• 06-12-2010, 09:30 AM
    02audionoob
    The MMF-5 is back in action
    For those who don't know...which I suppose might be everyone here except MC Chubby, my MMF-5 motor would eventually get hot after extended sessions and would whine. I thought perhaps it was something that could be resolved with oil or grease, but that never worked. Chubbs even sent me a penetrating lubricant to try, but no luck. So I call Roy Hall and ordered a new motor. Here's a photo essay of how I spent the morning...

    http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/...fc6c70af_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/...8a659e71_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/...9c77ca14_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/...07da350a_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/...88d42eca_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/...3ecfcdbc_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/...194a7299_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/...736eedbe_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/...c1d99d14_b.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/...8b8ed4af_b.jpg

    I'll post more when I get them uploaded.
  • 06-12-2010, 09:35 AM
    02audionoob
  • 06-12-2010, 09:38 AM
    poppachubby
    Wow, nice work. Looks great. So no discernable wow/flutter or other issues? Did they send you instructions for installation?
  • 06-12-2010, 10:02 AM
    frenchmon
    Wonderful audio porn....do me a favor and measure the base of the hole where the arm screws into the base from left to right. If its the same as the base on mine, I can use an arm like the one on your MMF 5. The guy at Music Hall told me I would have to drill, but my table has a base like yours. On most of the MMF 2.1's that I saw the arm just sits on top of the base.
  • 06-12-2010, 10:04 AM
    02audionoob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    Wow, nice work. Looks great. So no discernable wow/flutter or other issues? Did they send you instructions for installation?

    Absolutely...there were very good instructions. Too bad they were written in Czech :)

    Kidding aside...no instructions, printed materials or accessories of any kind were included. The original work was covered up in solder globs the size of English peas. I didn't know until I got them desoldered whether there was a big loop, a small hole or even no hole on those tabs. There's certainly no wow/flutter differences...it's a really simple motor. To hold steady speed I think you just need a heavy platter - and 3 or 4 pounds of glass gets it done.
  • 06-12-2010, 10:27 AM
    02audionoob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    Wonderful audio porn....do me a favor and measure the base of the hole where the arm screws into the base from left to right. If its the same as the base on mine, I can use an arm like the one on your MMF 5. The guy at Music Hall told me I would have to drill, but my table has a base like yours. On most of the MMF 2.1's that I saw the arm just sits on top of the base.

    At the edge where the tonearm base drops into the deck it's a diameter of 70 mm.
  • 06-12-2010, 12:20 PM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 02audionoob
    At the edge where the tonearm base drops into the deck it's a diameter of 70 mm.

    Ok thanks.
  • 06-12-2010, 07:15 PM
    Jack in Wilmington
    Very nice job. How long did it take you? Love the platter on your table. Is that original?
  • 06-12-2010, 07:24 PM
    02audionoob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington
    Very nice job. How long did it take you? Love the platter on your table. Is that original?

    I'd guess it must have taken about an hour. The hard part was the removal...especially the solder. That took twice as long as installing the motor. The solder was huge and I had trouble getting it wicked up.

    That platter is indeed original. That's the one thing I like better about the 5 than the 5.1. Of course, with the 5.1 they upgraded the arm and changed from a 120V motor to a 16V motor (which allows use of the Speed Box), so the 5.1 definitely has its advantages.
  • 06-13-2010, 10:44 AM
    Jack in Wilmington
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 02audionoob
    I'd guess it must have taken about an hour. The hard part was the removal...especially the solder. That took twice as long as installing the motor. The solder was huge and I had trouble getting it wicked up.

    That platter is indeed original. That's the one thing I like better about the 5 than the 5.1. Of course, with the 5.1 they upgraded the arm and changed from a 120V motor to a 16V motor (which allows use of the Speed Box), so the 5.1 definitely has its advantages.

    Sometimes progress moves forward and they forget one of the really class features. I've seen some nice aluminum, acrylic and delrin platters. But yours is something else. Any recommendations on a nice mat for the platter? The thin felt one that came with the table always wants to stay on the back of the record when I go to flip it over. Thanks, Jack
  • 06-13-2010, 11:06 AM
    02audionoob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington
    Sometimes progress moves forward and they forget one of the really class features. I've seen some nice aluminum, acrylic and delrin platters. But yours is something else. Any recommendations on a nice mat for the platter? The thin felt one that came with the table always wants to stay on the back of the record when I go to flip it over. Thanks, Jack

    I have found that my cleaning process seems to discharge the records, so I stay with the felt. When the mat sticks to one, I wet-clean it and vacuum it. That seems to solve the problem indefinitely for that record. If you like the felt style and continue to have static issues, you could get a carbon fiber mat at a place like this...

    http://www.sleevetown.com/turntable-accessories.shtml

    If you want something that affects the sound, presumably as an upgrade, you could try a Herbie's mat.

    http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm

    PS: As a crazy but cheap idea, I once cut a hole in the center of a Bounce dryer sheet and put it under the mat. I don't get enough static to really test how well that works, but it seems like a decent concept...however wacky it is. I didn't get any significant static afterward, but I didn't get much before...so who knows.
  • 06-13-2010, 12:27 PM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 02audionoob
    PS: As a crazy but cheap idea, I once cut a hole in the center of a Bounce dryer sheet and put it under the mat. I don't get enough static to really test how well that works, but it seems like a decent concept...however wacky it is. I didn't get any significant static afterward, but I didn't get much before...so who knows.

    It also keeps your LPs smelling like a valley of flowers, or fresh spring breeze, whichever you prefer.
  • 06-13-2010, 01:48 PM
    frenchmon
    I just have to look at this thread every time I boot up the computer....noob your pictures are very addicting.
  • 06-13-2010, 02:08 PM
    02audionoob
    Then I should dig out this classic...

    http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/...955a5a1b_b.jpg


    I like the way the Eroica cartridge looks on the MMF-5, in this oldie but goodie...

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/...e28b7432_b.jpg
  • 06-13-2010, 02:22 PM
    poppachubby
    Yes the pics look super tasty. Where is the Marantz TT now?
  • 06-13-2010, 02:26 PM
    frenchmon
    Awesome... the Eroica cartridge just looks bold and dauntless...like its ready to track anything you throw at him. You still got the Rantz Deck? If you got a pic of it necked...cover off, post it. Those Rantzs are very nice looking.

    frenchmon
  • 06-13-2010, 02:27 PM
    frenchmon
    Hey why dont every one who has a table post some pics....Poppa you game?
  • 06-13-2010, 02:53 PM
    02audionoob
    I couldn't justify having the Marantz 6300 with the MMF-5 sitting right there. It was only a matter of time. I should probably lie about this so no Marantz fans get teary-eyed :cryin: but I parted out the 6300 on eBay. It had cosmetic problems and minor functional problems. I bought it for something like $74 (an auction with problems disclosed), got a few years use out it, and made probably $300 selling parts.
  • 06-13-2010, 03:25 PM
    poppachubby
    Hey no tears here. Ya I'm cool with that frenchie but most of my stuff is in the basement. I'll try some tommorrow if the sun is strong. Lighting is everything.
  • 06-13-2010, 03:35 PM
    poppachubby
  • 06-13-2010, 03:40 PM
    02audionoob
    I like the chair shadows on the EICO. Very nice photo. Like you said...lighting is everything.
  • 06-13-2010, 04:07 PM
    poppachubby
    Are you posting Medium size? Those were large. I thought yours were too...
  • 06-13-2010, 04:14 PM
    02audionoob
    Many times I do medium, but in this thread I've been reducing my photos to 800 pixels wide before I upload.
  • 06-13-2010, 04:37 PM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 02audionoob
    Many times I do medium, but in this thread I've been reducing my photos to 800 pixels wide before I upload.

    Ya I kind of figured they were custom. Great size, I'll have to try that.
  • 06-13-2010, 04:44 PM
    02audionoob
    SLR/flash photo of the Goldring 1042...

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/...c2c339e4_b.jpg
  • 06-15-2010, 04:58 PM
    frenchmon
    Heres one PappaC...more tomorrow

    http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1949/pict0001rq.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us
  • 06-15-2010, 07:18 PM
    poppachubby
    Love the speaker, but it's hard to make out the Rotel and TT. Yes definitely more. I haven't seen much of your gear or room, and I would love to.

    Did you see my Mission thread? I am picking up a mint pair of 707's this week. Opinions?
  • 06-15-2010, 08:42 PM
    Enochrome
    Noob, your carts and rig look great!!!! How is that Goldring? Is it coil or magnet? It looks like it isn't mounted on the Rega. Was getting the new motor installed difficult, it looks involved.

    Awesome pictures!!!
  • 06-15-2010, 08:55 PM
    02audionoob
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Enochrome
    Noob, your carts and rig look great!!!! How is that Goldring? Is it coil or magnet? It looks like it isn't mounted on the Rega. Was getting the new motor installed difficult, it looks involved.

    Awesome pictures!!!

    Thanks for the kudos!

    Actually, there are three Goldrings in this thread. I'm a loyal Goldring fan. The last one is a 1042 (moving magnet), currently mounted on the P5. There's also an Eroica (moving coil), which was at one time mounted on the MMF-5. Early in the thread you'll see the 2200 (moving magnet) currently on the MMF-5. Given that I found what I like, my Goldring cartridges get all the playing time. They track well, have nice midrange and on the P5 have great authoritative bass...a little softer on the MMF-5.

    The motor installation wasn't too bad. Other than spending well over half the time trying to remove old solder, it was actually fairly easy. I probably used less than a quarter as much solder as they did.
  • 06-16-2010, 04:10 PM
    frenchmon
    http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3996/pict0003lz.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    Here's the Red. It has come a long way sense I first got it. I'm sure I have over a humdred hours on it. I wont bore you with audiophile talk. Just know the sibilance has gone, its clear, transparent, is a tad little recessed in mids but never the less its warmer than the OM10. Not as warm as my Elan, but the entry level Elan is not as detailed as the Red. Its a good cart. I would love to hear a 2M Blue...and more upscale Goldring.


    http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8310/pict0008oz.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    This is a shot of my Marantz. Its a universal player and a good one at that It retail at $699 when introduced a few years back. I use it strictly as a SACD. It's very good but it has a few flaws like slow loading. But the sound is great.

    http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/4580/pict0037hw.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    I really like this table. It really does a good job for a person getting back into vinyl after being away for 20+ years. No matter how much I like it, it can only produce to its limits. When first introduced a few years back , it was said that it was an entry level audiophile table. And because it is, then its limited in its arm as well. So I know that it only gets better as I continue to go up in quality from here. But as is, this is a fine table at that.

    http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9056/pict0033yd.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7240/pict0007p.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    To me, Canton speakers are a well kept secret in American audiophile circles. They are extreemly well known and loved over seas. They have very good imaging with a great mid-range and a lively tweeter. They have a decent bottom end as well. They are 14.2" tall 7.5 wide and 10.6 deep. The Frequency response is 38...30.000 Hz, the power handling is140 watts and they are 89 db. They have a silk dome tweeter and aluminum mid woofer and real wood veneer...no vinyl wrap. These speakers have a great dispersion of music and they are not boring at all. These are great speakers and I plain on upgrading to the Ergo series. I forgot to add...if you want a speaker to give you emotion and feeling from your music...Canton is one of those speakers that can.

    http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1705/pict0014ci.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    This is my preamp. Its a pretty good one at that. It has a very nice phono stag as well. It does everything well. At $1200 dollars it better at lease be decent. But last week it really got exposed for what it is...very good mid fi. After listening to a Audio Research LS 15 tubed preamp I felt I really need an upgrade. But until then this is still a good preamp...not bright but not warm...no cutting edge in music at all.

    http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/2885/pict0013zk.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    At 200watts a channel this thing rock very well. Its smooth and never misses a beat...nothing else needs to be said.


    http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2274/pict0012fu.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    This is my baby. This thing is like really good. It comes in two pieces....the right side is the transport and DAC and the left side is the power supply. And there is a third piece that I am waiting for...a tubed DAC. that is said to take it over the top and on par with Musical Fidelity's KW series tube DAC and CDP outfit. The X DAC is hard to come across as people are not letting them go. The three pieces when in production together cost $3K and the DAC costing $1500 by its self.

    http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4718/pict0018lh.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    Sorry about the side way picture. These are my Analysis Plus cables. If you can get past the color these are pretty good cables. They are what hold down the edge from the Rotel. They are a warm and detailed cable.


    http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3010/pict0027s.jpg

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us

    My 2 channel room is in the basement that leads to my back yard as you can see. The gear faces kissing doors that lead to the biggest part of the basement where one of my home theaters. I have another home theater in the family room up stairs.
  • 06-16-2010, 04:24 PM
    02audionoob
    Wow...the frenchmon throwing down some audio porn. Verry nice!
  • 06-16-2010, 04:30 PM
    frenchmon
  • 06-16-2010, 04:32 PM
    frenchmon
    Thanks noob.
  • 06-16-2010, 04:41 PM
    frenchmon
    Any body else what to shoe off their gear? lets keep this thread going
  • 06-16-2010, 05:00 PM
    poppachubby
    1 Attachment(s)
    http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/894/pict0039lo.jpg


    http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/1711/pict0030dm.jpg


    Oh my God!! Frenchie everything looks great. Between you and noob, there's no point. I'm not just talking about posting photos, I mean there's no point in continuing with this hobby. My camera sucks, most definitely. I'll take a crack at some pics tommorrow with the daylight.
  • 06-16-2010, 05:54 PM
    poppachubby
  • 06-17-2010, 03:33 AM
    poppachubby
    1 Attachment(s)
    Threw in some Paradigms this morning. I am waiting to fill the void with the Missions. This pair have nice imaging and mid range but no bass at all.
  • 06-17-2010, 11:23 AM
    frenchmon
    PappaC Do you use that Rantz vintage? I also have Paradigm Towers Monitor 7 v3 in my main home theater....they are not bad at all...I did do a shoot out with them and my Cantons and the Cantons walked all over them. Just two different speakers with two different sounds.

    I also have a pair of Paradigms in my home theater in the basement.
  • 06-17-2010, 01:19 PM
    poppachubby
    Actually the 1515 just went upstairs do pull 2 channel duty in the HT system. Don't ask...
  • 06-17-2010, 01:38 PM
    frenchmon
    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/...b23b584a_b.jpg





    http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/...dd8208d0_b.jpg

    Quote:

    Just getting in a little quality time with Ray Brown Trio and the Marantz.
    That table with the glass platter is just stunning. The arm sorta looks like a fatter version of the arm on my MMF 2.1

    I will like to make a platform like the one you table is resting on if you dont mind?