MUSIC HALL MMF-2.1 User manual

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music hall
mmf-2.1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
music hall
http://www.musichallaudio.com

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE
You have selected an exceptional turntable. Each component used in the
construction of the MMF-2.1 was selected to provide you with superior
performance and the highest level of sound reproduction available today. We
know of no turntable that costs as much to produce yet sells for so little. The
precise and elegant design of this turntable makes it easy to install and operate.
Please take a few moments to read over the operating instructions to ensure that
you get the best performance from your deck and years of trouble-free service.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
This product is designed and manufactured to strict quality and safety standards.
However, you should be aware of the following installation and operation
precautions:
1. Take heed of warnings and instructions
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the turntable.
Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions. Heed all
warnings and safety information in these instructions and on the turntable.
Follow all operating instructions.
2. Water and Moisture
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the turntable to
moisture or water. If the turntable is exposed to moisture, immediately disconnect
the power cord from the wall. Take the deck to an authorized Music Hall service
center for inspection. Do not touch the turntable, power cord, or plug with wet
hands.
3. Object or liquid entry
Do not allow foreign objects or liquids into the unit. If this happens, immediately
disconnect the power cord from the wall and take the unit to an authorized Music
Hall service center for inspection.
4. Ventilation
You must allow 2 inches (5 cm.) of unobstructed clearance around the turntable.
Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block
ventilation from the bottom. If the component is placed in a bookcase or cabinet,
it must be ventilated to allow proper cooling.
5. Heat
Keep the turntable away from naked flames, radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
any other heat-producing appliances (including amplifiers).
6. Climate
The turntable has been designed for use in moderate climates. Do not attempt to
use below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or above 95 degrees
Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).

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7. Rack and Stands
Place the turntable on a fixed, level surface strong enough to support its weight.
Do not place it on a moveable cart that could tip over. We recommend using
only racks or stands approved for use with audio equipment. See the SITING
section for further suggestions.
8. Cleaning
Please refer to the MAINTENANCE section for detailed cleaning instructions.
9. Power Sources
Connect the turntable only to a power supply of the type and voltage described in
the operating instructions or specified on the rear panel of the unit.
10. Power-cord protection
Connect the turntable to the power outlet only with the cord supplied. Do not
modify the supplied cable in any way. Do not attempt to defeat grounding and/or
polarization provisions.
Do not use extension cords.
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent at severe
angles, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way.
11.Non-use periods
If the deck is to be left unused for a long period of time, the power cord should be
unplugged from the wall outlet and the belt removed.
12. Damage Requiring Service
Stop using the turntable immediately and have it inspected by an authorized
Music Hall Service Center whenever:
1. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
2. Liquid has been spilled onto the motor or into the bearing well.
3. The turntable has been exposed to rain.
4. The turntable does not operate properly.
5. The turntable has been dropped or damaged.
6. Smoke or any unusual smell is detected from the turntable.

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PARTS INVENTORY AND OPERATION CONTROL DIAGRAM
1. 2 x motor transport screws (marked red)
2. 1 x stepped motor pulley
3. 1 x drive belt, packaged in parts bag
4. 1 x sub-platter
5. 1 x platter with felt mat, packaged in bottom of box
6. 1 x tonearm counterweight (located in bottom set of packing material)
7. 1 x tonearm lift lever/cueing lever
8. 1 x tonearm rest
9. 1 x tonearm
10. 1 x dust cover
11. 2 x dust-cover hinges
12. 4 x dust-cover hinge screws
13. 1 x mains cable
14. 1 x audio cable
15. 1 x anti-skating rod
16. 1 x anti-skating weight, (packaged in a pink bag inside the parts bag)
17. 1 x anti-skating hanger
18. 1 x arm lock
19. 1 x belt changing tool (looks like a black plastic key), packaged in parts bag
20. 1 x on/off switch
21. 1 x head shell fitted with Music Hall Tracker cartridge
22. 1 x motor
23. 4 x feet
In parts bag:
1 x 45 rpm adapter
1 x belt
1 x anti-skate weight
1 x belt changing tool (looks like a key)

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GETTING STARTED
Thank you for purchasing the Music Hall MMF-2.1 turntable. It is a 2-speed belt-
driven, audiophile turntable that comes complete with a Music Hall Tracker
cartridge mounted in a high-quality tonearm. The alloy platter runs on a
precision, stainless steel and bronze bearing assembly to provide fluid and quiet
operation. These features combine to ensure that the MMF-2.1 delivers superior
audio performance that will provide years of enjoyment.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
This manual provides valuable information that will help you get optimum
performance from your system. Please contact your authorized Music Hall dealer
for any additional clarifications you may require. Save the Music Hall MMF-2.1
shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for future use. Shipping or
moving the MMF-2.1 in anything other than the original packing material may
result in severe damage that is not covered by the warranty. Be sure to keep the
original sales receipt; it is your best record of the date of purchase, which you will
need in the event warranty service is required.
SET-UP
The Music Hall MMF-2.1 is supplied partially disassembled and carefully
packaged for safe transport. To assemble the turntable, please follow the
instructions carefully.
1. Clear a level (use a spirit level) and suitable workspace to assemble the
turntable. This may be the final playing location.
2. Remove the turntable and all parts from the carton.
3. Remove both red motor-transport screws (1). Keep the screws for possible
future use.
4. Install the drive belt (3) for 33⅓ rpm play. Loop the belt around the smaller
diameter rim of the stepped motor pulley (2) and around the rim of the sub-
platter (4). (For 45 rpm. play, use the large diameter rim of the motor pulley).
5. Center the platter (5) over the spindle of the sub-platter(4) and lower it until it
rests securely on the sub-platter.
6. Place the counterweight (6) onto the tonearm. To do this, you are positioned
in front of the turntable. Orient the counterweight so that the tracking force
scale (6a) is closest to you. Carefully, screw the counterweight

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counterclockwise onto the back of the tonearm. Don't worry about the exact
position of the counterweight or the tracking force scale, they will soon be
adjusted.
7. Remove the tonearm-locking strap (18). Place it in a safe position for
possible future transport.
8. Make sure the tonearm is in the tonearm rest (8). Carefully, remove the
stylus guard (the piece of clear plastic on the bottom of the cartridge). It slips
off of the cartridge by pulling it towards you in a downward motion. Place it in
a safe place for future use.
9. You are now going to set the tracking force. The MMF-2.1 comes complete
with a factory installed Music Hall 'Tracker' cartridge. Acceptable tracking
force for this cartridge is 1.5 - 2.25grams. We recommend a tracking force of
1.75gms. The tracking force scale (6a) on the counterweight has no decimal
point. 10 on the tracking force scale is actually 1.0 grams. 15 is actually
1.5gms. 20 is 2.0gms. etc. To set the tracking force we must first balance
(zero) the tonearm.
The objective of balancing or zeroing the tonearm is to get the stylus tip to
float level with the platter. First, lift up the cueing lever (7). Lift, position, and
hold the tonearm between the tonearm rest (8) and the platter (5). Be careful,
to not allow the cartridge to contact the plinth (the turntable base). With your
free hand turn the counterweight counterclockwise or clockwise until the
tonearm floats freely and parallel to the platter in mid-air. Don't worry about
the number on the tracking force scale. You will soon set the correct tracking
force. Once you have balanced the tonearm, return it to the tonearm rest.
Lower the cueing lever.
We are now going to zero the tonearm and set the correct tracking force. The
tracking force scale (6a) moves independently of the counterweight. Hold the
rear of the counterweight with one hand securing its position. With you other
hand, lightly grip and turn the tracking force scale until the zero is in the
twelve o' clock position (dead center on top of the counterweight).
The tonearm is now balanced and zeroed. Check it, by once again floating
the tonearm between the tonearm rest and the platter. If the tonearm is not
parallel to the platter at zero, return to the previous steps and make the
necessary adjustments. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
Turn the counterweight counterclockwise to 1.75gms(The position centered
between 17 and 18 on the scale). The correct tracking force has now been
set.
Every arm and cartridge combination has an optimum tracking force. This
can easily be set by ear. Increments of 0.1g can produce significant
differences. Once the cartridge has run-in (usually about 50hours of playing

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time) feel free to experiment with a slightly higher or lower tracking force and
pick the one you prefer.
10.The tonearm has been adjusted at the factory to operate with the Music Hall
'Tracker' cartridge and no further adjustments of the tonearm or cartridge are
necessary Set the anti-skating force for the cartridge as follows. Locate the
anti-skating weight (16). You will notice a fishing line attached to the anti-
skating weight(16). Slip the looped end of the fishing line over the anti-
skating rod (15) and into notch number 2. Lift the anti-skating weight (16)
over the anti-skating hanger (17) and feed the fishing string through the
looped end of the anti-skating hanger (17). The anti-skating weight (16)
should now be dangling in free space to the left of the hanger. If it is not
dangling, simply bend the anti-skating hanger (17) by pushing it away from
the tonearm pillar with your finger.
11.Slide the dust cover (10) onto the dust cover hinges (11) on the back of the
plinth. If necessary, adjust the tightness of the hinges by turning the dust
cover hinge screws (12).
NOTE
If you are substituting another cartridge for the Music Hall 'Tracker', you may
need to make the following further adjustments to the tonearm and cartridge:
All cartridges with half inch mounting holes can be fitted. Leaving the stylus
guard on, fit the cartridge to the head shell (21) using the screws supplied with
the cartridge by passing one screw through each slot in the finger lift and the
head shell (21). Snug the nuts.
Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:
white left channel positive (L+)
red right channel pos. (R+)
green right channel return (R -)
blue left channel return (L -)

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To achieve the best sound reproduction, the cartridge must be positioned
precisely in the head shell. To do this, fit the tangency guide (you'll find this in
the parts bag. It's a white rectangular piece of cardboard with black lines) over
the spindle at point 'A'(you may need to punch a hole in the cardboard), and onto
the platter, black lines side up (See diagram below). Remove the stylus guard.
Move the tonearm (adjusted for the correct tracking force of your cartridge) to the
pattern. When the stylus tip of the cartridge is at points 130mm and 240mm, the
front of the cartridge should be parallel to the lines on the pattern. If necessary,
slide the cartridge back and forth until the stylus tip is positioned correctly.
Tighten the cartridge mounting screws.
VTA Adjustment: To adjust the horizontal position of the tonearm relative to the
record plane, lay a record on the platter. Slacken the horizontal adjustment
screws(two Allen screws located near the plinth on the back of the tonearm pillar)
and move the tonearm up or down until it is parallel to the record surface when
viewed from the side. Tighten the horizontal adjustment screws.
VTA like Tracking Force can also be set by ear. Feel free to experiment with
VTA positions slightly above or below parallel choosing the position you prefer.
If you have any further questions regarding the adjustment of your turntable,
please contact your Music Hall dealer.
*Save all packing materials, parts, and screws for possible future transport.
SITING
FLOOR MOUNTING - Place the deck on a small, light, rigid table, e.g., coffee
table. Ensure that the table is level on the floor and not rocking.
WALL MOUNTING - Wall mounting may be preferable when the floor is springy
or when there is risk of damage by children or pets. The shelf should be light
and rigid, and fully supported by, but not firmly screwed or glued to its brackets.
To allow the lid to open fully, a clearance of 3 inches (7.5 cm.) is required behind
the plinth and at least 13 inches (33 cm.) above.

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MAINS CONNECTION
The turntable is delivered with a fixed power cord for 110V/60Hz (13). Connect
this to the mains.
AUDIO CONNECTION
The Music Hall Tracker is a moving- magnet cartridge. Connect the audio cable
(14) to the MM (Moving Magnet) hono input on your receiver or pre-amplifier.
OPERATION
Place a record on the platter and push the mains switch (20) to the 'ON' position.
Remove the stylus guard and lift up the tonearm with the cueing lever (7).
Position the cartridge stylus tip above the initial groove of the record. Gently
lower the cueing lever (7) to drop the arm onto the record.
To stop play, lift the cueing lever (7) to raise the arm and then bring the tonearm
back to the tonearm rest (8). Push the mains switch (20) to 'OFF'.
It is recommended to replace the stylus guard (optional) when the turntable is not
in use.
To play 45 rpm records, first remove the felt mat and platter then move the drive
belt (3) from the small to the large diameter rim of the stepped motor pulley (2).
Do this using the belt-changing tool (19) so as not to touch the belt with your
hands. Replace the platter and felt mat. Please note, for singles (7 inch records
with a large center hole), you may need to use the black 45 rpm adaptor. Simply,
center the adapter over the spindle and set it on top of the felt mat. Place the
single on the platter and play.
MAINTENANCE
The MMF-2.1 is designed for a long operational life. To preserve the appearance
of your deck and maintain its performance, you should note the following points
when cleaning (Make sure the stylus guard is in place before you begin):
PLINTH - The plinth is constructed from medium density fiberboard, therefore it
should not be subjected to extremes of temperature or direct sunlight. The finish
may change slightly with age. A damp cloth or soft duster is ideal for cleaning the
plinth; polish, particularly wax-based, can be hard to remove.
PLATTER - The alloy platter can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
MAT - Clean the felt mat with masking tape.
MOTOR - The motor is equipped with self-lubricating bearings. The motor pulley
should be cleaned periodically to remove deposits of rubber shed by the belt.
Remove the outer platter and belt. Gently clean with a cotton swab or lint-free
cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

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BELT - The belt should last for many years. The belt can be cleaned at the same
time as the pulley. The best way to clean the belt is to pull it gently through a
damp cloth. If the turntable is not going to be used for a long period of time, it is
advisable to remove the belt from the platter rim to prevent stretching.
OIL - The oil supplied for the main bearing provides life-long protection. If oil is
lost from the bearing housing, replace it with a few drops of Mobil 1 or other
synthetic oil containing Teflon.
DUST COVER - This can be cleaned using any commercial acrylic or plastic
cleaners. The simplest approach is to remove any dust with a damp, lint-free
cloth without rubbing and then use a soft duster. Covers are more often damaged
in cleaning than in use.
STYLUS - Remove the stylus guard. We recommend a dry, vibrating-pad
cleaner. Wet cleaners or soft stylus brushes are not recommended.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Supply: 110V/60Hz
Power Absorption: 2VA
Speeds: 33⅓ rpm (manual change to 45 rpm)
Speed deviation: ± 0.9%
Wow and flutter: ±0.15 %
Rumble Max: -70 db
Tracking force: 10 - 30 mN
Effective tonearm length:
9 in.(22.9 cm)
Overhang: .67 inch (17mm)
Platter diameter: 11.81 in.(30cm)
Platter weight: 4.5 lbs.(1.7kg)
Dimensions: 16.75 x 12.6 x 4.33 in. (415 x 230 x 110 mm)
Weight (including pkg.): 17lbs.(7.8 kg)
Music Hall reserves the right to make technical modifications.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
Music Hall turntables are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo
strict quality controls before leaving the factory. If, for some reason your
turntable is not working properly, please take a few moments to review this list of
potential causes.
THE PLATTER DOESN'T TURN, ALTHOUGH THE DECK IS SWITCHED ON:
The turntable is not connected to the mains power supply.
No mains at the socket.
The belt is not fitted or has slipped off.
NO SIGNAL IN ONE OR BOTH CHANNELS:
No connection between the turntable and amplifier.
Phono input not selected at amplifier.
Poor contact or broken connection.
Amplifier not switched on.
Amplifier or speakers defective or muted.
Cartridge not wired into the head shell
Loudspeakers not connected.
LOUD HUM ON PHONO INPUT:
No earth connection from cartridge, tonearm, or audio cable to amplifier.
Ground loop.
Turntable too close to one or both speakers.
DISTORTED SOUND FROM ONE OR BOTH CHANNELS:
Record player connected to wrong input of amplifier.
MM/MC switch on pre-amp incorrectly set.
Dust on the stylus.
Needle or cantilever damaged.
Wrong speed
Dirty or over-stretched belt.
Platter bearing dry, dirty or damaged.
SERVICE
Should you encounter a problem that you cannot solve, please contact your
dealer. If the problem cannot be resolved by the dealer please contact Music
Hall for further advice. Never return a record player without authorization and
without making sure that is it safely disassembled and correctly packaged in the
original packaging. Repairs will only be made under warranty if the unit is
returned correctly packaged.
PACKING DIRECTIONS
Please remove and store the following parts: dust cover (10), anti-skating weight
(16), platter (5), sub-platter (4), and belt (3).

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Fit the stylus guard on the cartridge, insert the red motor-transport screws (1),
and lock the tonearm (18). Package the turntable carefully in its original box
using thick, 1¼ inch Bubble Wrap.
WARRANTY
This entitles you to have the Music
Hall MMF-1 repaired free of charge,
at our discretion, for one year after
the date of purchase, at any
authorized Music Hall Service
Center, provided the unit was
purchased from an authorized
dealer. Your original sales receipt is
proof of purchase date. Music Hall
takes no responsibility for defects
arising from accident, misuse, abuse,
wear and tear, neglect or
unauthorized repair and/or
adjustment. Music Hall cannot
accept responsibility for damage or
loss that occurs during transit.
The warranty does not cover
transportation costs.
CLAIMS UNDER WARRANTY
The MMF-1 should be packed in the
original packing and returned to the
dealer from whom it was purchased,
or, upon authorization, to a Music
Hall Service Center. It should be
sent by a reputable carrier, carriage
prepaid. Do not send the turntable
via USPS (United States Postal
Service). Since no responsibility will
be accepted for a unit in transit to the
dealer, customer, or authorized
service agent, customers are
advised to insure against loss,
damage, or theft.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Music Hall
108 Station Road
Great Neck, NY 11023
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.musichallaudio.com