If you wind up considering the MMF-9, give a listen to the MMF-7. I think you'll find there's no discernable difference and you'll have some money left over for more records.

What does your vinyl rig consist of now?

If I were you, I'd go with the MMF-7 with the supplied cartridge, but instead of spending the difference on more records I'd add the MF phono stage (about $400) and go into the Adcom preamp at line level. My goal over the years has been best sound for the money, and in this case, I think that is the way to get it. Lots of Luck, whatever you decide to do. Anyone who wants to upgrade his analog rig is all right by me.

I have the MF X-LPSv3 in my system with the companion outboard power supply and I'm very happy with it. I've never had a chance to hear or try the Pro-ject Tube box. The last round of Recommended Components listed the MF as Class B and the Tube box as Class C. My guess is while the performance of both could be bettered by adding money (about $1000), you wouldn't go too wrong with either one. I see it as a Tube vs. Solid State sort of preference, and if tubes appeal to you (and why not), you might want to look into the little Bellari Rolls VP 129. It can be had for about $250 and Michael Fremer (whose jaded tastes you're no doubt familiar with) thought it was great (Feb. '06 Stereophile)! Now, if you go that route and free up a few more budget dollars, I recommend the Pro-ject Speed Box to feed the motor of the MMF-7. That inexpensive little speed box made a discernable improvement in the sound of my MMF-7.

Best of luck. Let us know what you come up with.

I have not heard the Pro-ject RM-9 or Music Hall MMF-9, and because of this, have refrained from replying until now. Tonight, I read a post by Clay in another thread where he mentioned no one else was offering any guidance over here. So, in the interest of promoting a healthy community, I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents, even though I hadn't planned on it because I haven't heard the two decks you seemed set on.

I think Clay's suggestion makes great sense and offers very good value for the money. For a long time, I was considering an MMF-7 or Rega P9 for my analogue front end. I was also toying with getting a VPI Scout. I waited so long to pull the trigger, the MMF-9 came out, and the VPI Scoutmaster superceded the Scout. I ended up going with a Scoutmaster and am happy. Knowing myself, I wanted to leave room for moving up. If you think you might get bitten by the upgrade bug, a VPI Scout might be a good consideration; with this turntable you have an upgrade path to Scoutmaster and Super Scoutmaster should you eventually get more deeply into analogue. I'm very happy with my Scoutmaster.

That said, I don't think you'd go wrong with the MMF-7. When I read Clay's suggestion the other night, I honestly didn't think I'd have anything else to offer because his recommendation made so much sense.

I've heard both, for "many hours" (even in the same system,) and they are "six of one, half a dozen of the other."

Honestly, some discs sound better on one, and some better on the other.

I even heard both with the same cartridge.

You can't lose with either one.

If I had to give an edge, it would be theoretical:

I felt like the Pro-ject would handle a wider variey of cartridges.

Just a "feeling." Can't say exactly what made me feel that way.

If you have a dealer who is more supportive of one vs. the other, shop by the quality of the dealer and take that table.

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That being said...

Take Jeff's advice about choosing a table that's upgradable - for the same initial dollars.

Also, do yourself a favor and check the SOTA line.

They specialize in quiet and "black" backgrounds and good "pace."

I know that sounds nebulous, but it's the best vocabulary I got tonight.

Cheers.

My buddy, Big Mike, has been on that HW19 table upgrade path for some time now, and his table sounds killer.

Really a nice choice.