MoFi UltraDeck/UltraTracker early review

So, I just received another email from Jon over at MoFi, who has been extremely responsive to my emails. He was kind enough to send a video detailing how to best adjust the angle. He also explained how the pivot stop is to prevent the anti-skate weight from hitting the underside of the weight arm/support.......I get it now.

 

For the Studiodeck owners here: how does the build quality, resonance damping, feel, and fit & finish of the table compare with other tables you've experienced, especially around the same price point? Is it 'plasticy'? Does it look and feel as good as the product photography makes it seem?

 

I would love to hear answers to the above question too?

 

The MoFi UltraDeck has just become a Stereophile recommended component. Congrats MoFi! I got a February issue in the mail today with Herbert Rechert’s review. He was using it with MasterTracker though.

 

I would love to see some more user reviews and user experiences with the Mofi Ultradeck and Ultratracker cart.

 

8 months later and I still love mine.

 

So I'd love to audition one of these along with/against a P6 but it turns out there are no dealers in New England. I got an email from them that they're still "actively growing" their dealer network. Meanwhile, I'd love to hear any more reports...

 

I demoed the P6/Ania/Fono MC combo when auditioning tables. I wasn't able to demo the UltraDeck and the P6 side by side though. I did demo the UltraDeck/MasterTracker and 1200GR/Hana SL side by side using my phonostage.

Cliff notes: All three tables are highly impressive, and do sound different (I did test them each with dealer selected carts). The UltraDeck is the table that made it home, not necessarily because it was the best table conclusively, but because the sound fit my preferences the best. My system/room runs on the bright side, and the UD is a little smoother than the other two. If my system was already laid back, I think I might have gone back for a second demo with the P6 using my phonostage to see how it paired.

I do think if footfalls are not an issue, and you need to factor a phonostage into the purchase budget, the P6/Ania/Fono MC would be a very hard combo to beat dollar for dollar. But when it's just tables & carts on their own, it's a pretty fair fight and comes down to preferences.

 

Thank you @displayname. Footfalls—so the Mofi is more susceptible than the P6?

 

Opposite. The P6 is more susceptible to footfalls than the UD. The light and ridged design of the P6 has it's benefits, but requires stronger isolation. The MoFi on the other hand is significantly more heavy, and comes standard with isolation suspension feet made by HRS.
If you're going Rega, you'll want a solid floor and a solid rack, or a shelf. This was not really a factor in my decision (slab foundation) but it is something to consider if you're strongly considering it, especially if you have floors with a little bounce.

 

Buying from MusicDirect is basically an in home audition. Back in June the ran a promotion that gave you 60-days and free return shipping on MoFi Electronics. I'd call them and see if they would still offer you that promotion especially since there are no dealers here.

 

good idea, thank you!

 

Has anyone compared the tone and quality of the studiodeck against the ultradeck all with stock carts and configuration using the mofi phonostage?

 

I purchased the MoFi Ultradeck in December with no cartridge. I had purchased a Nagaoka MP-150 about a week before. I run the TT through a Schiit Mani Phono Amp. After putting together the Ultradeck and then installing & adjusting the cartridge, I plugged everything in and played a few records. The sound was amazing! The music was rich and full. The soundstage was enveloping and the turntable itself is very, very quiet. I also purchased the matching platter weight, which makes a significant difference in the quality of sound. The table is solid and the platter itself weighs about 6 pounds. It's been about 2 1/2 months now and I can say that the sound is even better than before with about 30 hours on it. I spent all of November researching the Ultradeck, the Clearaudio Concept, and the Rega Planar 6. It was a tough decision as I read only great things about all three. My final decision was based on my love of Nagaoka cartridges. Ever since I bout my first MP-110 about 5 years ago, I love the detailed sound of those Japanese phono cartridges. They also match brilliantly with the Schiit Mani phono amp. The only thing about the Ultradeck is that it will reveal bad pressings. I have certain records that I always thought were on the fence in terms of pressing quality, but now with the MoFi, it will bring out bad pressing so clearly! It will also play great pressings to their fullest abilities! I am not disappointment with this purchase and I'm truly happy with the MoFi Ultradeck/Nagaoka MP-150 combo!

 

Is it easy to change the speed from 33 1/3 to 45 RPM. Do you use a speed control power source?

 

Speed change is easy: just move the belt from one pulley to the other.

The only speed controller I’ve seen that would work is the VPI ADS. The motor needs 5 watts. The smaller controllers (Music Hall Cruise Control) only put out 3 watts.

 

flick of a finger is all needed.