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Music Hall MMF-5: laid back sound?

I just got my first "real" turntable, a Music Hall MMF-5. The image stability, channel separation, soundstaging and lack of noise are leagues beyond anything I've encountered in my experiences with older direct-drive tables and lesser belt driven designs. I'm feeling, however, that the dynamics are a little reigned in with the MMF-5, and the bass is a bit mushy. The cart is the stock Goldring 1012 and it was set up by a local analog guru who's done right by me in setting up other tables. I replaced the rubber feet with BDR cones (3 of 'em) and have the table leveled on a granite platform which is spiked to the floor, so I don't think isolation is (exclusively) the issue. I also replaced the stock felt mat with a Herbie's Way Excellent mat. I considered rolling the Amperex orange globe 6922s in my phono stage (modified Moscode Super It, pretty sweet!) for something a little livelier, like maybe new tubes from Electro Harmonix, but that's getting into the whole tone-control trip. I already have very transparent cables in the chain (Audio Art IC3, see my review), and my current setup of an ATI 1502, passive pre and Dynaudio 50s should let all the good stuff through, so maybe this is just the character of the table. Is there something else I can do here, or should I look at a Rega for more snap and tighter bass?
jfacker
judy426
228 posts
 
Not a resonance issue only the trackability of the MMF-5 tonearm. Don't believe me if you wish; ask around.
BTW 16Hz is high not fine.
It would be serviceable in the Rega 900 but the 250 and 300 are entry level tonearms; the 103 is not an entry level cartridge. Again ask around if you need more info.
stefanl
296 posts
 
All belt drive turntables are shit ask around!This forum has a long thread on the issue.I know you don't like Rega arms you have made that clear a number of times,but if you ask around a lot of people think they are fine.Origin Live's Mark Baker has made a living off of them.You are making broad statements and offering consensus opinion as truth,but perhaps the issues you found with the Rega's were system specific-all audio is a compromise in some way,from experience you learn,sure.Raul Regas thinks the Denon 103 is crap and he has about the best system on this forum-to each his own.But there were scientific reasons given,that relied on emperical evidence for Paol Ladegaard stating what he did.I don't think he is wrong.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Judy, Judy, Judy! ( my best Cary Grant. ) You're right on, IMHO. I don't think a 103 would be a good fit. I do think a Dynovector 10x5 or the like might, but it seems we've already priced ourselves out of Jfacker's market. But there is no real assurance that the problem is with the cartridge.

If the real problem is mushy bass, then all things considered I suggest Jfacker look at the VTA and VTF settings. Sorry dude, it's time to quit depending on your local TT setup guy and learn to DIY. Buying a lesser cartridge, even a new one, is not probably not going to solve this.
stefanl
296 posts
 
In the Lenco thread Jean has already dissed the Dynavector 10x5 as compared to a Denon 103.One of these modern pieces of junk that get a high rating.One of his favourite combos is the Lenco idler wheel with a Rega RB300 and Denon 103.Killed a VPI TNT and Dynavector 10x5.
judy426
228 posts
 
Having the best system and having a good ear are 2 different issues. He doesn't like Zyx cartridges either. I disagree with him.
The fact of the matter is that Rega arms, the 900 nothwithstanding, have very poor bearing design and consequently will not track medium-high end cartridges to their optimum level. Let's not get emotional about this; facts are facts.
Regarding Mark Baker making a living off of Origin. Good for him. General Motors makes a lot of money selling Chevrolets every year but is it the best car you can buy? Hardly.
You're fighting an uphill battle here my young friend.
Thank you.
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