Micro Seiki, or TW AC-1


I'm trying to decide between Micro Seiki RX 5000 and TW AC-1.
They are approx. the same price used (about $10K)
Both are belt drive.
Unfortunately, I don't have a first hand experience with either of the tables.
You can see my current set-up in my system page.
The reason, I want to make a change from DD TT to belt drive is just to try a different approach.
Also, I have a feeling, that the bass would be one of the areas, where MS and TW might have an edge over my current DD Technics SP-10 MkII
My endeavor into analog is fairly new, so I'm not sure what my final choice in analog would be, unless I try it in my own system.
What I'm really interested in is the following:
Sonic differences b/w MS, TW and Technics SP-10 MkII
Reliability
Service availability.
maril555
These turntables show indeed huge differences in Performance, but it depends
on knowledge of the owner (perfect reproduction of the sound of real music
performed in a real space or: "good" sound is whatever one likes)

Micro Seiki
5000


The Japanese made more right 25 years ago than most Manufacturers today.
Together.
Very reliable, no coloration, adjustable motor, but some care is needed when
buying one, some owners have the remarkable ability to ruin everything

Platine
Verdier


That is an original one from the 80's with Magnets from France, a Legend in
Europe, sonically really outstanding, no longer available in that configuration

Kuzma XL

Was compared side by side with a Seiki 5000, after 5 min. the owner made it
ready to sell...but overall a good Turntable

Raven AC

Like a Linn LP12 but "in black & heavy"
No matter what you do, it will sound always different...great for Reissues

Kuzma 4P

Soft dynamics, great compensation for very analytic sounding Systems, here it
is used with a Raven AC from one of my friends.
The pic is a bit old, a new one would show a lot of dust onto, the user doe not
use it anymore ...left side is a Kuzma Airline
As you have a Porter plinth and Albert's former reference arm, the SME 312S, you may want to check out his latest comments on his system page about his new tonearm. It may change your bass performance.

I would also think you could add some superior isolation like a Vibraplane to your existing table and hear quite an improvement. This would cost you much less money and you could always use it under your next table to which Syntax could attest.
Peterayer,
I know exactly what you mean, but at the same time I want to try a totally different approach- High Mass BD, vs. DD.
Vibraplane, or Minus K is the next step though.
I'll echo Peter's point. I recently added Minus-K platforms beneath my medium-mass Clearaudio (60 lbs) and high-mass Lenco (115 lbs). The improvement was remarkable in both cases, not merely in focus and microdynamics, which I expected, but in bass authority and tone, which pleasantly surprised me.
Adding my 2 bits for the TW AC. Call it owner indulgence or what ever, it's a superb TT and completely set and forget.
Enjoy the ride
Cheers
Pradeep