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
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
Syntax,
Could you make any comments on the reliability of the Micro Seiki RX-5000. What are the most common problems, that MS owners encounter, if any?
And what to pay attention to, when buying one?
Also, do you have any input on Transrotor TTs, especially the models with magnetic drive. Since you are in Germany, I would imagine you are more familiar with their products.
I only heard them at the shows, so no opinion here.
Thanks
After purchasing the Raven One/TW Acustic 10.5 combo, having
Tom Tutay restore my Air Tight ATM-3 amps while providing iec
capability for changing power cords, and also re-discovering
some extremely fine power tubes, I've found a level of
musical enjoyment never experienced before. For me, the TW
front end has proven to be nothing short of fantastic.
Listening is fatigue free, exciting, and always something to
look forward to.
Another high mass belt drive worth considering in the $10-15K range is the new SME 20/3. I have not heard one, but reports are that it is fairly close to the Model 30, though you would not be able to mount your 12" arm. Perhaps a used SME 20/12. Great sonics and little fuss from a very reliable company.