Thinking about a Micro Seiki BL51

[davidsss]

Hi

I have just spotted a Micro Seiki BL51 on EBay and I'm tempted. It's in Sydney so no way to audition but I'm looking for opinions here.

I currently have a Micro Seiki MR611 with the MA101II arm. Would the BL51 be an improvement, enough improvement to be worth spending the money? I can't tell what arm is on this so the question would be - how easy would it be to change the arm on a BL51 if it isn't all that good? There seems to be a large arm base on the BL51 which would indicate the arm could be changed without too many problems, although I have never done this before.

Any opinions gratefully received.

DS

[Blue Angel]

Hi

I have one here which is part of my 'reference' tables for needlemaking. Beautiful deck. The armboard is circular and bored off-centre so fitting other arms should be a cinch. Mine is still fitted with a Micro MA505? arm with graphite/carbonfibre? arm which still has no play after all these years.

The only problem is a shortage of h/shells which is unobtainable as far as I know. There was someone at mymicro.de who had some 'shells made but this seems to have stopped for some time already. Depending on condition, BL-51's are keepers imo.

blue

[funkhawk]

Do you mean with 'shells' the dustcover or tonearm headshells ?
Headshells for the MA-505 can still be found, but for the cf-1 it is much more difficult.
By the way: I have some spare NOS armboards for the bl-51 (without hole and some with SME cut) and perhaps I will list some of them on Ebay in the near future.

[nijb_jan]

Just after reading this thread I stumbled over someone in the Netherlands who offers NOS Micro Seiki headshells for what looks like reasonable prices. http://link.marktplaats.nl/186093549.

[funkhawk]

Yes, these are the headshells with the standard SME type fitting.
Although these headshells are excellent looking (some of them look like mouth-pieces of a saxophone), it is not really a 'must-have' headshell for your MA-505 tonearm, because you can buy standard headshells everywhere.
For other MS tonearms, like the MA-707 and CF-1 you must have a specific headshell especially made for these arms. These special MS headshells are very difficult to find, except if you are willing to buy a complete cf-1 arm for example.

[davidsss]

Thanks for the advice, I might just bid on this one. I have a couple of headshells which fit the current MA101II arm on my current deck so they may fit - I can work that out anyway.

DS

[Beltway]

David:
The BL51 is a great table but so is your current MR611. I don't think you would notice an improvement worth the $.
If it were me I would look at a cartridge (or an arm) (or both) for your current table rather than possibly an arm/headshell/cartridge/armboard for the BL51.
MS armboards are scarce and cost a small fortune.

[Blue Angel]

Hi

I'm never sure about the model ref for the straightwand CF Micro arms I have for my BL-51. Must then be MA-707? The h/shell is offset. I have 3. Two are wornout with loose brass inserts in the connector which has a flat and a ridge. I was thinking of copying them but the connector will make it difficult.

blue

[davidsss]

David:
The BL51 is a great table but so is your current MR611. I don't think you would notice an improvement worth the $.
If it were me I would look at a cartridge (or an arm) (or both) for your current table rather than possibly an arm/headshell/cartridge/armboard for the BL51.
MS armboards are scarce and cost a small fortune.

To some extent I do agree with this sentiment as we both know how the MR611 is a great TT. I suppose I have a bit of an itch to at least try and upgrade, the BL51 would hold it's value, it does have a nice arm and I think it would be easier for me to change the arm on a BL51 as I can remove and replace the arm mount. I don't have the guts to replace the arm on the MR611 like you did, not really a removable arm board like the BL51. Also the BL51 is almost 10 years newer. I hope I'm not just convincing myself here!

In any case the MR611 would go into my daughter's room so it would still be regularly used. Not like it's likely to break down in my life time.

I've had 20 very good years after buying the MR611 second hand, I can hardly complain. It would also mean I have 2 Micro Seikis in the house

DS

[Beltway]

I've had 20 very good years after buying the MR611 second hand, I can hardly complain. It would also mean I have 2 Micro Seikis in the house
DS

David:
I can't argue with two Micros in the house. As long as you know what you are doing. I have often said 'you can convince yourself of anything when you want to acquire something' (both to others and to myself) but you asked the question so I responded.
If that table came with a 505 or 707 arm you might make quite a score.
Hope it all works out for you.
Cheers

[Beltway]

I should add that I picked up a basic MS unit (DD-24) a couple of months ago only because it was priced at $40. I had no need for it or room for it but could not pass it up. Popped an old Grace cartridge on there and confirmed it works but no more than that. Thought I might experiment with adding clay to the base etc.
Now I'm thinking I should hook it up and spend some time listening to that and probably will do that tonight.
This can't be compared to a BL51 but the idea of 2 Micros in the house can be compelling.

[davidsss]

I've had 20 very good years after buying the MR611 second hand, I can hardly complain. It would also mean I have 2 Micro Seikis in the house
DS

David:
I can't argue with two Micros in the house. As long as you know what you are doing. I have often said 'you can convince yourself of anything when you want to acquire something' (both to others and to myself) but you asked the question so I responded.
If that table came with a 505 or 707 arm you might make quite a score.
Hope it all works out for you.
Cheers

Your point was well made and maybe I am convincing myself, we'll see if I get it. Mind you, if it turns out not to be much better or better at all than the MR611 that will just confirm that I made a good choice all those years ago.

How are you going with the DD24? That must be a direct drive Micro, should be pretty good. Can always mount different arms/carts on each TT for different music or moods or whatever.

DS

[davidsss]

Well I bought it, I was the only bidder. Maybe a bit pricey but Bastlnut PMed me the other day to tell me the arm is a Stax UA 7 which is meant to be very good (many thanks mate). Also with a removable arm board I should be able to change the arm if I really want to. It should arrive from Sydney next week and the pics do look like it is in good condition.

My daughter will get the MR611 once I have set up the BL51. This is exciting, the first time I've changed turntables, or an arm for that matter, in over 20 years. The last Micro Seiki I bought has been fantastic so here's hping this one will be too.

And, I don't even have to change my avatar

DS

[Beltway]

Have fun with that David! Let us know how it turns out.
I hooked up my basic dd MS the other night and it sounds good. I will experiment with it but that will be a winter project.