Music Hall mmf-2.3: A decent budget turntable with a classic design

In the extensive line of LP players from Music Hall, the presented MMF 2.3 is the “youngest”. The models are manufactured at a plant in the Czech Republic, which has experience in their production since the Warsaw Pact and where LP players under the Pro-Ject brand are also manufactured. The player, as is customary for complex mechanics, is supplied partially disassembled, but its assembly, thanks to the detailed instructions, turns into an additional source of positive emotions. The player has a double disc: the lower one with a smaller diameter is used to transmit rotation from the electric motor (the axis of this disc made of stainless steel rests on a bronze bearing), and the upper one with a felt mat is used to install the record.

The Music Hall MMF 2.3 turntable has a simple design, all elements of which are well thought out. This model is a classic Hi-Fi turntable that requires proper user setup, but is capable of providing very high sound quality. Before installing the Music Hall MMF 2.3, novice users are advised to carefully read the attached description or seek help from more experienced music lovers.

The chassis of the player is made of thick fiberboard and covered with piano varnish (black, white or red), which provides good anti-resonance characteristics. The sub-disc is driven by a belt, and its axis, made of stainless steel, rests on a precision bearing in a bronze case. The upper support disc made of metal alloy is complemented by a vibration-absorbing felt mat. The asynchronous electric motor in the player is mechanically isolated from the chassis using a rubber ring, so its vibrations are not transmitted to the disc and pickup. Music Hall MMF 2.3 has two rotation speeds, which are switched by moving the belt to the motor pulley of the corresponding diameter.

The player is equipped with a straight tonearm, made by injection molding and comes with a branded head, but if desired, it can be replaced with any other suitable pickup. The player has anti-skating, clamping force and VTA adjustments – the latter will need to be adjusted if the standard head is replaced with another pickup from the company’s range. Music Hall MMF 2.3 is equipped with a dust cover.

The player is controlled completely manually, while the turntable’s tonearm has a damped microlift for precise and safe placement of the needle on the selected track of the record. Music Hall MMF 2.3 is equipped with a non-removable cable for connection to a phono preamplifier with gold-plated RCA connectors.

The Music Hall mmf-2.3 LE is a commendable budget turntable featuring a classic aesthetic and standard functionality. It is evident that the developers have effectively addressed previous shortcomings. Despite being an entry-level model, it offers a level of balance that is often found in more expensive devices. While there are some drawbacks, they tend to offset one another, and I did not encounter any significant negative traits that would adversely affect the sound quality. Based on my experience with the earlier model, I can confidently say that this player has the potential to accommodate a higher-quality MM cartridge than the one that comes pre-installed. This is an important consideration, particularly when opting for cartridges that produce a more subdued sound. Additionally, I would like to mention the Music Hall Cork Mat. I typically refrain from endorsing specific upgrades, as I believe each user should explore their system’s sound and make personalized choices. However, for the Music Hall mmf-2.3, this mat is certainly a worthwhile option to consider as a replacement.

Music Hall MMF 2.3 specifications:

Belt drive
Frequency range 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Stereo channel separation more than 20 dB
Channel imbalance less than 2 dB
Output signal level 5 mV
Disc rotation speeds 33.3, 45 rpm
Platter diameter 300 mm, weight 1.7 kg
Wow and flutter less than +/- 0.15% (33.1 / 3)
Rumble less than – 70 dB
Speed ​​deviation +/- 0.9%
Tonearm straight, mono design, length 229 mm, needle entry 17 mm
Protective cover yes
Pickup yes
Clamping force 10 -30 mN
Dimensions (W x H x D) 415 x 110 x 230 mm
Weight 7.8 kg (in packaging)