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MMF-5 vs MMF-5.1

hoodie

hoodie

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hello all,
Is there a noticeable difference sonically between the MMF-5 and the 5.1? I've read all the specs and have been checking the reviews. I can get a new MMF-5.1 for a very good price or should I save my money and pick up a used MMF-5 or 5.1?

Thanks in advance,
Matthew
 
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Hi,

I believe the main reason for the change between the original mmf-5 and the NEW mmf-5.1 is that the cost of a glass platter (exclusive to the mmf-5 only) become too expensive for pro-ject to cost off to Music Hall. They (Pro-Ject) already had the Aluminum platters so it was a no-brainer cost wise... Also, the 5.1 got the arm from the mmf-7 while the original mmf-5 arm was passed down to the NEW mmf-2.2.

I had an mmf-5 and can tell you it was nothing to write home about. Out of the box that thing had problems. Wobbly platter, bad tonearm wiring, and a noisy motor. Took it back and got another that still had a noisy motor...ended up dumping it for the mmf-7 which was VERY GOOD! As far as how the mmf-5.1 sounds compared to the 5...the difference is not going to be night and day I'm sure. If you can, find an original mmf-7 in really good shape and I think you will be happy.

I personally cannot and do not recommend ANY of the Pro-ject's below the mmf-7/7.1 any longer. Quality is very bad and shamefull. On the other hand, a REGA P1 with the GLASS Platter upgrade and an AT120E cartridge will be FAR better for the money BRAND NEW. I would point you in that direction. I have the P3-24 and I have no desire to upgrade or change ANYTHING! Yes, it's that good. You could probobly get the whole package at LP Gear or Needle Doctor and they will set it all up for you so all you have to do is start playing records!!! You will need the 2mm shim with the AT cart.

Joey
 
I don't understand exactly what you're considering, since if you can get a mmf-5.1 for a good price, you don't need to save up more for a mmf-5 or 5.1. Do you mean 7 or 7.1?

My experience with a mmf-5 was very good. I think it's a great turntable. I had motor noise problems, but I replaced it and all was well. The metal platter on the mmf-5.1 is not aluminum. It is noted by Music Hall as an "iron alloy", which means "steel" to me. For that reason alone, I think maybe I'd rather have the mmf-5 than the mmf-5.1. You would have to avoid MC cartridges with an iron or steel platter. However, the 5.1 uses a 16V motor, which means you can put the Pro-Ject Speed Box on it. Also...as noted above, it did get a tonearm upgrade.

I'm going to leave this comment here for context but I think I was wrong about which metal the platter is.
 
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...Bob pointed out something VERY importiant... a meatal platter is used on the 5.1. That is CRAP if you ask me! They use cheep materiles and raise the price. If you are set on the 5, I would look for a MINT 5 and make sure it works 100% before you sign off!!!

Joey
 
The 5.1 sounds great, dynamically balanced alloy platter or not. The upgrade is in the Project arm that came from the mmf-7 and the better cart. My 5.1 has ZERO issues.
 
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Bob_in_OKC said:
I don't understand exactly what you're considering, since if you can get a mmf-5.1 for a good price, you don't need to save up more for a mmf-5 or 5.1. Do you mean 7 or 7.1?

My experience with a mmf-5 was very good. I think it's a great turntable. I had motor noise problems, but I replaced it and all was well. The metal platter on the mmf-5.1 is not aluminum. It is noted by Music Hall as an "iron alloy", which means "steel" to me. For that reason alone, I think maybe I'd rather have the mmf-5 than the mmf-5.1. You would have to avoid MC cartridges with an iron or steel platter. However, the 5.1 uses a 16V motor, which means you can put the Pro-Ject Speed Box on it. Also...as noted above, it did get a tonearm upgrade.
Click to expand...

Where did you find "iron alloy"? I looked all over their site and even downloaded the 5.1's PDF manual, nowhere could I find any mention to the alloy's composition...

The ones I've worked on were non-magnetic and I've set them up with MC's that should have been attracted to something magnetic...

.
 
Thanks for all of your input gentleman. Metal platter aside, the 5.1 has a better arm than the older 5 and they also addressed the motor issues, correct? Can the platter be upgraded? As for a cartridge, the Goldring GL 2200 looks pretty good and I've a number of MM & MI carts to play with. Besides, the asking price for the 5.1 is making it hard to say no.

Matthew
 
RickB said:
Where did you find "iron alloy"? I looked all over their site and even downloaded the 5.1's PDF manual, nowhere could I find any mention to the alloy's composition...

The ones I've worked on were non-magnetic and I've set them up with MC's that should have been attracted to something magnetic...

.
Click to expand...

I deleted my last scattered post in this spot and will instead say I think I got "iron" from Pro-Ject somewhere...not Music Hall...and assumed they're the same metal. This page on the Debut III says its platter is steel:

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut.htm

I have just now confirmed my Goldring Eroica does stick to a Debut III's platter. That aside I still think the mmf-5.1 is a great turntable and I would definitely consider one.

I've been looking around at this I think I just assumed wrong. The mmf-5.1's platter must be the aluminum alloy from higher up the ladder.
 
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hoodie said:
MMF-5.1 on the way. Will post observations/opinion after a few days with it.
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Did you get it with the Goldring 1012x 0r the Goldring 2200? Also, there are a few mods that I think could be worth doing. Speedbox II is the best one. I also think (not sure on this one) that the Project acylic platter may fit (although the stock alloy has no issues). Lastly, if you can't go acrylic then a Herbies Way Excellent platter mat would be nice. If you get the Goldring 1012x it can be greatly upgraded by buying a 1042 stylus.
 
Mark, It comes with the 2200 but I do have a few other MM/MI carts that I want to try with it. A Speedbox is on my short list and I've a couple of materials that I'll fart around with. Akasa PaxMate makes for a great mat and overall sound deadener.
 
hoodie said:
Mark, It comes with the 2200 but I do have a few other MM/MI carts that I want to try with it. A Speedbox is on my short list and I've a couple of materials that I'll fart around with. makes for a great mat and overall sound deadener.
Click to expand...

I really think you'll like the 5.1. Tell me more about Akasa PaxMate. Also, I will inquire whether the project acrylic platter will work on the 5.1. For the cost, it wouldn't be much more than a nice mat and with the acrylic there would be no need anyway.
 
I had a mmf-5 with a Goldring 1042 and when I decided to sell the mmf-5 I moved the 1042 to my new turntable. I love that cartridge. Of course, then the mmf-5 buyer got a rather well-preserved 2200 with it.

Speaking of Pro-Ject's acrylic platter...does anyone here know how high it sits above the subplatter? It seems like it would be a dramatic change over their metal platters.
 
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