MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested

Figured I'd give a quick update here. I've had my UD since 2018, and it's treated me very well. At the start of the year I did notice a little speed fluctuation, which normally means it's time for some bearing grease that I tend to forget about.

After about a week after the grease was applied, I still noticed a slight speed wobble on certain sustained notes. No biggy, guess it's probably time for a new belt. Can't remember the last time that was replaced anyway. Easily over a year, maybe closer to two.

Another improvement, but not 100%. It's certainly low enough that I really only notice it on long sustained notes at the end of tracks. I think a lot of people would miss it at this point. So the next step, I emailed Mofi to ask what the best process and fluid is to add some oil to the motor. To my frustration, they said you can't really add oil to the motor. However, I sent them a message explaining that, and they had a very satisfying response:

Option 1 - they paid to have the TT sent in for a motor replacement. However I would need to pack it up and get it sent out. Which isn't really a small task.
Option 2 - they send me a new motor for free along with a video for how to replace the motor. All screws, no soldering. It's a clip in situation.

I've watched the video, and I have a new motor on the way. I don't know when I'll get around to it, but once I do I'll report back with how the motor swap went. However, I am pretty impressed that they didn't even ask me to pay shipping. Wish me luck!
 
That is excellent! I am still very new to the MoFi UltraDeck. I did a lot of research on ‘tables when the bearing on my 12 year old Pro-Ject table started wobbling. Without getting long-winded, I ordered the (new) UD from The Music Room. It took about a week for their order from the factory to arrive and they could send it to me. When it arrived, there was an issue with the tone arm lift mechanism. TMR took it back, contacted MoFi, and sent me another. That one is perfect!

I am now auditioning cartridges . . .
 
Bohunk said:
That is excellent! I am still very new to the MoFi UltraDeck. I did a lot of research on ‘tables when the bearing on my 12 year old Pro-Ject table started wobbling. Without getting long-winded, I ordered the (new) UD from The Music Room. It took about a week for their order from the factory to arrive and they could send it to me. When it arrived, there was an issue with the tone arm lift mechanism. TMR took it back, contacted MoFi, and sent me another. That one is perfect!

I am now auditioning cartridges . . .
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Did you not get on of the Mofi carts with it?
 
I did, the Master Tracker. But between my system and my ears it is just not ‘accurate’ enough. The cart was not factory-mounted so I do have return options. My default cartridge is the Ortofon 2M Bronze I had on the Pro-Ject. I know it is not a popular choice but it is spectacular in my system. It is probably about half-way through the stylus usable life, so I want to see if I can find an upgrade or simply stay with the Bronze while the stylus is still good. The obvious choice is the 2M Black or, dare I say, the 2M Black LVB 250 . . .
 
No, I ordered the table without a cart as my plan was to install the 2M Bronze. However, being my own worst enemy, I spent the time waiting for the tables to ship back and forth reading on line. After reading one-too-many posts about the 2M medium compliance carts not being a good match for the heavy UD arm (according to the charts and graphs), I panicked and ordered the MoFi cart. It just was not the sound I wanted. The 2M Bronze is wonderful; excellent tracking regardless of the disc and absolutely no resonance issues regardless of the music played. Is it the dampening in the UD arm, is it the anti-resonance materials in the cart body, is it I don’t really have any hoopty records? Don’t know. But that cart works on that arm.
 
displayname said:
Figured I'd give a quick update here. I've had my UD since 2018, and it's treated me very well. At the start of the year I did notice a little speed fluctuation, which normally means it's time for some bearing grease that I tend to forget about.

After about a week after the grease was applied, I still noticed a slight speed wobble on certain sustained notes. No biggy, guess it's probably time for a new belt. Can't remember the last time that was replaced anyway. Easily over a year, maybe closer to two.

Another improvement, but not 100%. It's certainly low enough that I really only notice it on long sustained notes at the end of tracks. I think a lot of people would miss it at this point. So the next step, I emailed Mofi to ask what the best process and fluid is to add some oil to the motor. To my frustration, they said you can't really add oil to the motor. However, I sent them a message explaining that, and they had a very satisfying response:

Option 1 - they paid to have the TT sent in for a motor replacement. However I would need to pack it up and get it sent out. Which isn't really a small task.
Option 2 - they send me a new motor for free along with a video for how to replace the motor. All screws, no soldering. It's a clip in situation.

I've watched the video, and I have a new motor on the way. I don't know when I'll get around to it, but once I do I'll report back with how the motor swap went. However, I am pretty impressed that they didn't even ask me to pay shipping. Wish me luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update. Good to know MoFi is standing by there decks.

My UD is just over a year old and performing well hopefully this continues.
 
Bohunk said:
No, I ordered the table without a cart as my plan was to install the 2M Bronze. However, being my own worst enemy, I spent the time waiting for the tables to ship back and forth reading on line. After reading one-too-many posts about the 2M medium compliance carts not being a good match for the heavy UD arm (according to the charts and graphs), I panicked and ordered the MoFi cart. It just was not the sound I wanted. The 2M Bronze is wonderful; excellent tracking regardless of the disc and absolutely no resonance issues regardless of the music played. Is it the dampening in the UD arm, is it the anti-resonance materials in the cart body, is it I don’t really have any hoopty records? Don’t know. But that cart works on that arm.
Click to expand...
I’ve had the MasterTracker in my ID for the past year. I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a new cart I’m leaning towards the Hana SH mk2. It’ll be my first moving coil cart.

The MasterTracker has been a solid performer for me. Warm and rich with good dynamics compared to the Sumiko Moonstone I have on my Project DC EVO.
 
MindHead1, your comment on the Moonstone makes sense, as the Master Tracker reminded me of my Sumiko Blue Point 2. I replaced it with the Ortofon 2M when the stylus wore out and I wanted to get a higher output than the 2.5 mV. The change from 2.5 mV MC to 5.0 mV MM was dramatic, and it was such a better match for my all-tube phono pre-amp that wants 3 to 5+ mV.

I am in no way throwing shade on the Master Tracker; it is very musical, detailed, and deep. But that forward / accurate presentation of the Ortofon grabs me. It could be my ears just don’t do ‘subtle’. I grew up around farm machinery and then worked as a mechanical engineer specializing in industrial applications. Even with hearing protection, it takes its toll.
 
displayname said:
Figured I'd give a quick update here. I've had my UD since 2018, and it's treated me very well. At the start of the year I did notice a little speed fluctuation, which normally means it's time for some bearing grease that I tend to forget about.

After about a week after the grease was applied, I still noticed a slight speed wobble on certain sustained notes. No biggy, guess it's probably time for a new belt. Can't remember the last time that was replaced anyway. Easily over a year, maybe closer to two.

Another improvement, but not 100%. It's certainly low enough that I really only notice it on long sustained notes at the end of tracks. I think a lot of people would miss it at this point. So the next step, I emailed Mofi to ask what the best process and fluid is to add some oil to the motor. To my frustration, they said you can't really add oil to the motor. However, I sent them a message explaining that, and they had a very satisfying response:

Option 1 - they paid to have the TT sent in for a motor replacement. However I would need to pack it up and get it sent out. Which isn't really a small task.
Option 2 - they send me a new motor for free along with a video for how to replace the motor. All screws, no soldering. It's a clip in situation.

I've watched the video, and I have a new motor on the way. I don't know when I'll get around to it, but once I do I'll report back with how the motor swap went. However, I am pretty impressed that they didn't even ask me to pay shipping. Wish me luck!
Click to expand...
Good luck! However, I continue to be troubled by the reliability issues with the MoFi designs. A decent motor should easily last 30 years without problems. Two other things to check:

1. Check the platter bearing surface for any galling or scratching that could indicate bearing wear. A burr on the bearing could create similar symptoms as you describe.

2. Use the smartphone RPM app to test for excessive wow and flutter. If the W&F is much higher than spec, there could be problems other than consistent motor speed, such as a wobbly motor housing.
 
Bohunk said:
MindHead1, your comment on the Moonstone makes sense, as the Master Tracker reminded me of my Sumiko Blue Point 2. I replaced it with the Ortofon 2M when the stylus wore out and I wanted to get a higher output than the 2.5 mV. The change from 2.5 mV MC to 5.0 mV MM was dramatic, and it was such a better match for my all-tube phono pre-amp that wants 3 to 5+ mV.

I am in no way throwing shade on the Master Tracker; it is very musical, detailed, and deep. But that forward / accurate presentation of the Ortofon grabs me. It could be my ears just don’t do ‘subtle’. I grew up around farm machinery and then worked as a mechanical engineer specializing in industrial applications. Even with hearing protection, it takes its toll.
Click to expand...
Matching the right cartridges to your phono is important - kudos to you for choosing a MM that works better with your preamp.

The Nagaoka MP-300 & 500 also compete well with less expensive MCs while providing higher voltage output.
 
displayname said:
Figured I'd give a quick update here. I've had my UD since 2018, and it's treated me very well. At the start of the year I did notice a little speed fluctuation, which normally means it's time for some bearing grease that I tend to forget about.

After about a week after the grease was applied, I still noticed a slight speed wobble on certain sustained notes. No biggy, guess it's probably time for a new belt. Can't remember the last time that was replaced anyway. Easily over a year, maybe closer to two.

Another improvement, but not 100%. It's certainly low enough that I really only notice it on long sustained notes at the end of tracks. I think a lot of people would miss it at this point. So the next step, I emailed Mofi to ask what the best process and fluid is to add some oil to the motor. To my frustration, they said you can't really add oil to the motor. However, I sent them a message explaining that, and they had a very satisfying response:

Option 1 - they paid to have the TT sent in for a motor replacement. However I would need to pack it up and get it sent out. Which isn't really a small task.
Option 2 - they send me a new motor for free along with a video for how to replace the motor. All screws, no soldering. It's a clip in situation.

I've watched the video, and I have a new motor on the way. I don't know when I'll get around to it, but once I do I'll report back with how the motor swap went. However, I am pretty impressed that they didn't even ask me to pay shipping. Wish me luck!
Click to expand...
That is fantastic support, but doesn't seem like the motor should be an issue at this age. Contrast that to my Pro-Ject experience, which unquestionably had a bad motor (it started buzzing rather loudly after 15 years of service):

They wanted to charge me $75-ish + shipping.

They would provide no install assistance or instructions.

It was "as-is" and non-returnable.

The kicker - they wouldn't even guarantee it would fit, work, or was even the correct motor.

I wasn't expecting them to hold my hand after 15 years, but wow. You can probably guess what brand I didn't bother looking at when I replaced the table.
 
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Angsty said:
Matching the right cartridges to your phono is important - kudos to you for choosing a MM that works better with your preamp.

The Nagaoka MP-300 & 500 also compete well with less expensive MCs while providing higher voltage output.
Click to expand...
I haven't heard one in person yet but the Sumiko Amethyst is getting some really nice reviews. Usual shout out to the Audio Technica VM series. Wide range of style shapes, not too expensive, excellent tracking, and pretty darn good sounding (if a tad bright for some) to boot. Personally used a VM540ML for a few months on a Studiodeck with excellent results.

Edit: Just saw somebody mentioned the Moonstone above, same series as the Amethyst...
 
Angsty said:
Matching the right cartridges to your phono is important - kudos to you for choosing a MM that works better with your preamp.

The Nagaoka MP-300 & 500 also compete well with less expensive MCs while providing higher voltage output.
Click to expand...

I did look into the MP-500 and it has all the right stuff; 3 mV, boron cantilever, and a line contact stylus. I have just never heard any Nagaoka cartridge. If I had run across that one before I found the 2M Bronze, I might be signing Nag praises instead. That line-contact stylus is one of the things that makes the Bronze (and probably the MP-500) so special.

I don’t think we knew how good we had it when, in damn near any good-sized town (even where I was in in Anchorage, Alaska) you could go to the electronics store and ‘hear’ the equipment. I know all the ‘not the same as your system in your room’ arguments, but it was a heck of a lot closer than reading an on-line review and trying to decide to pull the trigger on an $800 cart.
 
Bohunk said:
I did look into the MP-500 and it has all the right stuff; 3 mV, boron cantilever, and a line contact stylus. I have just never heard any Nagaoka cartridge. If I had run across that one before I found the 2M Bronze, I might be signing Nag praises instead. That line-contact stylus is one of the things that makes the Bronze (and probably the MP-500) so special.

I don’t think we knew how good we had it when, in damn near any good-sized town (even where I was in in Anchorage, Alaska) you could go to the electronics store and ‘hear’ the equipment. I know all the ‘not the same as your system in your room’ arguments, but it was a heck of a lot closer than reading an on-line review and trying to decide to pull the trigger on an $800 cart.
Click to expand...
I liked the 2M Bronze, too. Would have purchased one if I had not already laid out more cash for the Hana SL.
 
mindhead1 said:
I’ve had the MasterTracker in my ID for the past year. I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a new cart I’m leaning towards the Hana SH mk2. It’ll be my first moving coil cart.

The MasterTracker has been a solid performer for me. Warm and rich with good dynamics compared to the Sumiko Moonstone I have on my Project DC EVO.
Click to expand...
Honestly, the MasterTracker was great. I was really considering moving to one of the Mofi mc carts, but I got a killer deal on a NIB Hana ML. If I was going full retail, I think I might have tried the StudioSilver for my first MC cart based on my satisfaction with the mastertracker.
 
Angsty said:
Good luck! However, I continue to be troubled by the reliability issues with the MoFi designs. A decent motor should easily last 30 years without problems. Two other things to check:

1. Check the platter bearing surface for any galling or scratching that could indicate bearing wear. A burr on the bearing could create similar symptoms as you describe.

2. Use the smartphone RPM app to test for excessive wow and flutter. If the W&F is much higher than spec, there could be problems other than consistent motor speed, such as a wobbly motor housing.
Click to expand...
I’ll take it one potential issue at a time. I do agree though, I think that’s a pretty premature run for a motor. But I do need to give them credit for not only standing by it, but also presenting options.

Tracking shows that it should be here Thursday, so hopefully I can get it swapped out this weekend while I have the house to myself.
 
Bohunk said:
I did look into the MP-500 and it has all the right stuff; 3 mV, boron cantilever, and a line contact stylus. I have just never heard any Nagaoka cartridge. If I had run across that one before I found the 2M Bronze, I might be signing Nag praises instead. That line-contact stylus is one of the things that makes the Bronze (and probably the MP-500) so special.

I don’t think we knew how good we had it when, in damn near any good-sized town (even where I was in in Anchorage, Alaska) you could go to the electronics store and ‘hear’ the equipment. I know all the ‘not the same as your system in your room’ arguments, but it was a heck of a lot closer than reading an on-line review and trying to decide to pull the trigger on an $800 cart.
Click to expand...
My first cart was an Ort silver, for about a week. Then a Bronze for about a year, then a Black for about 8 years. If you like the Bronze, enjoy a forward highly accurate driving sound and want high output hoo boy the Black is the cart for you. I love that cart, it is so punchy, hits like a truck and has an output so high that I had to get attenuators for my amp to stop the cart over driving it. It is pure rock and roll. From what you're describing I think that is the perfect cart to go to next. I have never heard the LVB but I know it's gotten good reviews. The only reason I moved on from it was I was interested to try out something in the MC world, but I kept it as my backup. It's awesome in my opinion and hits far above it's price point.
 
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Mather said:
My first cart was an Ort silver, for about a week. Then a Bronze for about a year, then a Black for about 8 years. If you like the Bronze, enjoy a forward highly accurate driving sound and want high output hoo boy the Black is the cart for you. I love that cart, it is so punchy, hits like a truck and has an output so high that I had to get attenuators for my amp to stop the cart over driving it. It is pure rock and roll. From what you're describing I think that is the perfect cart to go to next. I have never heard the LVB but I know it's gotten good reviews. The only reason I moved on from it was I was interested to try out something in the MC world, but I kept it as my backup. It's awesome in my opinion and hits far above it's price point.
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@Bohunk - remember, if you start with a 2M Bronze, you can move up to the Black with just a stylus change.
 
Mather said:
My first cart was an Ort silver, for about a week. Then a Bronze for about a year, then a Black for about 8 years. If you like the Bronze, enjoy a forward highly accurate driving sound and want high output hoo boy the Black is the cart for you. I love that cart, it is so punchy, hits like a truck and has an output so high that I had to get attenuators for my amp to stop the cart over driving it. It is pure rock and roll. From what you're describing I think that is the perfect cart to go to next. I have never heard the LVB but I know it's gotten good reviews. The only reason I moved on from it was I was interested to try out something in the MC world, but I kept it as my backup. It's awesome in my opinion and hits far above it's price point.
Click to expand...

Ok; “A forward, highly accurate driving sound with high output”. I have been struggling to describe the 2M Bronze and you nailed it. ‘Forward’ is the exact word I needed. Thank you!

And if I am digging it with the Bronze, the Black is apparently the next step.

I plan on staying with MM as my phono pre-amp and amp both very old-school designs. All tube, 3 to 5+ mV (signal to phono), fixed 47k load impedance, no sub-woofer. I was able to specify the tube choices (PCC-88 w/ 12AX7 for the phono pre and 12AU7 w/ EL84 for the amp). Over the years I have optimized the tubes (like Amperex Holland for the EL84’s). I know that RCA clear top 12AX7’s are best for carts like the Master Tracker or the Sumiko but the 2M Bronze can handle Tungsram (Hungary) there.

So; 2M Black it is.
 
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