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New Turntable

Natitude

Natitude

Addicted Member
Looking for info/advice to help me decide which way to go on two tables I’m looking at. Currently running my first table, a Sansui SR232. It’s been a good tt but I’m gifting it to a relative and am ready to upgrade. I want new because life is t allowing much extra time to tinker on an older one at this time (although I know there are great vintage ones).



Two considerations are:



Music Hall Mark1 - ($300)
www.musicdirect.com

Music Hall - MMF Mark1 Turntable

The world's largest online retailer of high-end audio, audiophile music, and accessories. We specialize in vinyl records and turntables.
www.musicdirect.com www.musicdirect.com


Speeds: 33.3 / 45 RPM

Speed variance: +/- 0.9%

Wow and flutter: +/- 0.2%

Effective Tonearm (aluminum)-Length: 218.5 mm (8.6")

Effective Tonearm-Mass: 9.0 g

Overhang: 18.5 mm

Output: RCA Phono

Power Supply: 15V/ 0-0.8A DC

Power consumption: < 0.3 W (stand by)

Dimensions (WHD): 16.3" x 4.6" x 12.6"

Weight: 16.5 lbs.

Accessories: Audio cable, power supply, lid



Music Hall MMF 2.3 - ($450)
www.safeandsoundhq.com

Music Hall MMF-2.3 2-Speed Belt-Drive with Phono Cartridge

MMF-2.3 TurntableThe music hall mmf-2.3 turntable is a 2-speed belt driven audiophile turntable at a budget price. Focus on ComponentsConstructed using high quality components, the mmf-2.3 has been simplified to focus on the critical components: bearing, motor, and tonearm.The Complete...
www.safeandsoundhq.com www.safeandsoundhq.com




power supply 15V / 0-0.8mA DC

universal power supply

power connection 100 240 Volt

50 or 60 Hz

standby power consumption < 1 W

speeds 33 1/3 rpm

(manual change to 45 rpm)

wow and flutter 0.10 %

speed deviation 0.80%

rumble max > 68 db

effective tonearm (carbon) length 8.6 in. (218.5 mm)

effective arm mass 7.0 g

overhang 18.5 mm

product dimensions w17" x d13" x h4.5"

weight 17 lbs. pkg.



So, is 2.3 worth the extra $150 in y’all’s opinion? The 2.3 is stretching my budget to the max. But I’m willing to pull the trigger on it if it really is that much better of a table. They both share same plinth, motor and both have VTA. Biggest difference I see is the 2.3 has the carbon tone arm vs. aluminum on the Mark 1. While the carbon arm would reduce resonance (and look purdy), would it limit my options on carts due to its low mass?



FWIW, the others that I’m considering are the Fluance RT 82, Uturn Orbit and Project T1.



Appreciate the advice in advance and happy weekend!!
 
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Natitude said:
would it limit my options on carts due to its low mass?
Click to expand...
Yes it would.

Look at Orbit Custom with the following options....
  1. Acrylic platter
  2. No Phono
  3. Cue lever
  4. Cheapest Cart
Total $394, then buy an AT VM95ML for it when you have an extra $175 kicking around.

NOTE: I don't think it's an 'upgrade' to your Sansui.... maybe you should just buy the ML cart?
 
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I think the other difference, iirc, is the 2.3's "separately isolated DC synchronous motor." So, motor, arm, and a cartridge designed for that arm seem like the significant differences on their web site. As for judging that value, I don't know what to tell you there. I'm always uncomfortable with "stretching my budget to the max." Perhaps if the cheaper one will reside on a good platform for vibration? I recently made a table purchasing decision based on taking a lower end table because while the step-up was clearly superior in every way, the cost wasn't something I wanted to take on. Could I have afforded it? Sure, but I decided against. To me, clean water, a roof over my head and food are essentials, everything else is a luxury.
 
TheClassical said:
I think the other difference, iirc, is the 2.3's "separately isolated DC synchronous motor." So, motor, arm, and a cartridge designed for that arm seem like the significant differences on their web site. As for judging that value, I don't know what to tell you there. I'm always uncomfortable with "stretching my budget to the max." Perhaps if the cheaper one will reside on a good platform for vibration? I recently made a table purchasing decision based on taking a lower end table because while the step-up was clearly superior in every way, the cost wasn't something I wanted to take on. Could I have afforded it? Sure, but I decided against. To me, clean water, a roof over my head and food are essentials, everything else is a luxury.
Click to expand...
Excellent perspective! To answer the question about being on a good platform, it will. Never had issues with my current table and it has a plastic plinth, so definitely way less damping than the Mark 1 will have.
 
I need to get that Crown to you to try. I also have a couple extra TT you can try. They are spoken for but you could see what the difference is compared to your current set-up.
 
UncleAng said:
Yes it would.

Look at Orbit Custom with the following options....
  1. Acrylic platter
  2. No Phono
  3. Cue lever
  4. Cheapest Cart
Total $394, then buy an AT VM95ML for it when you have an extra $175 kicking around.

NOTE: I don't think it's an 'upgrade' to your Sansui.... maybe you should just buy the ML cart?
Click to expand...
What I failed to mention in original post, and maybe need to go back and correct, I’m gifting the Sansui to a relative. The Uturn is a solid choice as well.
 
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