Differences between turntables...

[chops]

As some of you may know, a couple years back I used to own a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB DC turntable. I now own a Music Hall mmf 2.3SE.

From what I can tell, they are identical except for the tonearms. The Pro-Ject uses a full carbon tonearm and comes with an acrylic platter. The Music Hall comes with a different style carbon tonearm with an aluminum headshell and a plain steel platter.

Both use the same plinth, same 15v DC motor, same built-in speed box, yet the Pro-Ject is priced at $599 and the Music Hall sells for $750.

You would think the Pro-Ject would cost more since it comes with the acrylic platter and all carbon tonearm. The platter alone costs $125 if you purchase it (which I did for the Music Hall).

Now I'm not complaining at all, nor am I have buyer's remorse. In fact, I purposely chose to go with the Music Hall because for whatever reason, I think the tonearm on it is better than that on the Pro-Ject, mainly because of the style/design of the bearing on it and how the tonearm actually feels when I lift and and move it about. I could be totally wrong on that however.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone here had more info on the differences between these two tables, and as to why the Music Hall is $150 more.

I've searched and searched and couldn't really find anything. In fact, can't really find anything on the mmf 2.3SE period.

[Mikado463]

interesting, I do believe they are both made by the same company in Czech Republic ? other than platter and tonearm is everything else basically the same ? Do you hear a discernible difference in sound (utilizing the same cart) ?

[Mr Peabody]

I do know MH and ProJect are built in the same factory. I'm not sure if any other brands are as well. Many of the brands models look more different than your example.

I'm not sure why the price difference, could be just name, such as certain Marantz vs Denon stuff, or, could be performance related not seen on the surfnce or detected without knowing what to look for. If you feel the 2.3 sound better, I'm inclined to believe the price is quality related.

[slowgeezr]

The tonearms are different. Who knows about the pricing.

[chops]

...

[chops]

I do know MH and ProJect are built in the same factory. I'm not sure if any other brands are as well. Many of the brands models look more different than your example.

I'm not sure why the price difference, could be just name, such as certain Marantz vs Denon stuff, or, could be performance related not seen on the surfnce or detected without knowing what to look for. If you feel the 2.3 sound better, I'm inclined to believe the price is quality related.

I think that maybe the extra cost might be due to the real wood veneer, and probably the 4 bearing tonearm. Unless as you say, maybe there's some other trickery deep in the bowels of the table that are also improved. I don't know.