Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Music Hall MMF5 Turntables by Dano G

Model:	MMF5
Category:	Turntables
Suggested Retail Price:	$499
Description:	2-plinth, belt driven
Manufacturer URL:	Music Hall
Manufacturer URL:	Music Hall

Review by Dano G ( A ) on May 05, 2002 at 06:32:25
IP Address: 172.160.151.21

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I have enjoyed the MMF 5 for a year and a half now and figured I would try to pass along my comments.
I purchased the MMF 5 via the internet. I had not listened to vinyl for over a decade and based upon a recommendation from a friend, figured this would be a good place to start...a $500.00 TT.
I was immediately impressed with how easy it was to set up this table. I received mine in excellent condition. Using the tools provided and a Hi Fi Test Record, I did not need to tweak it much. The VTA looked good enough and I used a Shure Test Guage to set the tracking force.
I am still using a Monolithic PS-1 and HC-1 as my phono stage.
I was immediately struck with how musical this turntable was. Since using I have barely bought a CD.
Over the past year and a half, I have made a couple of tweaks that I feel have improved the performance of this TT.
1. Purchased a Sorbothene Mat. The felt mat included is thin/cheap. I feel that the Sorbothene Mat keeps the LPs tighter against the platter and slightly improved detail.
2. Upgraded the stylus to the Goldring 1042. The original cart alignment looked good using a paper protractor. However, the 1012 rode very low and annoyingly scraped the edge of many of my LPs. The switch to the 1042 was cheap and easy, and eliminated the scraping issue. Furthermore, I feel it greatly improved both the highs and the lows. The bass appears much stronger and I feel I am hearing a little better detail.
The dustcover is kinda cheap and the hinges started to make considerable noise after a few months. I lubricated the hinges using a graphite powder ($5.00) from an auto parts store. Now it lifts easily and without any noise.
I further think the split plinth is an excellent feature. My house is very old and the floor is kinda springy. I have never noticed any noise due to me stomping around the house etc. I have the turntable mounted on a Vantage Point stand, and it appears to be isolated well enough.
All in all I think this is a good TT for the price. It certainly has some inexpensive aspects, but to keep the price at $500.00 they would need to make some trade offs. I feel that this is a "plug" and "play" TT and would be a great starter for anyone looking to get back into vinyl. I have used for only a year and a half and have not had any performance issues. I will need to whether the construction of the table stands the test of time.

Product Weakness: 1012 rides low
Dust Cover cheap
No RCA plugs
Product Strengths: Ease of Set-up
Good Cartridge
Split Plinth
VTA adjustment
Price

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 4B ST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NAD T760 Receiver
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	MMF 5 NAD 533
Speakers:	Dynaudio 1.8 Mk II
Cables/Interconnects:	Various, Straightwire and Synchestras
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Folk, Country, Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	14" x 14" x 8"
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	18 Months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	1012 rides low Dust Cover cheap No RCA plugs
Product Strengths:	Ease of Set-up Good Cartridge Split Plinth VTA adjustment Price