MUSIC HALL mmf-5.1se User manual

music hall
mmf-5.1se
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
music hall
http://www.musichallaudio.com
august 2007

2
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE
You have selected an exceptional turntable. Each component used in the construction
of the mmf-5.1se 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
turntable 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. Heat
Keep the turntable away from naked flames, radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any
other heat-producing appliances (including amplifiers).
5. 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).
6. Racks 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 only using stands
approved for use with audio equipment. See the SITING section for further
suggestions.

3
7. Cleaning
Please refer to the MAINTENANCE section for detailed cleaning instructions.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10.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.
11.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.

4

5
Parts Inventory and Operation Control Diagram
1. 3 x removable transport screws
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 (packaged in carton foam) with attached tracking force
scale (6a)
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 wire connected to wall transformer (in a small white box set into the
underside of the packing foam)
14. 1 x audio cable
15. 1 x anti-skating rod
16. 1 x anti-skating weight (packaged inside the parts bag)
17. 1 x anti-skating hanger
18. 1 x removable tonearm locking strap or tie
19. 1 x belt changing tool (packaged in parts bag)
20. 1 x mains switch
21. 1 x headshell fitted with a Goldring cartridge
22. 1 x motor
23. 2 x threaded screws
24. bubble level
25. adjustable feet (mmf-7.1 foot pictured)
26. spike protectors (used on mmf-7.1)
27. turntable output connectors
Parts bag includes:
1 x 45 rpm adapter
1 x drive belt (3)
1 x anti-skate weight (16) (tiny weight attached to small piece of fishing line)
1 x belt changing tool (19)
1 x Allen Key to adjust tonearm VTA
1 x high quality interconnect cable (14)
1 x record clamp
1 x cartridge alignment guide
1 x instruction manual
1pr. x white gloves

6
GETTING STARTED
Thank you for purchasing the music hall mmf-5.1se turntable. The music hall mmf-
5.1se turntable is a 2-speed, belt driven turntable with many singular features.
THE SPLIT-PLINTH
The plinth has three adjustable vibration dampening feet. A spirit level is incorporated
on the top platform. The top platform is a real wood walnut veneer over medium density
fiberboard. The two platforms of the plinth are separated by four Sorbothane
hemispheres, which act as a suspension and isolation system. External phono sockets
are attached to the bottom platform. A high quality interconnect is supplied. The 2-
speed synchronous motor, switch, wiring and electrical parts are on the bottom plinth
while the critical sound reproducing components, the bearing, arm and cartridge are
mounted on the top platform.
THE PLATTER
The platter and felt mat sit on a high quality, stainless steel ball bearing sheathed in
Teflon providing fluid and noise-free operation. The bearing assembly comes pre-
charged with lubricant. A metal screw-on record clamp is standard equipment as is the
round spirit level.
THE ARM
The effective length of the tonearm is nine and a half inches. This allows for a very
shallow tracking arc on the record thus reducing distortion. The tonearm comes
mounted with an exceptional Goldring moving magnet cartridge. The diamond stylus is
a Gyger-1 fine line-contact type, which provides increased resolution and ensures the
maximum accuracy of musical reproduction. These features combine to ensure that the
mmf-5.1se 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-5.1se shipping carton and
all enclosed packing material for future use. Shipping or moving the mmf-5.1se 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.

7
SET-UP
The music hall mmf-5.1se 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 the 3 transport screws (1) from the turntable and save for future use.
4. Screw the three feet (25) (included in parts bag) onto the bottom of the turntable.
Screw two of the feet onto the threaded posts (23) near the front of the turntable.
The third foot, with threaded post attached, is the rear foot.
5. Level the turntable by adjusting the feet (25). Use the bubble level (24) for this
purpose.
6. Center the platter (5) over the spindle of the sub-platter (4) and lower it until it rests
securely on the sub-platter (4).
7. 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
45rpm play, use the large diameter rim of the motor pulley).
8. Place the counterweight (6) onto the tonearm (9). To do this, position yourself in
front of the turntable. Hold the counterweight (6) so that the numbers are nearer
you. Carefully, screw the counterweight (6) counterclockwise onto the back of the
tonearm (9). Position it about midway on the post.
9. Remove the tonearm-locking strap or tie (18). Save it for future use.
10.Make sure the tonearm (9) is in the tonearm rest (8). Carefully, remove the stylus
guard if fitted (the piece of clear plastic on the bottom of the cartridge). It slips off of
the cartridge by pulling it towards you in a slight downward motion. Save it for future
use.
11.You will now set the cartridge tracking force. The mmf-5.1se comes complete with a
factory installed Goldring cartridge. We recommend a tracking force of 1.75g.
Please note; the tracking force scale (6a) on the counterweight (6) has no decimal
point. 10 on the tracking force scale (6a) is actually 1.0 g. 15 is actually 1.5g, etc.

8
1.75 g is between 17 and 18g on the scale (6a). To set the tracking force you must
first balance (zero) the tonearm (9).
The objective of balancing or zeroing the tonearm is to get the tonearm to float
parallel to the platter.
First, lower the cueing lever (7).
Using your left hand, lift, position, and hold the tonearm (9) between the tonearm
rest (8) and the platter (5). To avoid damage, be careful not to 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, without the aid of your hand, in mid-air and parallel to the
platter. Don't worry about the number on the tracking force scale, you will soon
calibrate and set it properly. Once you have balanced the tonearm, return it to the
tonearm rest.
You are now going to set the ring with numbers on the counterweight to zero. This
is called the tracking force scale.
The tracking force scale (6a) turns independently of the counterweight.
IMPORTANT
With your right hand hold the rear part of the counterweight to make sure that
it does not move.
With your left hand, lightly grip and turn the tracking force scale until the number
zero is in the twelve o' clock position (dead center on top of the counterweight).
The tonearm is now zeroed. Check it, by once again floating the tonearm between
the tonearm rest and the platter. If the tonearm doesn’t float parallel to the platter at
zero, return to the previous steps and make the necessary adjustments.
Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
IMPORTANT
Do not touch the tracking force scale again.
Turn the counterweight counterclockwise with your right hand.
You will notice that the tracking force scale will also turn.
Turn it through numbers 5, 10, 15 to the position centered between 17 and 18 on the
scale). This is equivalent to 1.75 grams. 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 24 -50 hours of playing time) feel free to
experiment with a slightly higher or lower tracking force and pick the one you prefer.

9
12. Locate the anti-skating weight (16). You will notice a small 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 (See diagram below). 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.
13.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 supplied Goldring, you may need to
make the following further adjustments to the tonearm (9) and cartridge:
If you are a novice, music hall recommends getting professional help.
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 (9) 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 -)
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’ and
onto the platter, black lines side up (See diagram below). Remove the stylus guard.

10
Move the tonearm (9) (adjusted for the correct tracking force of your cartridge) to the
pattern. When the stylus tip of the cartridge is at points 130mm and 250mm, 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: The VTA for the installed Goldring cartridge has been properly set at
the factory. To adjust the VTA for other cartridges, lay a record on the platter (5).
Slacken the horizontal adjustment screws (two Allen screws located near the plinth on
the back of the tonearm pillar) with the Allen Key provided.
IMPORTANT.
Do not loosen the vertical screws that hold the anti skate arm to the base.
Move the tonearm (9) 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 and choose the position you prefer.
If you have any further questions regarding the adjustment of your turntable, please
contact your music hall dealer.
Azimuth Adjustment: Azimuth is the angle of the stylus to the record groove. Viewed
from head-on, you want the stylus to be perpendicular to the record groove so as to not
favor one channel over the other. Keep in mind that azimuth is properly set at the
factory and rarely needs to be adjusted. You can check the azimuth by performing a
visual inspection. Place the tonearm (9) in the middle of a non-spinning record and look
to see that the stylus is perpendicular to the record groove. If it is off to one side or the
other, you will need to adjust the azimuth. To adjust azimuth, simply loosen the
setscrew located on the top of the tonearm (9) under the anti-skating rod (15). To
adjust the setscrew, you will need to first remove the anti-skating rod (15). Start with
the tonearm (9) in the tonearm rest (8). Remove the anti-skating weight (16) from the
anti-skating rod (15). Hold the anti-skating rod (15) between your thumb and forefinger
and unscrew it using a clockwise rotation. Lift the tonearm (9) up about 2 –3 inches out
of the tonearm rest (8). Look carefully on top of the tonearm (9) near the area
previously occupied by the anti-skating rod (15). You will see a small setscrew. Slightly
loosen this screw. This will loosen the tonearm (9) and allow you to twist it from side to
side. Position the tonearm (9) so that the stylus is perpendicular to the record groove.
Tighten the setscrew. Replace the anti-skating rod (15) and anti-skating weight (16).
Listen. You are listening for a balanced soundstage with the greatest area and depth.