TT virgin, rough start

organ
organ Posts: 4,969
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Well, I went to get my TT on Tuesday. I got the Music Hall MMF-5 and a Cambridge Audio MC/MM phono pre.
I was so excited when I got home. Followed the instructions carefully and then for some reason, no matter where I set the counter weight, the arm just won't float. The TT was brand new. The only time the arm would float is when the weight is dangling in the back and almost falling off. I checked everything over and over but just couldn't get it to float.

So I called my dealer yesterday and explained the problem. I told him I want the new MMF-5.1 instead. So he ordered that. Now comes the long wait.

So thanks to everyone who helped me out with my TT questions (probably a lot more coming). I will let you guys know how it sounds once it's here.
Post edited by organ on
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited March 2009
    I saw that at a friends house the other day with his MMF-5. The counterweight was too heavy for the weight of the cartridge being used. He bought the table used and just ordered a lighter counterweight for it. Sometimes you read accounts where folks have too light of a counterweight and cannot screw it on far enough to achieve zero balance.

    Sorry you have to wait. I would hate that. I am into instant gratification.:D
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2009
    Actually my table is the MMF 5.1, and the Ortofon 2M Blue cart seemed too heavy to balance with the weight that came with the tonearm. I ordered a heavier weight. Haven't tried it yet, maybe this weekend.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    organ wrote: »
    Well, I went to get my TT on Tuesday. I got the Music Hall MMF-5 and a Cambridge Audio MC/MM phono pre.
    I was so excited when I got home. Followed the instructions carefully and then for some reason, no matter where I set the counter weight, the arm just won't float. The TT was brand new. The only time the arm would float is when the weight is dangling in the back and almost falling off. I checked everything over and over but just couldn't get it to float.

    So I called my dealer yesterday and explained the problem. I told him I want the new MMF-5.1 instead. So he ordered that. Now comes the long wait.

    So thanks to everyone who helped me out with my TT questions (probably a lot more coming). I will let you guys know how it sounds once it's here.

    Organ, I am familiar with the MMF-5 & 5.1 and I know that you are going to need a better record clamp.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited March 2009
    Organ, you still have the MMF-5? If so, turn the platter spindle the other way so that the smooth side is down and the "gear" looking side is up. Then readjust the tonearm and it should float.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited March 2009
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Actually...

    Guess I screwed that one up....:eek:.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2009
    Keiko,
    I sure hope so. I waited so long to give vinyl a try. It shouldn't take that much longer. It should arrive at the store any day now.

    SC,
    Yeah, I think mine has a CW issue as well but the opposite of what your friend experienced.

    dkg,
    Is that the stock cart? I think it comes with a different one. I'd hate to run into problems again.

    hearingimpaired,
    I will definitely get a better clamp as a next upgrade. But first want to get used to the TT in it's stock form. Makes me appreciate the differences upgrades make.

    Treitz,
    The problem I have is that the counterweight seems way too light. I don't know what a platter spindle is. I know the platter.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    organ wrote: »
    Treitz,
    The problem I have is that the counterweight seems way too light. I don't know what a platter spindle is. I know the platter.

    The spindle is the stainless steel post you put your record over.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited March 2009
    It works only one way. If you set it up the way I described and it still happens, then you have a weight issue. Mine did the same thing to me until I installed it correctly and don't feel bad, it's not covered in the manual for some strange reason.

    With your unit, the spindle also has black plastic that the platter actually sits on. Flip it over the other way so that the top of the spindle is not the smooth one. When installed, you should be able to screw a large nut onto the top of the spindle about a half of an inch down. You don't need the nut.......I'm just giving you an example of what it should look like installed.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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