Turntables without ground wires?

[TeresofBlood]

Hello everyone. I'm looking to get an entry level turntable, for listening and 24/96 capturing. I'll be using the TerraTec iVinyl. I was planning on getting a Music hall MMF-2.2, but apparently it doesn't use a ground wire, but the MMF-5.1 does. Is that correct? The iVinyl highly recommends the use of a ground for the best capture.

Can someone fill me in as to why I may or may not need a ground with the MMF-2.2 or any turntable that doesn't have one. I want the cleanest, hum-free audio capture. I'd love to get the 2.2 for the price, but if I need the ground wire for good sound, I guess I'll have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for the 5.1.

Please advise. Thanks!

[FreddieFerric]

Turntable humming can be quite tricky. Almost no sense in risking it, especially if you don't have a very good return policy on the less expensive table. Without knowing what type of equipment you're planning to connect the TT to, I think most of us would suggest that you get a table with built in grounding.

You could always add a ground wire to the other table should it prove necessary, but then why put yourself through all that...and void the table's warranty in the process.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by TeresofBlood

Hello everyone. I'm looking to get an entry level turntable, for listening and 24/96 capturing. I'll be using the TerraTec iVinyl. I was planning on getting a Music hall MMF-2.2, but apparently it doesn't use a ground wire, but the MMF-5.1 does. Is that correct? The iVinyl highly recommends the use of a ground for the best capture.

A ground cable is required only if the cable connecting your TT to your preamp isn't sufficiently shielded, or perhaps if your TT happens to pick up a lot of hum from the mains (unlikely, but possible). I'd not worry too much about it. But it does give you a great excuse to step up a level or two in terms of TT quality! :-)

[TeresofBlood]

Isn't there anyone who can confirm whether or not the Music Hall MMF-2.2 actually has a ground wire or not? Thanks. I have a big paycheck coming to me, so I want to do this thing soon.