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New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table

64.122.89.124
Posted on November 4, 2009 at 13:23:44
mhansen
 I got the up-grade bug now that winter is comming. I have Music Hall MMF-7 with the original Goldring Eroica cartridge and am trying to figure out if I should get a new cartridge or a whole new table, something like a VPI Scout.

Oh, I using a Primare phone stage that is very nice so low output MC are an option. I listen to mostly rock with some jazz thrown in.

Thanks, Mark

RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 7, 2009 at 16:57:25
wkhanna
Audiophile

Posts: 181
Location: Pgh, PA
Joined: December 15, 2007
 Hi Mark,
I got my MM-7 used over a year ago. It is my first TT, so my vinyl experience is limited to many others here, but I have heard more than a few others. It arrived with a Grado Green, soon replaced with an AT 150MLX from LP Gear. I love the AT. I run a Carver C-19 tube pre with a built-in tube phono pre section, and Rotel RB-1090 SS power amp. I also added the Speed Box, and noticed improvement right away (well worth the reasonable price, IMHO).

The AT is lively, quick and detailed. Some find it harsh on the high end, but I feel it is detailed and realistic when playing my mostly jazz collection. Rock tends to be on the bright side, but I feel that is more due to the nature of how most older rock was recorded. Massed strings and choral can sound congested on classical, but overall, I’m pleased, as hall ambiance is easily resolved.

The fine line stylus minimizes surface noise (I buy a LOT of used LP’s so this is an important characteristic for me) and this cart can track any test record track I have put it on. Inner groove distortion was an issue the low end Gado, but not the AT. I would like to try a Dynavector 20XL some day, or a Soundsmith SMMC-2 or -3.

I got the MMF-7 as a starter table, and don’t regret it, but some day, like you, I see a VPI somewhere in future.

----------------------------


just an 'ON' switch, Please!
RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 5, 2009 at 19:18:52
tketcham
Audiophile

Posts: 3049
Location: Washington State
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Hi, Mark,

I guess it depends on what your long term goals might be. For me, I stayed with the mmf-7 (with aluminum Pro-Ject 9 tone arm) for several years before deciding to upgrade. I used that time to try a few different phono stages and cartridges. I like the Eroica H but prefer a couple others I've tried. I don't have a lot of experience with lots of cartridges so put my perspective in perspective.

I really like the Dynavector 20XL through a solid state phono preamp and integrated amp with the mmf-7. I'll be using the 20XL on my upgrade turntable as well.

Another cartridge to consider is the Audio-Technica 33PTG. It also mates well with the mmf-7 and is what I'll continue to use with that 'table.

Both of these cartridge are low output, high to medium compliance, and seem to like some damping, at least with my setup. I'm using the 20XL with 2.2K Ohms resistors and the 33PTG with 100 Ohms resistors. But they both sound pretty darn good within a range of loading resistance.

One thing I had to do to use these two heavier cartridges with the Pro-Ject 7 arm is buy heavier counterweights, which can be found at the link below.

Tom
Oops. That should have been HIGH to medium compliance. nt, posted on November 6, 2009 at 07:09:06
tketcham
Audiophile

Posts: 3049
Location: Washington State
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Tom

RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 5, 2009 at 02:02:27
DanWKW
Audiophile

Posts: 469
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: June 17, 2009
 Dear Mark,
What kind of armwand used in your MMF-7? Aluminium or Carbon?

If it has an aluminium arm, my recommendation would be a brandnew Shelter 501. Some cartridges may be too light, or too short for your arm if you really need to parallel the arm with the record surface(on the platter, of course). A standard Shelter 501 should be around 18-19 mm high.

Shelter 501 should have a bit better resolution than your existing cart. Its sound character tends to be a bit warm with reasonable high low extensions. Very good for jazz. Should be OK with rock. Its black body looks cool and matching with your arm, too.

Good luck, buddy.
Dan



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RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 4, 2009 at 13:29:46
Olde Bulldogge
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Location: New York
Joined: September 24, 2007
 I replaced the Eroica with a Benz Glider and it made a big difference in my system. The Eroica sounded harsh and grainy compared to the Glider. I also added the Speedbox Mk II, another great inexpensive add on for the MMF-7. Used Glider's go fast on A'gon but they can be found. There are other good cart choices and I'm sure other inmates will express their opinion.

RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 4, 2009 at 16:52:29
sharpnine
Audiophile

Posts: 102
Joined: February 19, 2005
 I have the same two upgrades (glider, and speedbox) on my MMF-7 and they make a nice upgrade. I think the speedbox may be more convenience than audible, but it's great to be able to switch so easily between 33 and 45. The LO benz glider was a huge improvement over the HO Eroica. If you are considering a Scout, maybe get a glider or some other LO MC cartridge that you could transfer to the Scout if you upgrade later. You might find it sounds so much better you can put off upgrading for a while. My thinking is that the MMF-7 to Scout might not be a big enough upgrade (for me)--I would wait until I could afford a Scoutmaster. I also added the Anniversary Ringmat which lowered surface noise (and made the record clamp obsolete). Overall the MMF-7 can be a very satisfying table.
I assume you already upgraded the RCA interconnects.

RE: New Cartridge for a MMF-7 or just get a new table, posted on November 4, 2009 at 20:09:38
Hi-Fidelity
Audiophile

Posts: 150
Joined: October 14, 2008
 Agree, the Ringmat is a good upgrade. I have the MMF 7.1 and added the Gold Spot Anniversary Ringmat. It really tightened up the imaging.

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