Beyond Turntables-Micro Seiki SZ-1t, SX-8000II & SX-8000

[PeterA]

Lol… wise move Peter. I’m going to wrap mine in coils of twine aka applying some string theory

I may get around to trying string drive on my Micro Seiki.

 

[howiebrou]

I had a difficult time deciding between Uncle Oswald conditioning them in Royal Jelly or the student at Saint Trinians soaking them in her best scotch. I settled on the latter.

View attachment 84978

Your comment about Royal Jelly reminded me of a great short story by Roald Dahl.
Definitely worth a read!

 

[PeterA]

Your comment about Royal Jelly reminded me of a great short story by Roald Dahl.
Definitely worth a read!

View attachment 84986

That’s a great one. So is Someone Like You. You should then read the more adult Uncle Oswald stories by Ronald Dahl.

 

[Tirebiter]

I may get around to trying string drive on my Micro Seiki.

Running string on mine but not sure what it is made of (seems a tad bit stretchy) so ordered up some aramid fiber comparable to the MS K-5. I noted in reading the SX-5000 manual (I have yet to find a manual for the SX-8000) that Micro Seiki recommends the aramid fiber string drive over the belts.

 

[PeterA]

Running string on mine but not sure what it is made of (seems a tad bit stretchy) so ordered up some aramid fiber comparable to the MS K-5. I noted in reading the SX-5000 manual (I have yet to find a manual for the SX-8000) that Micro Seiki recommends the aramid fiber string drive over the belts.

I have what looks like the original thread that came with my turntable that has never been used. Could be a fun experiment over the winter.

 

[shakti]

I have what looks like the original thread that came with my turntable that has never been used. Could be a fun experiment over the winter.

Having had a discussion with Nishikawa on string / belt during a Munich High End fair, it became obvious, the all and everything is a compromise... He prepared a small sketch about force vectors effecting the belt/string. Rubber is like a spring with a certain D, which he did not like on his turntables. From there we discussed Kevlar / Aramid belts-strings. A string can handle force only in one dimension, which is good in some criteria. But a wide belt can handle forces also n 90 degree angle of the motor force.

He was explaining, that the best ratio between width and length of an aramid belt is a function of the platter weight and the distance of the motor from the platter (wrap angle). I have tried some different belts and strings on RX-5000, SX-8000 and AF3P, after all the Micro Seiki SF-1 and SF-1L (similar to AF-3P belt) are the best compromise. I prefer the shorter SF-1 a little over SF-1L. But I am using SF-1L, as with 4 tonearms the handling is more easy, if the motor stays away some more cm.

If you start comparisons, please be careful with the belt tension adjustment,
which can be a bigger sonic difference than two different belts as such.

 

[PeterA]

Shanti, Thank you very much for all of that information. I will take it slow. I have a way of measuring the distance between the motor unit and the main chassis so if I don’t change the position of the pulley within the motor unit I can always return to prior settings with the belt.

I have found that minute changes in the distance between the two units of my turntable is a more effective way to adjust belt tension then to loosen the three set screws for the pulley location.

right now I am thrilled with the sound of the belt so this is just one of those things I’m thinking about but there is no urgency. There is really very little to experiment with regarding my new system. I’m basically comparing cartridges and enjoying music.

 

[Tirebiter]

Having had a discussion with Nishikawa on string / belt during a Munich High End fair, it became obvious, the all and everything is a compromise... He prepared a small sketch about force vectors effecting the belt/string. Rubber is like a spring with a certain D, which he did not like on his turntables. From there we discussed Kevlar / Aramid belts-strings. A string can handle force only in one dimension, which is good in some criteria. But a wide belt can handle forces also n 90 degree angle of the motor force.

He was explaining, that the best ratio between width and length of an aramid belt is a function of the platter weight and the distance of the motor from the platter (wrap angle). I have tried some different belts and strings on RX-5000, SX-8000 and AF3P, after all the Micro Seiki SF-1 and SF-1L (similar to AF-3P belt) are the best compromise. I prefer the shorter SF-1 a little over SF-1L. But I am using SF-1L, as with 4 tonearms the handling is more easy, if the motor stays away some more cm.

If you start comparisons, please be careful with the belt tension adjustment,
which can be a bigger sonic difference than two different belts as such.

My SX-8000 came with what appears to be a well worn SF-1L and when I tried using it found that storage had imparted some deformities...basically it had formed shallow S shapes along the x axis and figured they probably added some instability to speed continuity. That and the fact that the long belt added a. lot of distance between the motor and TT, I chose to go back to the string.

What is a good source for the SF-1? I see a number listed as coming out of Japan but have no experience as to who the reputable suppliers might be.

 

[shakti]

I

My SX-8000 came with what appears to be a well worn SF-1L and when I tried using it found that storage had imparted some deformities...basically it had formed shallow S shapes along the x axis and figured they probably added some instability to speed continuity. That and the fact that the long belt added a. lot of distance between the motor and TT, I chose to go back to the string.

What is a good source for the SF-1? I see a number listed as coming out of Japan but have no experience as to who the reputable suppliers might be.

bought my last SF-1L in Japan as replica from the original. Looks very similar to the current AF3P belt.
for me, it was easy to buy using ebay as market place.

(sf-1l) Gürtel für Micro Seiki sz-1t sx-8000 sx-5000 sx-1500 etc | eBay

Entdecken Sie (sf-1l) Gürtel für Micro Seiki sz-1t sx-8000 sx-5000 sx-1500 etc in der großen Auswahl bei eBay. Kostenlose Lieferung für viele Artikel!

www.ebay.de

but I am sure, you will find in Japan cheaper sources as well.

The retailer offers SF-1 as well.

 

[vernonwtx]

I thought y'all might like this pictures of this custom SX-111FV. Going on my wish list!

Micro-Seiki SX - 111 FV ของ Mr. Gilbert

www.turntableone.com

 

[ddk]

I thought y'all might like this pictures of this custom SX-111FV. Going on my wish list!
View attachment 87995

Micro-Seiki SX - 111 FV ของ Mr. Gilbert

www.turntableone.com

Nice tt but this model isn't anywhere near the top Micro Seiki models mentioned here. Also it looks heavily modified so not sure what this is.

david

 

[PeterA]

I just came across this fascinating image. I've never seen this base under the SX 8000 before. It looks massive. Interestingly, because my table did not include the optional air base, I designed two massive custom stainless steel plates to put under my SX 8000 II. I had two made to better isolate (separate) the influence of the motor on the base/platter, though I can still not lift the larger one by myself. I have seen quite a few different set ups of these Micro Seiki turntables on the net.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/fb/e4/cdfbe429e11fcabd4e77e2c5d0aad8eb.jpg

 

[Lagonda]

I just came across this fascinating image. I've never seen this base under the SX 8000 before. It looks massive. Interestingly, because my table did not include the optional air base, I designed two massive custom stainless steel plates to put under my SX 8000 II. I had two made to better isolate (separate) the influence of the motor on the base/platter, thought I can still not lift the larger one by myself. I have seen quite variations of these Micro Seiki turntables on the net.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/fb/e4/cdfbe429e11fcabd4e77e2c5d0aad8eb.jpg

View attachment 88180

Sorry Peter, i have a hard time concentrating on the Micro, there is something large and golden looming in the background. It must be King Midas's turntable !

 

[TooCool4]

My god, that turntable in the background is hideously ugly . Does it belong to Trump?

 

[Lagonda]

My god, that turntable in the background is hideously ugly . Does it belong to Trump?

It was designed as a collaboration between Trump, Liberace and John Gotti !

 

[rando]

It was designed as a collaboration between Trump, Liberace and John Gotti !

I must protest on account of a "Beyond Turntable Candelabra" not present to act as TT light.

 

[cuntigh]

Beware if Putin built the soft

 

[XV-1]

Triangle turntable with stand made out of beer cans

 

[the sound of Tao]

I just came across this fascinating image. I've never seen this base under the SX 8000 before. It looks massive. Interestingly, because my table did not include the optional air base, I designed two massive custom stainless steel plates to put under my SX 8000 II. I had two made to better isolate (separate) the influence of the motor on the base/platter, though I can still not lift the larger one by myself. I have seen quite a few different set ups of these Micro Seiki turntables on the net.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/fb/e4/cdfbe429e11fcabd4e77e2c5d0aad8eb.jpg

View attachment 88180

Just love that elegantly understated composition of the Micro SX especially dressed in that heavenly serene blue Peter… tempt me not oh analogue Satan… wow that’s just perfect. The MS for me also more refined in a fantastic functional and balanced Bauhaus kind of way than the more Versace-like Turntable of Babel towering nearby

 

[DasguteOhr]

I just came across this fascinating image. I've never seen this base under the SX 8000 before. It looks massive. Interestingly, because my table did not include the optional air base, I designed two massive custom stainless steel plates to put under my SX 8000 II. I had two made to better isolate (separate) the influence of the motor on the base/platter, though I can still not lift the larger one by myself. I have seen quite a few different set ups of these Micro Seiki turntables on the net.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/fb/e4/cdfbe429e11fcabd4e77e2c5d0aad8eb.jpg

View attachment 88180

Looks like a blue BA 50 Audio base under the sx 8000

Micro-Seiki Database