Micro Seiki MB-18

I was a Micro Seiki dealer in the 80s but don't remember this one; but they didn't make any bad tables. Put something like a Denon 110 on it or a good MM and as long as your expectations are reasonable you will be fine. Stan

In my former days as a Micro retailer, the MB-18 replaced their MB-15, in 1981. Unfortunately, we could feel some 'slop' in its tonearm bearings compared to the solid-feel of the MB-15's arm.

If you have not yet purchased an MB-18, I would recommend the MB-15 model instead, such as the one currently on eBay. Another excellent choice would be a Harman/Kardon T-30, having less rumble than a Micro MB-15/18 and a better arm.

The direct-drive version of the Micro MB-18 table also underwent the same tone-arm switch. While I do not remember that one's model number, the original one with the same arm as the MB-15 was called the DD-20. One could hear it had less rumble than the MB-15, and was our most popular Micro.

If you do have the MB-18, I would recommend a 'high-compliance' phono cartridge for it, both to suit its low-mass arm and also to put less demand on that arm's bearings.

Here is a link to a flyer on the MB-15 and DD-20, where you can see how their tonearm compared to that on an MB-18: Micro Seiki Literature. Have fun!

Best regards,
Roy

Thanks both for your valuable tips. Roy, as per your recommendation, I just bought instead the HK T-30c online, supposedly in pretty good shape, with an Ortofon OM-5E phono cartridge. I can't wait to getting back to record playing. Best regards