Music Hall Ikura vs. Pro-ject 2Xperience Classic


Split plinth design vs. isolated motor design.

Alloy tonearm vs. carbon-fiber tonearm.

Ortofon 2M Blue moving magnet cartridge vs. Sumiko Blue Point No. 2 high-output moving coil cartridge.

MDF platter vs. MDF platter.

Stainless steel main bearing vs. stainless steel main bearing.

“Modern” styling vs. “classic” styling.

$1195 vs. $1295.

Is it just a question of six of one and half a dozen of the other?

Or is one genuinely preferable over the other?
128x128twoleftears
You forgot one...

Ikura Butt Ugly and 2Xperience Classic Attractive, especially in Mahogany.

Sorry, couldn't resist. But everytime I see an Ikura, I just can't come to terms with its styling - all that plastic! But that's me.

Seriously though, besides looks the biggest difference is the tonearm/cartridge and the 9CC tonearm and Sumiko Blue Point #2, make the Pro-ject the better table. A friend of mine has one and after enjoying a few years with the Blue Point, replaced it with a Lyra Delos and it sounds wonderful!
I'm quite happy with my white Ikura. I find it dead quiet, and the double plinth design does a good job with isolation.