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Rega P3 / Music Hall MMF 5 or 7 Turntable decision

I finally built a decent digital system that I have coveted for about the last ten years. After reading forums here and elsewhere on the Internet, I would like to get an analog front end. I do not currently have a large number of records (less that 30) and would like to keep my budget around $1000.00. I already have a phono preamp.

I have been leaning towards the Music Hall MMF 5 or 7. I am really tempted to buy the MMF 7. I love the new design!! I have also considered the Rega P3 or P2. For the Rega, I would like the newest model with the new design.

I am very green when it comes to analog and would love to get insights from those of you that have thoughts about the Rega P3 compared to the Music Hall MMF 7 or 5. I would also like to find out if I am overlooking any options. Is the MMF 5 comparable to the Rega P3 or is the MMF 7 a better comparison with the P3? I will most likely buy new since I am not finding a high number of these items here or at the other normal places on the Internet.

I have researched here and elsewhere extensively on Music Hall, Rega, Basis and others and could not find any detailed comparisons related to these brands. I also checked Audioasylum and Audioreview among others. I am looking for information like feature relevant to good sound, quality of design, sound quality and long term use potential. I really want to hear from people that have experiences with multiple brands or have done research on multiple brands.

Just as background, I know the background related to the Regas being durable and about their long history and strong reputation. I know that the Rega tonearms are very well respected. I also know that the Music Hall are made in the same plant as the Project turntables and the build quality might be suspect and that the Project tonearms are not as well respected as the Rega arms.

I listen to mostly jazz(Bill Evans, Jane Monheit, Dave Douglas, Charlie Mingus, Stan Getz, Nina Simone, Dianne Reeves, Groover Washington, Yellowjackets, Miles Davis, John Scofield, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitgerald, Dexter Gordan, Gil Evans, Kenny Barron, Don Byron, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hll, Michael Brecker, Keith Jarrett and Betty Carter). I do not know if this helps, but this is what my current system looks like:

Rega RCD 971 CD Player
Bel Canto 1.1 DAC
Rotel RQ-970BX Phone Preamp
Adcom GFP 750 Preamplifier
Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks
Magnepan 1.6 Q.Rs
Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables bi-wired
Acoustic Zen Matrix interconnects DAC to preamp
Acoustic Zen Matrix interconnects preamp to amps
Acoustic Zen MC2 Digital cable CD Player to DAC
Harmonic Technology Pro AC 11 Power cords for Monoblocks, preamp and DAC
resh2001
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...RB300 is considered to be a necessary and sufficient for high end analogue playback. VTA can be aquired in addition if needed. There are Rega rings that can lift up by 2 and 4 millimeters. Any tonearm that you will spend more will not change the sound as much as you would spend more for the deck. Change the cheap internal wiring and phono cable BOOM! you're in the next level.
MMF7 might be good one too(Basis-like-design) if bought without the cartridge or even without tonearm(I've tried a bunch changing one after another on my Rega).
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Coolness factor...the Technics comes in a black version.

I see your point, though. Take a look at the Sota Comet, then. It is very beautiful. They are made here in Chicago Metro. You could get a good used arm for it (SME?). Thanks for reading my posts. It took me a while before realizing the 1200 would be the best choice for my budget. Although it has a resonant aluminum platter (damped on the underside) and chassis, it is surprisingly quiet. Like any DD, it must be properly isolated. I am working on designing a granite shield for it. The silicone fluid damper is what makes the system work right, but I have still to get it. Want new racks first.

Jimbo, the VPI w/flywheel is not my dream table. Technics does not make the high end TTs anymore. If you read posts from people that have owned several megabuck tables you'll find that those higher end Technics are awesome. Of the currently made TTs the VPI is one hell of a beast. No doubt. As for the electric brake, it is extremely convenient for people like me who play lots of records. Just in case, I will not modify the electric brake like DJs do...

Again, the 1200 was designed as a budget audiophile TT. I know it's not for everybody, but should always be considered in the under $1000 category. Especially because it's still made by the thousands and the customer benefits from the economies of scale. That's why they can put such good bearings on the tonearm.

Peace to all.
caterham1700
271 posts
 
Resh,

Re:
"...I know the background related to the Regas being durable and about their long history and strong reputation. I know that the Rega tonearms are very well respected. I also know that the Music Hall are made in the same plant as the Project turntables and the build quality might be suspect and that the Project tonearms are not as well respected as the Rega arms."

It looks to me that you already have the answer to your question.

best,
Ken
jwalkerstewart
13 posts
 
Please don't pay any attention to a Technics recommendation! The new P3 is a big improvement over the old Planar 3, primarily because of the new power supply. The RB-300 is not over-rated; it's a tremendous arm that alone is worth the money. Pair it with a Grado Sonata cartridge and you have a remarkable combination that's somewhat future proof.
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Resh2001-

On the subject of cartridges, if you are leaning toward the P3, their top model cartridge (the "Exact"-$500 or so) would work and it would have the added advantage of having the precisely right VTA and it's 3 hole mounting system makes alignment a no-brainer. Be careful of Grados on any Rega table as they tend to hum a little more.

For most "audiophile" tables, a moderately good medium-to-high output MC would probably be the way to go. (retail of $450 to $700 range.) At this level, matching the cartridge with the arm is not a big factor- most cartridges will work fine with most arms. But before you make a final decision, you may want to check back with other "Audiogoners" to get some feedback.

Most of the major cartridge models have had alot written about them and it comes down to the kind of sound you are trying to achieve. Some folks like a certain range of cartridge for classical and some who listen to another genre will swear by another set of cartridges. Like you, I listen to alot of jazz and acoustic music and enjoy a Benz LO.4 very much. (A high-output version is also made.) It's very quiet and picks up subleties that other cartridges seem to miss. It's not "zingy", so it does not accentuate the slight brightness of my Maggies. A lower price-point with similar qualities would be the Benz Glider.

After reading alot of what folks are saying about particular cartridges, you'll get a feel for what will work best for your application and taste. Determine your budget, but don't buy something on the low end of the budget soley to save a couple of bucks- swapping out cartridges can be expensive!

regards
Jim
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