better performer?

So what do you all think???? Oh yea, if anyone has a suggestion for a different TT don't hesitate to speak up. After all the more confused I am the less likely I am to spend the money!

Thanks
Dave

Emlyn

I'd just picking either one based on delivered price and appearance because there's no meaningful difference between the two. The Pro-Ject's tonearm is also adjustable through rotation. If there does come a day when you want to upgrade, I'd suggest the way to get any significant improvement would be to sell the entry level turntable and buy a whole new turntable further up the product line. A good separate cartridge these days costs more than either entry level turntable's complete cost. They're a great value. There's also a Goldring turntable in this price range, and a Thorens that's a little more expensive. Audio Advisor has those. The Music Hall, Pro-Ject, and I think Goldring all come out of the same Pro-Ject factory in the Czech Republic.

Frank Z

I've had my MMF 2.1 for about 1.5 to 2 years and have been very happy with it's performance.

cmy330go

Emlyn wrote:

If there does come a day when you want to upgrade, I'd suggest the way to get any significant improvement would be to sell the entry level turntable and buy a whole new turntable further up the product line. A good separate cartridge these days costs more than either entry level turntable's complete cost. They're a great value. There's also a Goldring turntable in this price range, and a Thorens that's a little more expensive. Audio Advisor has those. The Music Hall, Pro-Ject, and I think Goldring all come out of the same Pro-Ject factory in the Czech Republic.

I understand your reasoning on upgrading the whole table, but my whole purpose for this is to be a secondary setup. I already have a bit higher end table for my 2ch rig. So I guess I am just wondering what is more important....adjustable VTA or Azimuth?

Also you bring up a good point with the Thorens. I assume you are talking about the automatic 190 model. What are your feelings on automatic tables??? Are they really inferior sounding? My wife may be using this sometimes so having an auto return may be a good thing. I have a feeling she could easily get distracted and leave the stylus riding in the groove for hours. :mad:

EDIT: My mistake you were probably talking about the td-158 or 170. But my question still stands.....Are auto tables in this price range any worse than manual tables?

cmy330go

Frank Z wrote:

I've had my MMF 2.1 for about 1.5 to 2 years and have been very happy with it's performance.

Thanks for the comment! I have read many good things about this table. But it is always good to here personal experience.

TroyD

What are your feelings on automatic tables???

A wise man once said that the more bells and whistles something has, generally, the worse it sounds.

I think the differences between the tables you are looking at, basically come down to personal preference.

BDT

Emlyn

cmy330go wrote:

Also you bring up a good point with the Thorens. I assume you are talking about the automatic 190 model. What are your feelings on automatic tables??? Are they really inferior sounding? My wife may be using this sometimes so having an auto return may be a good thing. I have a feeling she could easily get distracted and leave the stylus riding in the groove for hours.

I was referring to the 190 model from Thorens, which is the one Audio Advisor carries. It's belt driven and has a good tonearm and cartridge. The extra cost can be attributed to the automatic functions. As a convenience/safety feature, it may be well worth the extra cost. Given the apparent construction quality, I doubt it would perform sonically much if any worse than the Music Hall or Pro-Ject tables.

For a second system where ease of use is important, that's probably the way I'd go myself.

cmy330go

Thanks for the input guys. I think I may just wait slightly longer and get the thorens. I would really hate to see a stylus ride in the groove for hours on end.