I'm Stuck, MMF9 vs. MMF7 vs. Scout vs. Space deck


I realize yes the Scout and the Space deck will be the better piece's overall. Currently I am in the market for this range of turntable, however the real problems with the Nottingham and Vpi designs are "No" hinged dustcover... This is a must in my home, with animals running around etc... I realize there is a dustcover for these models but simply a pick it up and drop over style, I do not want this, it has to be attachable. Beyond this my only other option is to Wall mount a shelf and use my 3" thick Maple butcher block under the table to hopefully isolate it resonably about 5ft in the air, this is not an easy option at all, and really do not want to do this, and really do not like all the dust that will be continuosly on the table.

--So part 2 of the question, I am considering saveing a lot of hassel and cost, and going with a music hall 7 or 9 that have hinged dust covers.

--Question 2.5 of this is , are the increases the 9 over the 7 worth it? I have been reading many prefer the 7 still, but I also read the Arms are JUNK, on music hall tables.

--Question 3, I will really never go any cartridge higher than a Dynavector 10x, or possibly shelter 501, so are the music hall arms just completly a waste for running these types of cartridges, can they even sound good? Are the music halls arms really that bad in comparison to the Jwm or Spacearm?

I really do want a scout or nottingham, but also do not want the fortune invested not being in an easy position for use and saftey and do not want to put a cardboard box over it everytime its in Use and not in use.

Thanks I really appreciate the effort in helping toward a simple solution here, mainly if any glimer of hope exists for the music hall's then that may be the best end game for me.
matrix
I have had three of these tables including the Nott. which I still own. Buy the Nott. it is far superior to the other tables. It is not even close. The MMF9 and MMF 7 are not in the same league as the Nott. Do not buy the others, buy the Nott. You will not be disapointed.
I second the Nott - of course it's another $1500. plus carts and phono stages. I would go with the Project if you don't have a lot of money, the Scout if you think that is the level you will be stopping at in hi-end, and the Nott if you think you will get more serious. Even if you end up waiting 8-10 months before yu can afford it, like I did, you get somethig alot more satisfying. Plus a $100. cart and a Project Phone stage will sound alot better on a Nott while you wait to upgrade than they ever will lower down the rungs of tables.
hi matrixi love all 3 but slightly prefer the ortofon super om 30 mm for its wonderful tracking ability and great nearfield resolution. it glided effortlessly thru the telarc kunzel 1812 lp better than the 2 excellent mc pickups.to me the slight difference is demonstrated via heavily modulated passages on large scale symphonic music the unassuming looking ortofon is also a supreme bargain at $159.00 at the needle doctor. if one actually believes a reviewer from a mainstream rag would give it objective print time-i have abridge for sale at a discount for them. the super om30 is a great match for project 9 tonearm on the mmf-7 as well-happy hunting.
I have the Scoutmaster and I simply bought a piece of light cloth to drape over it, with a hole cut cut out for the arc in the anti-skate wire. Done.