Music Hall MMF-2.3 Review

Music Hall MMF-2.3 impresses me with its classic design, solid construction, and quiet operation. It features three-point legs for stability, an adjustable VTA, and a high-gloss black lacquered MDF plinth. I find the sound balanced and neutral, with a well-defined midrange, treble, and strong bass, making it reliable for various musical genres. However, it has a few flaws, including a flimsy cue lever and a lack of internal damping, which makes it sensitive to vibrations. Overall, I think the MMF-2.3 offers good value for its price.

Intro

Music Hall thoroughly refreshed the range of turntables. The latest models can be identified by the reference number “.3”. MMF-2.3 is the cheapest of them. It is available in a basic version and three more sophisticated varieties bearing the “special” markings LE, SE, and WH.

The Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable has a familiar design style reminiscent of Pro-Ject turntables, due to their shared manufacturing origin in the USA. However, Music Hall develops its own unique designs, so there is no duplication, even though some accessories in the package are similar.

The design of the MMF-2.3 is simple and classic, giving it a universal look. It features a thick plinth made of high-gloss black lacquered MDF. The turntable stands on three high feet, which allows for convenient adjustment and easy leveling.

Construction & Design

The entire drive system of the Music Hall MMF-2.3 is neatly hidden under the metal plate. It includes a DC synchronous motor insulated from the plinth. The flat drive belt transmits rotation to a small plastic sub-platter mounted on a steel and bronze bearing. To turn on the rotation, I simply press the button installed in the lower left corner of the plinth.

The tonearm is quite similar to the Pro-Ject models. It features a main tube made of carbon fibers, with a permanently mounted aluminum head at the end. The tonearm has an effective length of 8.6 inches, which is slightly shorter than the standard 9-inch ones.

At the rear, the turntable rests on a single foot. I find it convenient to adjust the VTA, which is a rare feature in turntables at this price range.

The outer ring of the counterweight is marked with a scale, which creates a fairly accurate tool in setting the pressure on the needle

The tracking force on the Music Hall MMF-2.3 is adjusted in a typical manner by turning the counterweight ring, which is equipped with a precise scale. The anti-skating system is traditional, featuring a weight and a line. The set even includes a special “fishing rod” to attach the line to the appropriate spindle basin, ensuring accurate adjustments.

Music Hall MMF-2.3 Turntable

• Gorgeous high gloss piano black lacquer finish
• Special vibration damping adjustable feet
• Top tier 8.6 inch carbon fiber tonearm with aluminum headshell
• Two-speed stepped motor pulley for 33 1/3 and 45 rpm
• Full-size alloy platter and felt mat

$595.00

BUY ON AMAZON Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

The motor and the audio output connectors have been inserted under the plinth, so connecting the cables is not very convenient, but you don’t do it now and then.

Audio output connectors are placed below the plinth

The set includes several useful accessories, including an adapter for singles (45 rpm), although changing the rotational speed requires disassembling the platter and moving the belt to another motor drive pulley. The plate is made of aluminum with a felt mat applied.

Assembly

Setting up the Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable is a bit more complicated than its competitors. During transport, the platter, counterweight, and elements of the anti-skating system were removed.

Fortunately, the cartridge comes pre-installed on the headshell. The manual and calibration template encourage checking this, but I found everything properly positioned without needing adjustment.

This turntable setup involves compromise, allowing advanced users to tweak settings to their preferences. There’s no single perfect setup; it can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

The front part of the tube is not flattened this time, the head is an independent element that is put on the tube and screwed

When setting up the Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable, I noticed the cartridge azimuth wasn’t perfect. To adjust it, I simply had to loosen the screw locking the tonearm tube in the suspension bushing. Azimuth is one of the most advanced settings, and ideally, the manufacturer should ensure it’s properly set.

However, the factory calibration of the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) was spot on, and I didn’t need to make any corrections there. This made the overall setup a bit easier, as I could rely on the factory settings for the VTA.

Cartridge

The cartridges that appear with Music Hall turntables are models from around the world, prepared by companies such as Ortofon, Goldring, or Audio-Technica.

The latter provided a cartridge installed at the factory in the Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable; the model called Spirit (Music Hall nomenclature) is an MM construction with an elliptical cut needle (the needle itself can also be purchased as a spare part – someday I will need it), the output voltage is 3.5 mV.

Music Hall branded the cartridges with its own brand, but they are supplied by subcontractors, in this case Audio-Technica.

The turntable also comes with a dust cover, and the hinges work with a noticeable resistance – this is a characteristic sign of the Pro-Ject’s construction, but it ensures that the cover will be held in almost any position.

Sound Test

The Music Hall MMF-2.3 turntable performs with impressive balance and neutrality, offering a reliable and engaging listening experience. It combines the lightness and openness of the Audio-Technica AT-LP5 with the musicality and refinement of the Rega Planar 2. The turntable delivers low-reaching bass that smoothly blends with the midrange without adding thickness. Vocals are well-saturated, with a touch of warmth that does not compromise clarity. The high tones are soft, airy, and shiny, avoiding harshness or stickiness.

Every sound produced by the MMF-2.3 is consistently good, making it a dependable choice for various musical genres. The bass is firm yet balanced, ensuring the overall sound is well-controlled and rhythmic without being overpowering. This turntable’s ability to maintain control and rhythm enhances its appeal, making it suitable for listeners who appreciate a smooth and cohesive audio presentation.

The MMF-2.3 stands out for its excellent build quality and well-matched components, ensuring clear sound reproduction that rivals more expensive models. Its design and damping parts contribute to its high-quality playback, leaving little to be desired in terms of performance. This turntable is a robust competitor in its price range, offering a satisfying listening experience with its precise and articulate sound delivery.

Music Hall MMF-2.3 Video Review

Music Hall MMF-2.3 Specifications

• Power supply: 15V/0-0.8mA DC universal power supply
• Power connection: 100-240 Volt, 50-60 Hz
• Standby power consumption: 1 W
• Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm(manual change to 45 rpm)
• Wow and flutter: ± 0.10 %
• Speed deviation: ± 0.80%
• Rumble max: 68 dB
• Effective tonearm length: 8.6 in. (218.5 mm)
• Effective arm mass: 7.0 g
• Overhang: 18.5 mm
• Product dimensions: w17” x d13” x h4.5”
• Weight: 17 lbs. pkg.

You can download & view the manual here->Music Hall MMF-2.3 Manual

Final Verdict

Overall, there isn’t much to complain about. There are certainly better products for a higher price, but the differences are marginal. For the money, the device gets a clear BUY. In my opinion, you won’t find better value for money anywhere in the turntable segment. I am absolutely satisfied with it and it now adorns my living room as a visual eye-catcher. I can only recommend the device.