• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

What makes Micro Seiki TT's so desirable?

legal eagle

legal eagle

Sound Hound
I look at what goes on in forums and on the bay - and even the most basic Micro Seiki TT's have a constant and strong demand.

I can easily understand the demand for the higher models, but what is it about the lower models that make them desirable?
 
Register to hide this ad
Styling, they were at the forefront of design/styling.

They became legendary for their designs and did designed for many. :bowdown:
 
Certain items, for not entirely logical reasons, develop a worth beyond their actual value. Many Micro models perform beyond their contemporary competitors, but many are just so-so, especially at the lower end. They were a small company, with not a great presence in the US, and have developed a following. Just like Nakamichi - some models are exceptional, but some are just OK. Their expertise in cassette technology passed on to other items that weren't so exceptional.

I think that many folks who have paid premium prices for Micro stuff may never make the killing they're counting on; or maybe they will. After all, the company is out of business, and there aren't going to be any more, so who knows.

It's like the old saying, "Buy land, they ain't makin' anymore of it".
 
Last edited:
Don't know about the low end but the mid range (BL 51 to 91) are beautifully made, the switchgear is a pleasure to use and the arms, motors and bearings are way ahead of their time and still innovative today.
I paid AU$1750 for my BL91/MA 505 and the quality is far, far higher than anything new at the price.
 
I'm fortunate enough to own one....a DD 33 I bought in a pawn shop for 50 bucks or so. At the time, I didn't care if it worked or not.....even with it's cracked and poorly repaired dust cover, its looks just bowled me over. The fact that it works so well, beyond my expectations (and the 50 bucks I paid for it) is icing on the cake. I love the tone arm (carbon fiber), the counterbalance weight (polished), the buttons that start the platter spinning and raise and lower the tone arm, the solid looking base....the whole thing just has a certain magic to it. I know it's not the best TT in the world....even as a Micro Seiki it's on the lower tier....and someday something is going to break and I won't be able to fix it. But I'm going to enjoy it as long as I can.... IMG_1466.JPGIMG_1467.JPG
 
myself, I am running a Tannoy micro seiki TD55TT, and love it. So well built, so beautiful (which is what got my attention to start with).
But as my track record with TT's is limited, I was wandering if there was something else. I guess they just build (built?) quality TT's, even at entry level.
 
The Tannoy Micros were fairly early in Micro Seiki's presence in the US market. The whole range (which I think consisted of three or four models) were very nicely built and looked and sounded good. Later Micros seem to me to be of two types, the expensive ones which were very good and still look like a million bucks, and the low end ones which did not seem any better built or styled than the similarly priced competition. There were models inbetween about which it's harder to make general statements.
Micro Seiki clearly understood the role of 'statement' tables in establishing a reputation for quality and glamor, but it also was able to transfer those qualities to less exalted models. But there are limits to what can be done at the low end of the market.
 
legal eagle said:
myself, I am running a Tannoy micro seiki TD55TT, and love it. So well built, so beautiful (which is what got my attention to start with).
But as my track record with TT's is limited, I was wandering if there was something else. I guess they just build (built?) quality TT's, even at entry level.
Click to expand...

Fujiya actually manufactured a lot of products designed by MS.

See Luxman, Sansui, Yamaha turn tables and parts of turn tables sold under their name. :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom