EMT 927 vs. Micro Seiki 5000 or 8000 - different?

Dear Nandric,
many thanks, do you see the TD 2002 "flying" due to its embedment into acryl? some people say I am a very slim person but I have to find those people... nevertheless you cannot easily identify the free zones on this image because it was shot from 8 meters distance. You are able operating all units by walking around even from behind the system.

Dear all, I promised to report about my testing between the Micro and the EMT when I had finally implemented my horn system. Now having used the EMT JPA 66 as the phono pre for both tables, going directly to the WAVAC amps - no other circuits in betweeen- I had a pretty good bases for a comparison. Of course due to the arms (Ortofon RMA 309 vs FR 66s) I have a built in difference also if I use the same cartdrige - an EMT JSD 6 (Jubilee anniversary edition, MC, around 2500 Dollar) on both arms thanks to an EMT/ SME adaptor on the FR-66s. I also tried a vintage Ortofon MC from the 50ies on both arms using an Ortofon adaptor on the FR-66s.

The Micro 8000 shows a clearer, more open soundstage, mid range and hights are transported in an excellent way. It is the ultimate reproducing
machine for RIAA and RIAA+ records. The EMT R80 on the other hand is the more musical machine especially with pre 1957 stereo and mono cuts. I usally fell easily in a relaxing mood enjoying the EMT all solution.

So which is the better table? Hard to say. On the Micro you may run three
or four different arms, on the EMT you are able to change carts easily
-especially the wonderful new EMT-Studiotechnik carts. Changing from the Ortofon arm with its old internal cabelling to an EMT 997 tonearm might change the results again. Or maybe going for a new Ikeda silver wiring in the Ortofon arm. Don't know at the moment. At least you may get happy with one of the two tables - this for sure.

I was planning to leave the EMT R80 with the EMT JPA66 phono stage (pre amp). I finally ended up using the Micro 8000 with the JPA66. This is
a great combination with lots of possibilities on reproducing fine records.

Thuchan, thanks for your observations.

I have bee,n momentarily seduced by idler and DD drives, but in the end the SX-8000 trumps them all for air, space between the notes and an overall vivacity.

I went down a "dark path" for a couple of years on various platter mat combinations on the Micro and the ultimate truth came back to the bare stainless SX-8000 platter with an ST_10 weight. (Mine has the vacuum hold down, which I never use, but there those two rubber gaskets on the platter which might act as a partial interface).

Best

Steve

Radicalsteve, I see you are also looking for the best possible solutions. Yes indeed I also went into the idler story when owning a Garrard 501 TR which is a fine piece of turntable building. In the end I was attracted only for a short time maybe because I had the chance to compare at home.
There are not many well preserved & maintained great idlers out there. Most of them, also the rebuild ones (in and without a new plinth) convince at a first glance.

The big Micros are a class of its own. I doubt that there are many new TTs which can rival the Micro Seikis. It was Japanese Machine Building at
its best. The big EMTs are a serious contender. Especially when connected with good silver cables.

best & fun only - Thuchan

Eckert-The secret with the Garrard is the base. The stock 501 was sourced from Loricraft with a very mediocre base, which robbed dynamics. In a proper Panzerholst or slate foundation, north of 70 lbs, you might have a different opinion of the 501 or even the 301 for that matter.

Since I just acquired a RX 5000, I am returning to belt drives after a two year departure from the Walker. I am eager to see how the Micro compares to my current Technics sp 10 Mk III and Garrard 301, both in Porterhouse Panzerholst bases.

Congratulations on your new speakers.

Louis