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Music Hall MMF 7.1...cartridge options?

I’m wanting to return to spinning some vinyl after a 20-some year hiatus from an analog source in my system. I’m finding some attractive deals on the Music Hall MMF 7.1 and as a ‘re-entry’ table it fits my budget. I’d like some feed back on a couple of things: (1) general comments the 7.1 and (2) the 7.1 is offered with a cartridge…some ads say the Goldring Eroica H (MC) or the Goldring GL-2400 (MM)…what’s the difference? Or, should I get the table without a cartridge…and then what cartridge would be a good fit? I prefer to buy new…if the vinyl bug really sticks I can sell the newer table and upgrade…or not. Thanks in advance!
128x128mdrummer01
dupzyk
29 posts
 
i used to have that table and i started with the goldring eroica but replaced it with a dynavector (i think dv10x 5 ). I thought the dynavector was significantly better
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
I have loved my MMF 7.1 for several years and don't feel the need to change. The Eroica is a fine cartridge. I routinely check the speed by strobe disc and it is always perfect. The clamp works well. I believe it is a great intro into vinyl for a very good price. I believe it is more important to choose a great phono pre-amp and that it is more important than the platter and as important as the cartridge. I have tried several and have settled on the Graham Slee Era Gold V. Many like the PS Audio. I think it takes as much money for the phono stage as the TT, in my case each about $1000. So, $2000 for TT, cartridge, and phono stage. Lots of opinions out there, this is just one, and I spin more silver discs than vinyl ones but my vinyl setup outshines my digital setup by a wide margin. Have fun and enjoy the music!
eddaytona
216 posts
 
I used a Sumiko Blackbird in mine for several years and loved it till the upgrade bug hit.

Search the forum or my posts for how to adjust the VTA for a different cart on that table.
wkhanna
13 posts
 
I bought a used MMF-7 (not the 7.1 w/ the carbon arm) about a year ago as my first entry into vinyl. I got it for $650 here, and it was the best thing I did in a long time. I then replaced the Grado Green that was on it with an AT150MLX (again found here for $200) and it is just lovely. I like the previous advise about a good quality phono-pre. That is probably as important as the TT.

One other piece of advise I would add. Get a digital force gage (either here or ebay for not more than $55), download alignment protractors from vinylengine or vinylasylum and learn how to use them, and finally, invest in a good RCM like a Nitty Gritty or VPI.

As always, JMHO YMMV
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