Music Hall mmf-5 vs. Rega P3

...so, as I was sayin'. The P3 or the mmf-5: any more HELPFUL thoughts about these two tt's? I am seriously thinking about keeping my mmf-5 as well (if I can justify the extra equipment and $$ tied up), its sound is just that enjoyable to me ears and me soul. Anybody have any experience with an mmf-5 with a rb-300 arm? That might be the best of both worlds!?
It's Guiness time!

I think it's a toss-up, FWIW. Tweaking these tables is fine and you do pick up something for the efforts. But I don't think either really stands out over it's rival.

If you like the Music Hall I would suggest looking at the MMF 7, which I think is the strongest table in the Music Hall line. You get the advantage of a seperate motor pod, a better model of the Pro-ject arm and a better platter. I owned one for a while and really liked it. There are several things you can tweak; upgrade the tonearm cables, upgrade or loose the RCA connectors altogether, swap the cone feat for some good brass ones. You could probably do these to the MMF 5 as well, but there is a lot to be said for that seperate motor. Watch the used market here and try to snag a MMF 7 used. That is the best bang for the buck IMO. Brand new, I'm not so sure.

I did some research about mounting a Rega arm but to do it right would have meant heavily modifying the plinth. I chose not to do that since I knew I would be selling the table at some point. Granted there are some cartridges that won't mate well with the Project 9, but there are many very good cartridges that will. Now you might just drop in a Linn arm with no problem, but I wouldn't know which one to suggest.

I love Guiness but I have to watch my weight. So it's Jack and Diet Coke for me. Nascar is on!

Dan,
Guiness only has 125 calories! As if I needed another reason to drink it.

Good points on the two 'tables. mmf-7 does appear to be a dandy 'table.

cheers,
-jer

I have the tweaked "Bombaywalla" mmf-5 (see reviews) and a Rega P3 and there's not much difference in sound...maybe the mmf-5 sounds a little better but the build quality & looks of the rega seem better to me. I should get rid of one ( I also have a Pro-ject tt )...this thread may help me make up my mind. I probably will keep both. All tables were bought used here on Audiogon and have been a joy to use. If somebody held a gun to my head (my wife may do this at any moment) and ordered me to keep one I would keep the rega...

I've got a MMF9 and love it! Personally, I think the Music Hall tables are much better suited for the folks who want to set it up properly and forget about it and get on with the business of enjoying music. If you are "handy" and like fidgit about then I think other brands will work better.