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New project: Micro Seiki DDX-1000 overhaul

Beautiful Job Mr. Y! Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. Amazing what can be done even when starting out with such a 'poor condition' specimen :rolleyes: ;) :D
 
I recently added a nice original Micro Seiki ST-10 record weight (a massive 1KG of brass) and a SME 3009 S2 Improved tonearm + AX-2 arm base. I restored the tonearm, rewired it with Cardas litz wire, added Cardas clips, added a balsa wood in the tube (to give it more mass) and soldered the tonearm wire directly on a new Grimm audio RCA cable with Neutrik RCA plugs. I must say, I'm pretty happy with how it sounds :angel:

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Very nice indeed! I mentoned earlier I have the later DQX-1000, and also used the same SME arm for awhile. A fine and beautiful combination. It must really sing with your Stanton 881S, a great cartridge. (BTW, is there a replacement stylus you recommend?) There are some other, easy mods to the SME that make it ideal for low-compliance MCs, if you ever take that route.

I am a bit worried, long term, about that weight. The bearing shaft on my DQX is very thin, and its contact point/thrust plate seems a bit vulnerable (can't find the right word). I don't know if your DDX is the same — but I would not add 1kg to my bearing. That's a lot of weight... as I said, long term...
 
Just found your thread Mr Yamaha. Nice work and beautiful TT. Well worth restoring and set for 40 years of service now. High precision Japanese DD is really hard to beat.
 
I am a bit worried, long term, about that weight. The bearing shaft on my DQX is very thin, and its contact point/thrust plate seems a bit vulnerable (can't find the right word). I don't know if your DDX is the same — but I would not add 1kg to my bearing. That's a lot of weight... as I said, long term...

There are lighter alternatives, though. E.g. the Orsonic DS-250 and DS-200 uses a spindle-clamping mechanism instead of pure mass.
But since the platter on the DQX is about a Kg heavier than on the DDX, I don't think Mr. Yamaha have anything to worry about ;)
 
But since the platter on the DQX is about a Kg heavier than on the DDX, I don't think Mr. Yamaha have anything to worry about
Good point, Virak. I'm aware my platter has more mass than the DDX, but totally forgot about it — so I retract that part of my comment.

Nice to see the Orsonic DS-250 clamp mentioned. It is the best of all the clamp/weights I've used — and I used it for years. It has an easy and firm clamping mechanism, and looks great on any TT (which a big part of any clamp/weight's appeal).

Mine, however, was labeled 'Monster Cable'. It is the same clamp as the Orsonic. Not similar. Identical. No difference. The same thing. I don't know who made it originally, but it was rebranded and sold under both names.

Monster

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Orsonic —

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It matters because the Monster sells for about 100 on ebay, while the Orsonic fetches 400. For the same thing. Orsonic has an image of quality, they had that unique 'anti-vibration' headshell for example. Monster, OTOH — well, some people hate Monster. But if you want a really good clamp, want to save 300, and can live with the name Monster on your TT....
 

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Very nice indeed! I mentoned earlier I have the later DQX-1000, and also used the same SME arm for awhile. A fine and beautiful combination. It must really sing with your Stanton 881S, a great cartridge. (BTW, is there a replacement stylus you recommend?) There are some other, easy mods to the SME that make it ideal for low-compliance MCs, if you ever take that route.

I am a bit worried, long term, about that weight. The bearing shaft on my DQX is very thin, and its contact point/thrust plate seems a bit vulnerable (can't find the right word). I don't know if your DDX is the same — but I would not add 1kg to my bearing. That's a lot of weight... as I said, long term...

I have an original D81S stylus and from what I read is that nothing aftermarket comes close to the original stereohedron styles. Luckily mine has much life left.

Those ST-10 and ST-20 (2kg) were actively sold with those tables, even along with the copper CU-180 (3kg) and CU-500 (5kg) plates. I think those bearings can handle the weight just fine. What do you mean with the bearing shaft being thin? They are all the same diameter and are massive I guess?

There are lighter alternatives, though. E.g. the Orsonic DS-250 and DS-200 uses a spindle-clamping mechanism instead of pure mass.
But since the platter on the DQX is about a Kg heavier than on the DDX, I don't think Mr. Yamaha have anything to worry about ;)
"

I sold my Orsonic DS-250 a few months ago. It didn't clamp too well.

Good point, Virak. I'm aware my platter has more mass than the DDX, but totally forgot about it — so I retract that part of my comment.

Nice to see the Orsonic DS-250 clamp mentioned. It is the best of all the clamp/weights I've used — and I used it for years. It has an easy and firm clamping mechanism, and looks great on any TT (which a big part of any clamp/weight's appeal).

Mine, however, was labeled 'Monster Cable'. It is the same clamp as the Orsonic. Not similar. Identical. No difference. The same thing. I don't know who made it originally, but it was rebranded and sold under both names.

Monster

View attachment 1119881

Orsonic —

View attachment 1119876

It matters because the Monster sells for about 100 on ebay, while the Orsonic fetches 400. For the same thing. Orsonic has an image of quality, they had that unique 'anti-vibration' headshell for example. Monster, OTOH — well, some people hate Monster. But if you want a really good clamp, want to save 300, and can live with the name Monster on your TT....

No, 400, really? :eek: I sold my mint state for € 50 :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Orsonic-DS-...823738?hash=item2393efd4fa:g:Is0AAOSwv~1aHRzU

I don't think the ask prices on eBay are realistic. I always look to the prices of actually sold items.
 
I had always wanted one of these DDX-1000s, ever since seeing one at an audio show in the late 70s. We almost thought the platter wasn't turning since the strobe was so rock solid and steady, it never flinched. Using it with a couple of different arms would be sweet!
 
I have had a DDX since the late 80'ies. I dust it occationally but it hasn't really been cleaned properly since then and looks a bit tatty (see picture)ddx1000 med 3012 og fr14.jpg
What did you use to clean the aluminium and what tools?
 
I have had a DDX since the late 80'ies. I dust it occationally but it hasn't really been cleaned properly since then and looks a bit tatty (see picture)View attachment 1169418
What did you use to clean the aluminium and what tools?
Nice arms! I didn't use specific stuff or tools to clean, mine wasn't real dirty when I bought it. The alloy is a bit cloudy at some places, but I don't have the balls to try to polish it. I'm afraid I'll make it worse.
 
Thanks for the new pictures. I last posted in Oct 2017, and still don't have mine running. That new arm is fantastic looking.
 
Hi

I know this is an old thread but I am reading it with great interest as I am currently restoring a DDX-1000. My question about the motor bearing: Is there a ball at the bottom of the spindle? I could not find one in my player's bearing but there is an indent/impression on the inside bearing cap. The spindle bottom is somewhat flattened (see picture). Does that look ok? Thank you!
 

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