Is an MMF 5 a good intro turntable?

[AndrewG]

I see that the MMF2.1 is cheaper on ttvj.com, but I might go a little higher for the MMF5 if it's going to produce better sound as a source. Should I spend more to get the MMF5 or just stick with the 2.1?

Also, how much would a vinyl cleaning machine cost? Any good ones out there for around $150?

 

[britishbane]

IMO its a great entry turntable. If you end up liking the whole vinyl thing you wont be tempted to upgrade as soon as you would with a lesser table. I still have mine after 3 or 4 years and have built up my system around it. Its not my weak link in any sense.

edit: if you end up not liking it the resale value is pretty decent. I'd check out Audiogon or Ebay for used tables locally and save a butt load of money that way.

 

[Publius]

I've had mine for 4 years, and I've never been that happy with it.

I haven't upgraded yet so I can't really give you a better suggestion, but I will say that I'll probably be upgrading to a SL1200. Without KAB mods, ironically, it's a cheaper table than the MMF5.

 

[nelamvr6]

I had an MF-5 before I upgraded to my current TT. I got some great use out of it, it sounded great!

But I'm afraid I can't say it was well constructed. I had an accident, and the end result was that to repair the TT would have cost almost as much to replace it. I think it will probably serve you well if you don't have any incidents like I had, and it will perform well for the price.

But I'm not sure I can say that the difference between the 2.1 and the MMF-5 will be worth the money. In my opinion you'd be better off with a Project RM-5 and you'll save a bit of cash in the process.

As for record cleaning machines, i highly recommend a Nitty Gritty machine. It cleans as well as a VPI, but for a lot less. the only catch is that you have to spin the records yourself.

But that is a bit above your budget. the cheapest one I know of is about $250. But there is hope. You can get a KAB EV-1 for $159, you supply your own vacuum. You can check it out here:

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

 

[gz76]

I expect a Rega P3 will be roughly the same price as the MMF5 in USD, and comes with a good tonearm too. Have you considered Rega?

 

[nelamvr6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gz76 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I expect a Rega P3 will be roughly the same price as the MMF5 in USD, and comes with a good tonearm too. Have you considered Rega?

Another good recommendation!

 

[infinitesymphony]

Does the MMF-5 have automatic pitch control (ex. quartz PLL)?

Do any other entry-level turntables have this feature, or even higher-end ones? I just don't see it discussed very often.

 

[nelamvr6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does the MMF-5 have automatic pitch control (ex. quartz PLL)? Do any other entry-level turntables have this feature, or even higher-end ones? I just don't see it discussed very often.

I don't think that feature is found on any belt drive TT, I know I don't have it on my Scoutmaster.

I think that feature would be rare on any TT geared toward entry-level, and I'm fairly sure it is restricted to direct drive TT's at any rate, though i could be wrong.

 

[robm321]

I started with an MMF-7 and loved it.

 

[meat01]

Quote:

I started with an MMF-7 and loved it.

I believe he is asking about the 2.1 or MMF 5, not the 7.

 

[britishbane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does the MMF-5 have automatic pitch control (ex. quartz PLL)? Do any other entry-level turntables have this feature, or even higher-end ones? I just don't see it discussed very often.

No it does not. Those things are found in direct drive turntables such as the technics mentioned above.

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by britishbane /img/forum/go_quote.gif No it does not. Those things are found in direct drive turntables such as the technics mentioned above.

Dual and older Thorens decks also have pitch control as do most 1970s decks like the Pioneer PL-12.

Modern budget audiophile decks follow in the Rega mold ( Pro-Ject, Goldring, Music Hall) and omit this, but higher end ones with external electronic Power Supplies will have fine tuning usually via a grub screw rather than anything accessible.

If you want this level of convenience then either go vintage or get a modern deck like the Vestax or a Technics SL1200. Both these can be upgraded with better tonearms like the Origin Live or Rega RB250 for giant killing, VPI slaying level of performance.

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see that the MMF2.1 is cheaper on ttvj.com, but I might go a little higher for the MMF5 if it's going to produce better sound as a source. Should I spend more to get the MMF5 or just stick with the 2.1? Also, how much would a vinyl cleaning machine cost? Any good ones out there for around $150?

Get the 5.
When I jumped back into vinyl many years ago I started with a 2.1, but went to the 5 shortly after living with the 2.1 for a while.
The 5 is a much better table and built a lot better.

 

[nelamvr6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memepool /img/forum/go_quote.gif or a Technics SL1200. Both these can be upgraded with better tonearms like the Origin Live or Rega RB250 for giant killing, VPI slaying level of performance.

VPI slaying?

It's nice to have a dream!

 

[lini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelamvr6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't think that feature is found on any belt drive TT, (...)

Dual CS5000 (and all successors based on that model - e.g. CS750, CS750-1, Golden One...): All of these sported belt drive with quartz control (sensor on the platter, hence slip-compensated). Dual was also one of the very few manufacturers that ever combined direct drives with suspended subchassis designs, btw...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelamvr6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think that feature would be rare on any TT geared toward entry-level, and I'm fairly sure it is restricted to direct drive TT's at any rate, though i could be wrong.

Nowadays it is a rare feature on new hifi turntables on the whole, I'd say. And I'd think, with the prices today, one might actually consider the SL12x0MkII almost entry level...

Anyway, back in the day, in the 80s, sporting a quartz controlled direct drive was a typical feature for a whole lot of mainly Japanese upper consumer class tables - e.g. Technics SL-QD33. And if still working correctly, these tables still are very nice for beginners - plus they usually go on ebay over here for some 40 to 70 Euro, and there always are plenty to be found. I'd advise against buying "slighly defunct" units, though - 'cause compared to much more simplicistic designs with less control electronics (e.g. Thorens TD160) they can be a lot harder to repair...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini