Greetings, I'm currently using a Micro Seiki Solid 5 in "like new" condition that I purchased in 1975. Works perfectly, but I'm looking to purchase a new turntable for around $2000. I almost purchased a VPI Classic in excellent used condition, but came across the Amari Lp-22s & FFYX TB25MK3 & now I'm undecided. Anyone looking to buy a Micro Seiki Solid 5? Thanks, Bob
-
Feeling lucky? Check out the AK 24th Anniversary Giveaway thread and join in the fun!
Confused Newbie & Turntables
- Thread starter Bob Zeman
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Athalwolf
Addicted Member
What cartridge are you using?
Crab33
Super Member
What are your reasons to change the turntable? The Micro Seiki looks nice but your cartridge is quite a modest one. Have you thought about upgrading the cartridge. If you like the sound of the Nagaoka, perhaps to a Nagaoka MP-200 or above?
I must admit that in terms of style, I prefer the Micro Seiki, although the VPI Classic looks nice. The others look too industrial for me.
I must admit that in terms of style, I prefer the Micro Seiki, although the VPI Classic looks nice. The others look too industrial for me.
I agree with the cart upgrade.....far more impact for the money spent than a TT. The MP200, MP300, MP500 - all increasingly outstanding.
If the TT upgrades significantly, you'll still probably want a new cart that's worthy of the new TT, and that's a good match for the tonearm. Once that happens, you'll likely look into your phono section to see if that's worthy....rinse and repeat with speakers, amps, wires. It never ends, which is why folks are suggest that a good cart could breath new life into the sound of your system for much less.
If the TT upgrades significantly, you'll still probably want a new cart that's worthy of the new TT, and that's a good match for the tonearm. Once that happens, you'll likely look into your phono section to see if that's worthy....rinse and repeat with speakers, amps, wires. It never ends, which is why folks are suggest that a good cart could breath new life into the sound of your system for much less.
Last edited:
My question was : I'm looking to purchase a new turntable for around $2000. I almost purchased a VPI Classic in excellent used condition, but came across the Amari Lp-22s & FFYX TB25MK3 & now I'm undecided. Anyone looking to buy a Micro Seiki Solid 5? I guess after having the Micro-Seiki for 45 years it looks old compared to the turntables of today. I will keep the JBL 4311wx's. That brings up the SAE 5000a & the Burwen DNF 1201. Sell? I just turned 67 on the 20th of July & some days I want to sell & other days keep. Maybe you old guys out there understand.
Thanks,
Thanks,
No need to spend so much for a big step up, another Well Tempered Lab Turntable just sold for around $800, that makes 5 in the past 14months. These retailed for $3495 in 1985 dollars, analog deal of the century IMO.
these are rare so a little patience may be required, just set a search on eBay.
Crab33
Super Member
There's nothing wrong in wanting something new, especially after 45 years with one turntable. How about keeping the Micro Seiki AND buy a new turntable? Many people here have multiple turntables. Myself, I use them in rotation in my main system and also have a secondary system in another room.
I dare say that many of us are reluctant to see you sell the Micro Seiki because we prefer vintage turntables in terms of looks and build. I also imagine that not many people can advise you on your candidates because they are expensive and obscure, and not many of us have experience of them. You may have to base your decision on specs and your gut feeling, or even on looks. Or you could consider more modest turntables that more people have experience of
I dare say that many of us are reluctant to see you sell the Micro Seiki because we prefer vintage turntables in terms of looks and build. I also imagine that not many people can advise you on your candidates because they are expensive and obscure, and not many of us have experience of them. You may have to base your decision on specs and your gut feeling, or even on looks. Or you could consider more modest turntables that more people have experience of
Oh yeah, The Well Tempered Lab looks very solid & for $800 a great buy to boot. I need to read up on the Well Tempered & the Amazon Turntable. Thanks!
You appear to be trying to sell your Solid 5. Offers aren't allowed in nonsales forums, so unless you want the whole thread moved by a moderator, I suggest you remove the references to it. When discussion forums become venues for selling and buying, the advice becomes tainted by the potential for profit.
I suppose I should add that unless you are simply keen to spend money (and it's okay if you are), I'd recommend keeping the Solid 5. It's a known quantity, and much simpler than getting a different table, whose owner may have reasons for selling it.
I suppose I should add that unless you are simply keen to spend money (and it's okay if you are), I'd recommend keeping the Solid 5. It's a known quantity, and much simpler than getting a different table, whose owner may have reasons for selling it.
I understand just wanting a new table, and the VPI is a really good choice. It's a known quantity, with factory support. You might also consider the newer Technics DD offerings. I'm using a 40+ year old Technics myself.
If it were me with $2K to spend, however, I'd probably buy a Sutherland phono-pre, new or used, and spend the rest on a better cartridge. The TT is just there to turn the record at a stable speed, and support the tonearm. And they ALL do that, tho some better than others. The cartridge and phono-pre have WAAAAY more influence on the sound than the TT itself does.
If you just want a new deck, go for it! It will probably make your Nagaoka sound better. But a better cart on the deck you have now will likely be a bigger difference. In my opinion.
If it were me with $2K to spend, however, I'd probably buy a Sutherland phono-pre, new or used, and spend the rest on a better cartridge. The TT is just there to turn the record at a stable speed, and support the tonearm. And they ALL do that, tho some better than others. The cartridge and phono-pre have WAAAAY more influence on the sound than the TT itself does.
If you just want a new deck, go for it! It will probably make your Nagaoka sound better. But a better cart on the deck you have now will likely be a bigger difference. In my opinion.
eh, ya, maybe, see I have a Grace cartridge on the arm it was designed for and the synergy can't be denied, the table is no slouch either.
TOTL Kenwood KD500/Grace G707 arm/Grace F-8LC Custom
endgame deck for most anyone, myself included
Then there's this
Well Tempered Lab Turntable/Grace F-8C Custom
even with the same cartridge/preamp The difference is not subtle lol, the WTL is in a completely different league. And let's be realistic, the Kenny above is heads above most of its competition of the day.
The table and arm play an enormous role in what comes out of the groove on our records.
I would much rather listen to the Kenny above with a budget cart than a bpc table with a $5000 cartridge.
I wasn't really talking about BPC decks, OP already has a Micro Seiki, after all. And yeah, better deck generally equals better playback. But if he's going to move the Nagaoka to the new deck, I don't think he's going to get nearly the performance the TT is capable of, whether the VPI or the Amari. Which, to me, seems a waste. But hey, it's not my money. And the OP never really said whether he was looking for noticeably better sound, or just a new face to gaze upon whilst listening to music. Not that there's anything wrong with that....
Used SOTA Sapphire with a Jelco tonearm, they usually have. 
Tiver
Enjoy the music
The idea that a table and arm have a truly major role in sound reproduction can seem a bit far fetched for the uninitiated. That is not a statement intended to demean anyone's opinions, it's just an experience that has to be heard. Once that sonic experience has been satisfied, the appreciation for the role of table and arm come from a new perspective.
I don't know the Micro Seiki. I do know that a $2k deck w/arm with proper compliance and cartridge set up should surprise one at how good it can make an inexpensive cartridge sound. If it doesn't I would look for a different deck/arm on which to spend $2k. OR, perhaps the rest of the system just doesn't benefit from an improvement over the current player. The whole discussion of what to put the most money into and which to put money into first is like a cat chasing its tail. At least that is the results I have seen one gets when the discussion is brought forth on the open forum. When chasing my own tail, I have learned there may be good reason to set the foundation of a good deck/ arm ahead of a upper level cartridge.
I don't know the Micro Seiki. I do know that a $2k deck w/arm with proper compliance and cartridge set up should surprise one at how good it can make an inexpensive cartridge sound. If it doesn't I would look for a different deck/arm on which to spend $2k. OR, perhaps the rest of the system just doesn't benefit from an improvement over the current player. The whole discussion of what to put the most money into and which to put money into first is like a cat chasing its tail. At least that is the results I have seen one gets when the discussion is brought forth on the open forum. When chasing my own tail, I have learned there may be good reason to set the foundation of a good deck/ arm ahead of a upper level cartridge.
totally agree, and the Kenny meets your 2k mark in today's performance. And as the WTL retailed for $3495 in 1985 dollars it definitely has to be heard to truly be appreciated.