Planar 3 versus MMF 5.3

[Facie]

I'm pretty new at this and am purchasing my first TT. I think I've narrowed it down to the Rega Planar 3 and the Music Hall MMF 5.3. I've heard the Planar 3, but not the MMF 5.3 (can't find a local place that carries it).

Do folks have thoughts on the direct comparison of the 2? I'm considering the MMF 5.3 that has a Ortofon 2M Bronze cart. The Planar 3 comes with its stock Elys 2 cart. The MMF is a tiny bit more expensive ($1394 versus $1145), but that's largely the cartridge difference (I think).

Do folks have direct experience comparing the two?

I'm also thinking of running them through a Brio-R amp to the extent that matters to people for phono pre-amp.

Thanks!

 

[justjed2]

The Rega thru a Rega should be almost perfect synergy, and would likely reduce any guesswork about compatibility and sound quality. Not saying the MMF/Bronze wouldn't sound good though the Brio, I'm sure it would, just one of those 'one less thing to worry about' things..

 

[dcmfan]

I think I've narrowed it down to the Rega Planar 3 and the Music Hall MMF 5.3. I've heard the Planar 3, but not the MMF 5.3 (can't find a local place that carries it).

Do folks have thoughts on the direct comparison of the 2?

I had a Rega P5 for a few years and enjoyed it tremendously. BUT - in this case, I'd lean to the Music Hall. It has many more features that I think will take you further than the Rega will:

• Dual plinth construction to isolate the motor from the tonearm (The Rega has a solid plinth)
• Tonearm adjustable for VTA and Azimuth (The Rega tonearm does not allow for these adjustments)

The tonearm adjustments, in particular, will let you use a wider variety of cartridges more easily than the Rega, which will require shims to adjust the VTA.

I had an Elys cartridge briefly and thought it sounded fine, but overly emphasized in the bass frequencies, so in this case I'd be inclined to try the Ortofon.

Happy hunting and good luck!

 

[justjed2]

They do the same things, just differently. The Rega is a little simpler, if that's important to you. I think the MMF5.3 is a better looking turntable, and I like the dual plinth design. Not sure a 2M Bronze is a best first cartridge, tho. I think the 2MBlue with a spare Red stylus for older, less than pristine records might be a better choice for about the same money.

 

[Facie]

Really?

They do the same things, just differently. The Rega is a little simpler, if that's important to you. I think the MMF5.3 is a better looking turntable, and I like the dual plinth design. Not sure a 2M Bronze is a best first cartridge, tho. I think the 2MBlue with a spare Red stylus for older, less than pristine records might be a better choice for about the same money.

I had assumed the bronze would be better all around but haven't heard it. Again, I'm new to this.

 

[Bubbalouie]

If I were you and since you cannot audition the 5.3, I would look online to see if anyone has a home trial. Just so happens that Music Direct has the 5.3 in stock AND they have a 60 day home trial. Get it home and try it out for two months. The one listed comes with a 2M Blue but I'm sure they could swap and include a Bronze for an additional cost. If for some reason you don't like the sound, return it and get the Rega home and see if you like it with another 60 day home trial. I have bought several items from MD and never had any issues. The sales staff is friendly, courteous, and very helpful.

Play your cards right and you could get this home cheaper than their asking price.

 

[justjed2]

The Bronze is better, no doubt. But it's kind of relative, too. Is the rest of your gear good enough to let you hear the difference? The Blue is probably more forgiving of minor tonearm mis-adjustments because of the stylus profile(you did say you were new at this), and will get you probably 80-85% of the performance of the Bronze on the same 'table for considerably less. The Bronze does offer the ability to use the 2M Black stylus, but that's a pretty serious upgrade. The rest of my gear does not justify the outlay, yours may. And if it does, then by all means go for it.

Bubbalouie, that Music Direct offer is probably the one Facie is looking at, they have it in rose-nut with the Bronze for $1345. Yeah, I'd go for that, too...