Description
Micro Seiki BL 111 turntable. Fidelity-Research FR-64S. Denon DL 301 II. Fully revitalized.
Micro Seiki was founded in 1961 by Kosaku Komiya as a precision engineering company. Initially, it made mechanical components for watches and measuring instruments, and later in 1968 it specialized in turntable production. The company was successful in both Japan and abroad. In Europe it established its position of a luxury brand. The first turntable launched around 1973 was the MR-711 equipped with a direct drive. However, it is the SZ 1T model from 1984 that has become the flagship product. In 1986, the SX 555 FVW turntable was recognized as a reference model by the industry magazine Stereoplay.
The company designed and manufactured all Luxman turntables, as well as produced for brands like: ADC, Denon, Sharp, Toshiba, Hitachi, Sanyo, Sansui, Kenwood, Telefunken, SABA and H. H. Scott. Many devices were also created for brands such as: Quelle, Neckermann and RadioShack. Micro Seiki was a market leader in the research and development of drives and tonearms, but it was also probably the all-time biggest producer of turntables. It never expanded to other audio equipment production.
The BL-111 is an exceptional belt-drive turntable launched by Micro Seiki in 1980. It is the top model of the “BL” series, made with the highest precision from the best quality and most durable materials. The turntable was equipped with specially selected, massive elements, which were refined to the hundredth of a millimeter to ensure faithful sound reproduction that could surprise even the most demanding listeners. The plate of 10 kg was made of a single piece of bronze and subjected to a unique processing (the same as used by the American Navy in the production of cannons). The bases for mounting the tonearm of the A-1200 series are equally stable and solid. The BL-111, as it is a turntable for experienced users, enables the use of five types of bases and compatible tonearm models:
A – 1201
Micro/MA – 505X, S, 707X
Audio Craft/AC – 300MK II
Saec/WE – 407/23
Technics/EPA – 99
A – 1202
Saec/WE – 308N, 308SN
A – 1203
FR/FR – 64, 64S, 14
Denon/DA – 303, 305, 307, 399, 401
Victor/UA – 5045
A – 1205
Micro/MA – 505XII, SII, 808X
Audio Craft/AC – 3000MC
A – 1206
Shure/SME – 3009SII, SIII
All operating systems, such as the power switch and speed control, were centrally located at the top of the enclosure, for easy use.
The presented model has been equipped with a dedicated Fidelity-Research FR-64S tone arm, which was launched in 1976. The quality of workmanship, precision of assembly, and repeatability of test results make it one of the most valued tone arms in history. The S-shaped design with articulated suspension and a concentric, non-suspended counterweight, as well as a dynamic balancing mechanism for positioning the VTF ensure faithful sound reproduction. To reduce vibrations, finely brushed stainless steel was used, which is 3 times stronger than aluminium alloy.
The enclosure has been completely revitalized and made of rosewood. The wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils and natural turpentine-based beeswax. All metal and wooden elements outside and inside the turntable were cleaned and painted using the automotive wet painting technique. The device has been completely reviewed and serviced. The turntable is equipped with new aluminium feet.
Collector’s set. The equipment is in perfect condition. Plate clamp included.
The device has been reviewed and serviced.
– the plate has been mechanically polished, which gave it a brand new look
– cleaning and calibration of the arm
– new power cable and new braided signal cables
– diagnosing and revitalising the condition of the arm and disc axis bearings
– the cover has been polished and waxed, which gave it a brand new look
– diagnosis of the anti-skating mechanism
– enclosure made of rosewood, wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils, and natural turpentine-based beeswax
– diagnosis of the condition of the arm wiring
– cleaning and lubrication of mechanism elements
– cleaning and maintenance of switches and potentiometers
– the cover hinges have been cleaned and powder-coated, which gave them a brand new look
– cleaning of boards and removal of cold solder joints
– replacing old thermal pastes
– maintenance and bleeding of the plain bearing
– cleaning and maintenance of the pulley
– replacing grease in the arm bearings
– all elements of the arm have been cleaned
– replacement of screws
Technical data:
– Denon DL 301 II (MC cartridge) professionally calibrated with the turntable and Ortofon LH 9000 headshell
– string drive
– plate – bronze pressure casting 310 mm – 11 kg
– speed – 33 or 45 rpm
– power cord included
– speed adjustment range – +-6%
– Toroidy 110/220V transformer included
– turntable dimensions – width 53 cm, depth 43 cm, height 23 cm
– weight approx. 41 kg
– year of production 1981/82
Arm technical data:
– total length – 325 mm
– effective length – 245 mm
– arm overhang – 15mm
– needle pressure range – 0 – 5g
– arm height adjustment – 25 – 60 mm
– tracking error – + 2.25 ° ? -1.35 °
– diameter of the mounting hole – 31 mm