MoFi StudioDeck vs. MoFi UltraDeck Turntable Comparison 

Always wait a little longer to save for the one you really want. The times I went the cheaper route, I never really loved the equipment or its sound. Pretty much that way with anything in life, bust your ass a little harder, get more creative, whatever you can do to get what you want, you will be much happier, not just with the better equipment, but with yourself for making it happen.

Did you get a chance to compare it to any other turntables? If so which one(s) and how did it sound in comparison?

@@utub1473 ive owned mostly older tables sony ps-x5, x6, a nice vpi with a linear souther arm, pioneer pl-50. The Mofi studiodeck has been a pretty reliable deck, and i use it quite a bit. Not crazy about their preamp studiophono, but the studiodeck turntable kicks ass, imho.

@@scottdavis0801 what pre-amp are you using with it? still the mofi?

@@NahNeverThat I'm using the Schiit Mani phono preamp. I kinda gave up(for now)on a more expensive preamp, after going through mofi, parks puffin, others. I really think you need to spend some serious 💰 to get a better sound!

@@scottdavis0801 thanks!!

Glad it was helpful

How would it compare to Rega? The latest Rega Planar 6 and 8?

@@jondubb35 I've never owned a Rega, but with the reviews I've read I would imagine that they're pretty close in performance. Before I bought the UltraDeck I was considering buying either the Planar 6, or Clearaudio Concept. I decided to go with the MoFi for the 10" tonearm and the ability to easily adjust VTA without using spacers.

What other tables did you use prior to this purchase?

@@jondubb35 I purchased an UltraDeck +M with master tracker cart last summer from MusicDirect. Pulling it out of the packaging, I noticed the sharp edges of the plastic cover on the bottom of the plinth/base. Upon further inspection, I found that plastic plate to have drooping gaps between fastener locations and the points on the corners were hanging down, which is what I felt while unpacking it. I overlooked this slight cosmetic issue, but could not get past the sound. I listened to maybe 3 records, 5 songs total and it was back in the box. Not an exaggeration. I was blown away by how thin and brittle it sounded. I'd done so much research before making this purchase, I was literally heartbroken with the result. Maybe it needed some break-in, but I've never been that turned off by the sound of a new deck/cart before. I returned it for a Planar 6 Ania and I absolutely couldn't be happier for the same $ investment. By far the best deck I've owned. You know how there's always that thing in the back of your mind finding flaws and shortcomings in you equipment that causes you to constantly be searching for something better? I have not even thought about, much less looked at, turntables since owning the P6. That says it all for me. At least listen to a Rega before buying... if you can.

@@mrhoffame I still have a Technics SL1200 that I occasionally use and I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon that I sold a few years ago. The UltraDeck is much better than the Pro-Ject, but the Technics is close to the sound of the MoFi. The UltraDeck has a bigger soundstage and a quieter background than the SL1200, but the bass on the Technics is a tiny bit punchier. BTW - You have an awesome channel! I think I subbed to you about 4 years ago. It's good to see you're still making videos... I need to check in soon to see how the collection is doing:)

Yes, it is one heck of a great table. Here is the link to their site and one to ours as well www.mofielectronics.com/ultradeck-turntable www.audioadvice.com/mofi-electronics-ultradeck-turntable+cartridgetype-MasterTracker~MM and we even have the Master Tracker version in stock and ready to go! Thanks for watching

Glad you enjoyed the review!

I am a speaker enthusiast. I like headphones, but they dont do much for me. Not bashing headphones, I just like the art of Hifi, and playing around with different speaker setups.

@@scottdavis0801 Yep. Headphones can only do so much.

Incorrect. The UltraDeck effective tonearm mass is actually 25.14g.

@@Diatonic5th According Ultradeck manual effective tonearm mass is 35g (+/- 0.5g).

The manual is wrong. I'm not sure why they haven't corrected that error yet. I bought an UltraDeck two years ago and emailed MoFi prior to purchasing, they replied that the actual mass is 25.14g. I had the same reaction to the 35g figure and thought that there must be something wrong with their data. I've used a Nagaoka MP-200 without any issues and currently have a Hana ML which sounds amazing. I think the Hana ML is around 9.5g , so any medium to high mass cartridge should work fine on the UltraDeck.

@@Diatonic5th Thanks for clarifying the issue. I was very puzzled when I found out the weigh of that tonearm, why so heavy. It would've drastically limited number of cartridges.

Great point, it looks too large for a standard ground. If you got the MoFi from us, we would be happy to solder on a larger spade lug for you that would fit. It would just take a few days. Just make a note in the order. Thanks for watching

www.audioadvice.com/turntables/phono-preamps/mofi-electronics-studiophono-phono-preamplifier Thanks for watching

Yes, its right in the middle of the 1.8-2.2 grams recommended force

John- thanks for watching. Just listened to the whole video using Chrome and computer speakers, sounded fine.

@@AudioAdvice ok, thanks!! Btw... I have two questions... First... I keep reading that the connection cable supplied is cheap. Is this true? If so, what you recommend?? Second... I read another comment here regarding a phono preamp. Is the one integrated into my Marantz AV 8802a processor good enough for the ultradeck+, or should I use a separate unit? And, if so, would you recommend one of Mofis units or another manufacturer?? Thanks!

@@johnbutera5805 John- the cable is decent, its probably like a $20-$30 cable, there are some AQ to choose from for upgrades. For the Ultradeck+, we would suggest this one from MoFi, it is really good for the $$$ and would give you MC options later. We have seen lots of people do the Ultradeck, then later upgrade to a very high end MC cartridge as the table can support it. www.audioadvice.com/mofi-electronics-studiophono-phono-preamplifier

Not really. It's the cable inside the arm. It can have a rca end.

Boy if you can show us where to buy a tricked out LP12 for starting at around $1500 we would love to know. Even the basic Scout with no cartridge is almost as much as the Ultradeck with a great cartridge. Thanks for watching

That's a great question. We love both turntables when set up in the proper system. We do feel that the Planar 8 sets the standard for resolution,

We also love that the Planar 8 allows easy electrical switching between 33 and 45 rpm speeds. Feel free to reach out to us at audioadvice.com to discuss how these tables will perform in your system.

@@AudioAdvice Hi..cheeking in from Denmark. I own the Rega P8/Apheta II combo, running it through my Lehmann Black Cube SE II ref. Phono stage, which i all three bought last year. I have been upgrading on my analog equipment over the last decade or so, and wen't from the RP8/Ania combo, to P8/Apheta II. But i'm having a hard time living with it day 2 day, as my musical taste is towards popular music, like rock, pop, electronic, metal, 90's indie rock, punk/hard core and so forth. But i also listen a lot to jazz and Audiophile recordings in generel. As it is with high end gear, it will make you discover a lot more of what's in that recording, but i feel the P8/Apheta combo can be too much of a good thing for me (at least), so i began to avoid those "bad" recordings, and that's frankly bothers me a lot :-( So i now have the chance to do a swoop "for free", where no money is put on the table, and i'm talking about the Ultradeck+M combo (i keep my Lehmann). I haven't heard it yet, and i told my dealer that i will decide on the spot, and therefor taking my P8/Apheta II with me, and then make a comparison in the shop. Or i will take it home with me for comparison, which i think is the best way for me to decide? So from my point of view and the above explained, what would you guys do, and what do you think about my points here? In advance: Thx...cheers from Denmark (btw: the cost of the P8 is almost the same as the MOFI deck here in the EU).

This video was filmed years ago so it may not be current.

For those of us that are able to read, specifications can be found pretty easily by google search. These videos are helpful because they include meaningful information that specifications don’t communicate.

@@cpg8000 not helpful, just over-biased opinions. For those of us who don't kiss youtuber's butts and understand how turntables work, specs and hardware are all that matter unless comparing cartridges.

@@Rob8 Got it. So, you don’t value others subjective opinions. That’s an understandable position- part of me also agrees. Though an auditory recapitulation of specifications that are easily obtained in writing is….for what purpose?

@@cpg8000 r/iamverysmart

@@Rob8 oh, the irony