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Which of these turntables for a new kid in town?

I have inherited all of my grandfathers LPs and I need a way to play them. I've considered giving vinyl a try anyway and this is the perfect opportunity. I've searched the forums and the following turntables seem to come up as good options. I would appreciate your opinions...

Music Hall MMF-7
Audio Note TT1
VPI Aries Scout
Michell Technodec (or Gyro)

They are roughly in the same price range. I don't have experience with vinyl and set up, but I'm a quick learner and I'm willing to invest time. I'm doing this now to try out my grandfathers LPs, but I've had my eye on other LPs too from all genres. In this turntable I would like to understand what vinyl hs to offer.

I like the industrial design of all of these turntables, which I value as an important element. I like the simplicity of all of them. Some are more traditional while others are more modern in their styling.

I know that some of these require more set up than others, but may offer more value in the end. I don't want to spend a lot, but i don't want to feel the need to upgrade soon if i fall in love with it. I will initially be using the truntable in my headphone system, but it will probably end up in my main system someday. While you're at it you can throw in some phono amp recommendations if you like.

Thanks!
budrew
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Either of the later two table you list will suit your needs.
There are lots of others, but since you listed the ones you are interested in, I will leave it at that.

For the phono stage a used Ear-834 or ARC PH-3 are both good phono preamps for the money, IMHO.

Good Luck in your quest for good Analog sound. It is worth it.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Consider the upgradablility of each of the TTs on your list. Based on what most people experience you'll be wanting to improve on your vinyl experience very soon!

I'll second the EAR 834P. They are great units in stock form and really impress after modifications.
dirtyragamuffin
213 posts
 
I don't know the Audio Note, so I can't comment on that. I've heard the MMF7 and it is NO contest to th Gyrodec IMHO. I hear the VPI Scout is an outstanding 'table if you don't mind an unsuspended design. The VPI HW19 Mks III and IV are both very good, too, as far as I'm concerned.

I love my Gyrodec SE and would highly recommend it. Got mine used at a very affordable price...the sound is stunning. As far as upgrades, VPI HWs are easy and relatively affordable to upgrade; Michell also offers good platter and PSU upgrades for the Gyro, and they work very well with SME as well as Rega and Rega-style arms (I put an Origin Live Silver on mine) and of course there are a zillion mods for those bad boys.

My $.02

Good luck!
a_e_watkins
106 posts
 
Hi Budrew

All these tables are good however I will second the nomination of the VPI Scout. This table is very easy to set-up, does everything it is supposed to do and does it well, and the arms with cartridges can be interchanged quite easily (although not cheaply).

I am very happy with mine.

All the best in you choice.

Regards,

AEW
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Thanks for all of the input. This is an interesting endeavor for me. Turntables seem much more mechanical than other components and I'm looking forward to learning more about them. I have not decided on anything yet, but I'm leaning towards the VPI or Michell. I'll see what I can demo locally.

What about isolation? As crazy as it sounds, because of space reasons the TT will initially be on the floor. I want to put something under it to reduce vibrations.
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