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Help Me Justify Recent MMF7 purchase

So, I just bought a Music Hall MMF7 from the classifieds a few days ago after reading lots of glowing reviews online. Spoke with the owner of the store I bought from and a guy a Needledoctor and both said it was damn hard to beat. Eventually I want to run this table through a McIntosh 6300, and I havent decided on the speakers yet. So, I feel like I know where Im going with this purchase, but I'm just swaying a bit, because I havent personally gotten a chance to listen to it and be blow away.

I've been playing a Technics SL1900 through a Marantz 2215 to Infinity RS 5 floor speakers for the past 5yrs, some might laugh at such components, but I'm only 25 so my purchases have been more on the economical side, but my vinyl collection is outstanding. side note: the Marantz has probably been the most satisfying purchase I've made so far, it was perfect for my college apt and now my first place.

I started reading a lot thread posts the past week about other TT's specifically mod'ed SL1200's that beat the MMF7's and similarly priced platforms. So here I am, great deal on an MMF7, but did I really get the best I could?

Please take it easy on the young guy making his first big purchase and having a bit of post-purchase-dissonance. Just maybe looking for some insight from current/previous owners or people just know more than I.

(a little plug for the guys at questaudio in PA, they are great fellas)

Your buddy from KY, Jay
fightingwords
elevick
2,638 posts
 
You really need to have it set up properly before you can make any judgements. I wouldn't knock the mmf. It's a great unit and with the proper cartridge can keep up with the best. Do you have a scale and geo disc or protractor?

I spent many years with the 2215B and it's a great unit for the money. Older receivers have decent phono stages. However, unless you upgrade the receiver (even to a bigger Marantz 2286 or so) you will never hear the full capabilities of the mmf or 1200. You simply don't have enough power at 15 watts for the infinitys. Also, a better receiver of that era will have a better phono stage.
facten
2,925 posts
 
Jay, I'm going to chime in with the other folks who have suggested that you sit back, listen and if you enjoy the music that's all that matters. Everyone, myself included, has opinions on equipment, but come the end of the day what you hear is what matters.

I just got back into analogue this past week - picked up a Clearaudio Emotion along with their Smartphono - sounds great to me, so I'm happy. Give your MMF7 a whirl and see how it makes you feel.
tketcham
291 posts
 
I've been running a mmf-7 turntable for over three years and still enjoy listening to vinyl just about every night I can. As I've upgraded components (phono preamp, cartridge, speakers) the mmf-7 has allowed the music to sound better and better with each change.

The Goldring Eroica H (if you bought the combo package) isn't a bad cartridge either. As I mentioned, the mmf-7 will sound even better when the time comes and you decide to upgrade the cartridge.

Also consider upgrading the platter mat. I found that a good mat (I recommend the Herbie's mat) further reduced surface noise and made for a nice quiet background. Bass response improved as well.

I will likely upgrade turntables eventually but I'm in no hurry. The mmf-7 is still workin' just fine. So give yours a chance before running after the next pretty platter.

Tom
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>12-24-08: Elevick
I wouldn't knock the mmf. It's a great unit and with the proper cartridge can keep up with the best<<

No, it cannot keep up with the best.

That is wishful thinking.
fightingwords OP
86 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I'm very happy with it so far. The paired Goldring cartridge was pre mounted so I would like to think it was set up properly. The music is what I'm in it for, but I really wanted a table to enhance the experience so to speak.

I'm sure over time I'll upgrade componentry and cartridges. I'm very happy with the decision. I was with in my budget, and I'm please with the performance so I cant be upset.

Merry Christmas.
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