Micro Seiki, or TW AC-1

Maril555,

If you ever wind up somewhere near Tulsa, Ok, I can arrange both the RX-5000 and AC-1 in the same system for audition. It's a long way from Philly though. Just don't know where your travels take you.

You are correct. As dealer networks and audio shops continue to shrink, the day and age of the dealer/distributor/importer of certain lines make things exclusive to one source for purchase new or audition. Makes it difficult.

Pcosta, well said.

i've owned TW AC-1 & currently own Micro SX-5000 (air bearing version of RX-5000).

both exhibit unique characteristics in my system (i've run 3 diff arms on both). TW generally sounds more "hifi" (slightly hyped-up leading edge & timbre/tonality is less varied as others hv also highlighted), while musical notes decay rather quickly with the Micro, & some may also find it less "pitch black" vis-a-vis TW. both table's shortcomings can be addressed (to some extent) via matching &/or tweaking. based on my priorities, i prefer the Micro table (sounds more natural + the decay issue can be easily addressed).

reliability wise, i've had problems with both. my TW had an issue with the motor controller - wouldn't store/save speed settings (required a chip replacement), while my Micro had a weak air pump which caused my platter's glass bottom to occasionally contact the base (required a pump motor replacement).

hope you find this feedback helpful. good luck with yr turntable search.

Thuchan,

Nice to see your post.

From your website, I see you are using the VPI drive system on the MS table. Can you elaborate on the differences betw the VPI drive and MS drive?

Thanks

Best regards

Raul,
I try to learn new things too, sometimes it is not audio related. I happen to use my Micro to enjoy music, not as a "tool" to attack your personal pet hate, the German group. :)