TT Decisions, decisions...


Hi all,
I am looking for opinions on keeping the TT I have or several I have been able to source, but are they any better.

Currently my main TT is a Micro Seiki BL-91L with an Allaerts MC1 boron on a MS-505-LS arm. The table has been modified with 23kg of polished gun metal material. It holds speed perfectly.

I also have a Luxman PD-350 with a VS-300 and a TA-1 tonearm. I also have 2 x PD-310 TTs and my beloved JVC QL-Y5F.

To the point. I have available to purchase a Luxman PD-444; a Yamaha PX2 tangential refurbished; a JVC QL-Y55f refurbished, or do I look for a PD-555, or a QL-Y66f or Y77f, or a new Technics SL-1200 (or joking, a Dohmann Helix 2 please!).

So with these choices, there will be some participants who will have the knowledge to analyse the vintage players and:
1. Offer an opinion on what I have. 2.Honestly discuss the options and perhaps expand on these
3. Move to the “todays” turntables and why.
4. Money. A critical part of the acquisitions.
5. I am willing to move all my turntables for the right one.
Australia uses 240vav/50hz but I do use a transformer for my Ayre K3r pre.

Another piece of information is that I use a Luxman EQ-500 phono.

Thanks, AG 🇦🇺
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xamg56
All I was asking for was an opinion on what to keep or sell, to reduce the number of TTs to one, maybe two. 
Shame that some of you see this forum as a way of insulting members who wish to seek other’s opinions.
BR3098
It may be that I have some gems but am unaware that they are gems.

What is it with you people? I think I need to find a better forum where people are treated with a bit of respect. 🇦🇺
Don’t let those pissy comments spoil your day! Their bad moods are their problem, not yours!

Most of the belt drive tables you mention are made by Micro and have much in common. The Luxman PD-310 and PD-350 are close relatives to Micro BL-99V. I owned the PD-310 which sounded very nice, but I simply didn’t like the operation of the vacuum hold down. I replaced it with the BL-91G with gunmetal plateau, which is significantly better than the PD-310 (with aluminum plateau). The PD-350 has very heavy plateau and chassis and will likely be superior to BL-91G and more similar to BL-111 or something. If you like the vacuum hold down that’s the one I’d keep.

Selling some of your tables would provide funds to get a better arm for the PD-350. Plenty of choice, but I’d guess an FR-64S or FR-64fx would be a great choice for your Allaerts. The only problem will be finding the correct arm board. The ones used on the Luxman are different in size from the Micro A-1200/1500 series and are very hard to find, especially the preferred gunmetal version (standard version is aluminum).

I wouldn’t waste my time on ’modern’ equivalents, they’re not likely to improve on the PD-350. Unless you’re willing to pay funny money.......


If you're partial to the wood console aesthetic, there's another strategy that would likely give a big improvement.

Sell everything you have and find a Micro SX-111(L)FV or SX-777(L)FV. The SX series have the air bearing plateau, while the vacuum disc hold down apparently was a choice option. This series will be on a higher level than Micro BL and Luxman PD series tables. My ideal successor to the BL-91G would be the SX-111 without vacuum hold down. I don't think this SX series was available outside Japan, so 110 Volt only.

Air bearing was clearly the next step for Micro and is still at the heart of the current TechDas Air Force series, by the same designer. These are the only 'modern' tables I would seriously consider, provided I had the funny money....


amg56, I apologize if I insulted you. I was (and still am) genuinely confused by your post. You still haven't said why you are unhappy with your cache of current turntables.

I don't know anything about your Allaerts MC1 cartridge, having never seen one. The manufacturer doesn't publish compliance (resonance frequency) so it's not known if that cartridge is a good match for the MA-505S tonearm. It's hard to believe not - the MA-505 is an excellent tonearm and as close to universal as is possible. But they do require periodic maintenance and careful setup in order to sound their best.

But enough about that. Please tell us what you are trying to achieve? An endless set of comparisons of vintage turntables is pointless. What's not working for you and/or what are you hoping to improve?