TT to go with Marantz 4240 Receiver (Marantz v Thorens)?

[schreck]

My dad recently gave/passed down his 70's Marantz 4240 receiver. After giving it a nice overhaul, its sounded better than ever (atleast since my lifetime...). I got the right channel going, got rid of all the scratching and all pots work great.

So my question is... what turntable do i pair with this beautiful receiver?
I have been researching for a while now, and i think i have narrowed it down.


I am looking to spend under $200 (most likely on ebay..or here in the forums), there is unfortunately no worthy tt's on craigslist.

1. Thorens 145mkII, 160, 165 or other similar TD model.
2. Marantz 6100 Belt Drive
3. Music Hall mmf 2.1 w/ new shure m97x - for $190 (shipping included!)


My dilemma is that the music hall is really well priced, the best offer was negotiated and i can take it for $190. My cousin has the same turntable, always sounded excellent. Low maintenance, etc. But after reading the Marantz sounds equal if not slightly better, plus it should hold its value if i take good care of it (which i will). The Marantz will also match the marantz receiver... The Thorens i know are great tables, how would these models rank up? Which Thorens would be >> the Marantz 6100?

Should i start with the music hall which is plug and play, and eventually add a 6100 to my setup once a new auction pops up on ebay?

Any advice would be appreciated. Il sit here turntable-less unless i can get some more directed advice, since trolling the forums just makes my head spin. tehe. THANKS!

 

[Divotdog]

I am a Thorens man through and through, so I would really like to recommend a TD-145 or 160, that said I think that you would be hard pressed to set up a Thorens or the Marantz for $200 with a cart. The Music Hall might be your best option for a starter table.

 

[Divotdog]

BTW, Welcome aboard! :thmbsp:

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

With the Marantz you'd just be buying the name. Not saying it's not a good turntable, but your reasons for buying it would seem to be primarily that it matches. The argument that it sounds "better" than the Music Hall sounds highly debatable. If you're trying to complement the look of the receiver, I'd say go with the 6100, though. It's not an unreasonable thing to do. I once did the same thing...bought a 6100 and then a 6300 to go with my 2325 receiver.

 

[schreck]

To get myself up and running, using a turntable that i feel safe with (couldnt play any good records on an old numark tt now could i...) il probably have to go with the mmf 2.1 since its totally ready to go, new cart/stylus and shipped for $190. I will probably spring for a Marantz the next time i see one too... just need to find more stuff around the house to ebay!

that is.. if $190 sounds like a "steal"/great price for the music hall. what do you think about that price tag. as well as the shure m97x on it?

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

The price for the Music Hall does seem very good, if the Shure is truly new or near it. Shipping turntables is risky business, though.

 

[Balifly]

The Marantz 6100 is a belt drive turntable made by CEC aka Chuo Denki of Japan.
It has an S arm and a standard headshell.
That gives it a wide range of choices in cartridges.
It is not at the top of your list performance wise.
It is deemed very desirable, as reflected in its average selling price.
Here is a picture of one.

You can check the specifications of most of the turntable on that list over at the VinylEngine library.
http://www.vinylengine.com/library.shtml

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

Just now doing a little more research...I sure do like the looks of the arm on the mmf-2.2 better than the one I see on the mmf-2.1.

 

[schreck]

the mmf 2.2 uses a pro-ject arm which looks to be an obvious step up from the arm on the 2.1. I would prefer the 2.2 > 2.1, but at this pricepoint, i am passing on the debut 3, 2.2 or a rega. My only options seem to be this used 2.1 or a vintage table.

its so hard to make a decision. Anyone here have a marantz 6100 they are looking to part with?