Music Hall TT

And what about a Musical Hall Ikura with Ortofon Blue MM to a Rega Fono MK2, Supernait1 and Allaes? 

Based on my understanding that your Uniti2 will power a Stageline I think you're looking at a tidy vinyl set-up for your system, presumably a Stageline N with a commensurate MM cart used as a secondary source.  Why not?

Four years ago I demo'd the (then) Music Hall 5-level TT versus a similar VIP, Rega RP3 and RP6, all with Stageline N powered via Nait XS. All worthy decks. I went for a s/h RP6, at additional cost, for its superior bass authority plus the TTPSU. Music Hall TTs may suffer for reputation on this forum due to the fact that they are not made in the UK. That said, I'd give a demo to the new Rega Planar 3 versus the MMF 5.1 and see what you find. Seems like an intriguing and probably obvious shoot-out of comparably priced decks.

Dear Joerand,

Have you hear the new Planar 3 with Elys2 next to a RP6?

I have tested the new Planar 3 with Elys2 a couple of weeks ago but is suffered from humm/buzz problems pick up by the running motor. It sounded better (tighter, more weight, more open, more transparant etc) than the RP1 performance with Bias2 which i still use!

i quite agree with Joe's comments above -- a Rega/MH shootout is in order!

one thing i will add: i find the Stageline to be underwhelming, and i've had two of them. a Dynavector P75 phono stage, to these ears, sounds a lot more open, detailed, fun, musical, and so on and so forth.

I recommend the Rega Fono MM MK2 which has an open, lively, tight and joyfull character. It is also quiet and has enough gain. It maches very good in a Naim set up.

Robiwan posted:

Dear Joerand, Have you hear the new Planar 3 with Elys2 next to a RP6?

No, haven't heard the new Planar 3, just read reviews. I'm not in the market for new vinyl gear. but if f I were entertaining the MMF 5.1 I'd definitely demo the new Planar 3 against it and since spurrier sucks lives in the US also give a listen to the VPI Traveler, just to get the sound of a comparatively higher mass deck.

Robiwan posted:

I recommend the Rega Fono MM MK2 which has an open, lively, tight and joyfull character. It is also quiet and has enough gain. It maches very good in a Naim set up.

Great suggestion and always a matter of personal taste. I've tried a few Rega phono stages in my system at home including the Aria. While the Regas are bouncy and musical, perhaps overtly so in the mid-bass range, I found the Stageline N powered by a Naim integrated to have greater heft on the bottom end, a truer top-end on cymbals (less rolled-off), more grit, and better long-term engagement for my rock listening. Near as I can tell, spurrier sucks is also a mostly rock listener.

Joerand,

Funny the Stageline always sounded a bit grey to my ears favouring the low mid and mids, had little top end sparkle/resolution and projected too much seperation between instruments e.d. so the overall picture was a bit grainy and lacked cohesion. The low end was always firm and in control. It also was a bit low in Gain, only 35 dB for MM. 

Spurrier Sucks, My assumption reading your post is that the Music Hall MMF 5.1 is locally available and can be be auditioned, and that the Rega brand, for instance, may be a bit niche, and is locally absent.

IMO the MMF 5.1 would benefit from a light, rigid support and will work well with a Stageline N.

Enjoy your records.

Chris

Bump

What happened next?

C.

Christopher_M posted:

What happened next?

C.

Sorry for no update. I decided to stay away from a TT. Going to just keep it digital. It's easier, I mean I'm too lazy to get off the couch, to listen to music by controlling with my iPad. 

Thank you. This is a great shame because there is much pleasure to be had but I understand your reasons.

C.

Christopher_M posted:

Thank you. This is a great shame because there is much pleasure to be had but I understand your reasons.

C.

I've been going back and forth for a few years so it may happen one day. My biggest issue is convincing myself to go with a cheaper TT and not giving into my wants of a more expensive TT. Considering the amount of usage the used MMF 5.1 is all I would need but wanting a RP7 or VPI Scout keeps holding me back. 

Ok, I understand that. The buzz seems to be all about the latest Planar 3 from Rega at the moment. And I can vouch for the RP6 even though I have a Linn. The Scout is completely unfamilar as i suspect it will be to most UK readers.

Chris

 

Robiwan posted:

I recommend the Rega Fono MM MK2 which has an open, lively, tight and joyfull character. It is also quiet and has enough gain. It maches very good in a Naim set up.

Great suggestion and always a matter of personal taste. I've tried a few Rega phono stages in my system at home including the Aria. While the Regas are bouncy and musical, perhaps overtly so in the mid-bass range, I found the Stageline N powered by a Naim integrated to have greater heft on the bottom end, a truer top-end on cymbals (less rolled-off), more grit, and better long-term engagement for my rock listening. Near as I can tell, spurrier sucks is also a mostly rock listener.

same experience here, swapped rega phono Mk 1 for later stageline N. The rega is enjoyable but has a bit of a lift in the upper bass range .Stageline has more linearity throughout the entire range. Not really that greater heft on the bottom  as I have atc scm11 but pretty  noticeable overall and cleaner highs. I cannot but recommend it over the rega in a Naim based set-up. But I reckon the rega complements 'lesser' rega decks better, up to P3 and am told the mk2 is better.

^^^ Guys, this about whether the OP fancies a record player or not!

C.