2. analog
  3. 1350008574

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
dctom
110 posts
 
I echo Whart's thoughts on the Kuzma XL. I compared it to the Sme TTs same cart on each but sme V arms vs XL+313 arm. Preferred the Kuzma. I have not heard the TWs - a friend compared the single motor TW to the Kuzma XL, he much preferred the Kuzma
I now use Kuzma XL4 with the 4point. I have read Syntax's dismissal of this combination, however I am unlikely to be able to obtain a MS for comparison.
As whart says the Kuzma is better than a lot of others out there. I hear music with terrific bass, rock solid image, and great dynamics.
However to get the best out of the Kuzma I had to build a custom isolating table.
lotus340r
32 posts
 
@Thuchan

You were right !

Went from an AC1 to AC3 and I found the difference very large. More image focus, far greater dynamics, air, space, poise, musical relatedness/intent, and of course much better pitch stability and timing. The raven should be heard with the 3 motors imo to fully appreciate what its capable of.

Incidentally, I did try 2 motors as well but agree with TW that 3 sounds best. The motors also cost me £0 and i had a buyer for both or just one waiting in the wings, so I would have been more than happy to sell them or just sell one had the differences been too small or even non existant. No vested interest and no necessity to justify any financial outlay on an internet forum.
maril555 OP
619 posts
 
Just an update, since I'm the one, who started this thread.
I ended up buying J.C. Verdier La Platine Granito edition (that's an older model, no longer in production).
I use it with 10" Graham Phantom Supreme tonearm and Dynavector XV-1S cartridge with Soundsmith Ruby cantilever re-tip.
I cannot compare it to the Porter Technics SP-10 MkII, that I used, since I used SME 312S tonearm with the same cart on it, but nevertheless, the differences b/w this two TT/Arm combinations are rather significant and in favor of the Verdier. Overall, it very natural and musical. I don't hear anything, that I don't like so far.
The only two upgrades, I'm likely going to make, are:
Battery PS and a support shelf for the Verdier.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I ended up buying J.C. Verdier La Platine Granito edition (that's an older model, no longer in production).

Good choice. One of my audiophile friends uses one, too
Is yours similar to that one ?
maril555 OP
619 posts
 
Syntax,
Yes, I have the same one, but without his custom arm pod.
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