I know that there are some audiophiles who frequent this message board and I’d like your advice. I’ve finally decided to plunk down some shekels on a more serious turntable (currently making due with a Dual 1225). Primary purpose (in addition to basic listening) would be for LP to CD transfer (computer based). I’ve narrowed my search down to three units:

Music Hall MMF-5 (affordable ‘out the box’ completeness)
Moth Alamo X (budget based upgradeability)
Rega P3 (a wee bit of a stretch)

If you have any experience with any of these machines or have another suggestion in the general price range (please I can’t afford the VIP, Nottingham Analogue, or SME stuff yet) I’d like your advice. Thanks in advance.

PS – I’ve checked the ebay board and have decided to pay the extra for new with warranties and the warm fuzzy of getting something that (hopefully) hasn’t been damaged.

Maybe Ars can help out here...

But I haven't noticed a huge difference when I'm going from vinyl to CD - and it could be my sound card on my computer. I use the audio out on my receiver to the sound card.

So Dwill, I don't know that I could offer you some advice specifcally for that...

But if you enjoy listening to vinyl, the new turntable is probably going to make you very happy.

Kat:

Thanks for the reply. I plan on upgrading my soundcard also going from a somewhat dated but still stellar performing Fortissimo II to a Terratec DMX 6 Fire. I have a large vinyl collection and a lot of what I have has just not come out in cd form. I do enjoy vinyl more than cd but no turntable in the car yet . I’ve noticed recently that a lot more vinyl is being released.

Dwill..this is a great, active website for your audiophile needs. You could register and ask the question yourself, or through a search, you may be able to find the info that way.http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=11

Ahhh! I can't seem to be able to post the link.

Anyway, go to www.head-fi.com

Then just go to the Source Forum link and you should be able to find something. Good luck.

People are releasing stuff in vinyl? *imitates Spock* Fascinating.
Let me knowhow this turns out. I'm not looking to make a move yet because I don't have a place to put any new gear. But I definitely want to begin at some point the transfer of a lot of my vinyl to CD. I got too darn many of them. And easily half of them are not available on CD.
(It bugs me that I can get Maynard Ferguson's Chameleon, 1974, Conquistador, 1977, and Carnival, 1978, but can't get Hollywood, 1982, New Vintage, 1977, or Primal Scream, 1976. What's up with that, Columbia?)

Dwill,

Check out a software application called Audio Cleaning Laboratory (ACL) by Magix. It will help you perform basic mastering and audio cleaning. Any of those turntables should be good enough.

Good luck!

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I’ve spent a lot of time at audioasylum.com and Google Groups. The general consensus is that the Music Hall MMF-5 is the best bang for the buck although there are some pretty strong arguments for the Rega P3. SteveH – great site, someone over there posted this beauty:



I’ll be spending some serious time over there. Ars, thanks for the suggestion. Several folks over at Audioasylum use ACL in conjunction with other products and have gotten good results. I’m definitely going to check it out. I’m currently using Goldwave DAE . As soon as I finish building my new pc I’m going to order Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit Pro). FYI – towerrecords.com has over 5000 listings of music in vinyl format with new releases daily. Thanks again for the replies.

Goodness, is that a turntable or a performance car engine?

Thorens Reference I, and for the estimated price of one you could purchase a small SUV. Estimated price $21000 to $25000.