Description
Micro Seiki BL 111 Turntable. SME 3010R. Ortofon MC 20 Super Cartridge. Exclusive version. 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 is equipped with the dedicated SME 3010R tonearm. The SME 3010R tonearm was created in response to numerous requests for the re-release of the highly regarded SME 3009 Series II model. The SME 3010R is an enhanced version designed for professional hi-fi applications and demanding users, mainly for the Japanese market. It combines beautiful classic design with exceptional technical precision. Made from thin-walled stainless steel, it offers smooth motion thanks to high-quality bearings and balance adjustment on both axes. The optimized tracking geometry and solid construction minimize resonances, ensuring clear sound even in the most demanding systems. The anti-skating mechanism and smooth height adjustment (VTA) allow for adjustment to different cartridges, ensuring reliability and unparalleled listening experience.
The enclosure has been fully revitalized, made of rosewood. The wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils and natural turpentine-based beeswax. All metal and wooden, external and internal components of the turntable have been cleaned and painted using the automotive wet painting technique. The device has been fully reviewed and serviced. The turntable is equipped with new aluminum feet.
This is a collector’s set. The device is in perfect condition. Record clamp included.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
– the platter has been mechanically polished, which gave it a brand new look
– cleaning and calibration of the tonearm
– new power cable and new signal, braided cables
– checking and servicing of the tonearm bearings and platter spindle
– the cover has been polished and waxed, which gave it a brand new look
– verification of the anti-skating mechanism
– the enclosure is made of rosewood, the wood finish is Chinese oil produced from natural oils and natural turpentine-based beeswax
– diagnosis of the tonearm wiring condition
– cleaning and lubrication of mechanical components
– 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 circuit boards and removal of cold solder joints
– replacement of lubricants in the tonearm bearings
– all tonearm components have been cleaned
– replacement of screws
– green and black slipmats are included in the set
Technical data:
– Ortofon MC 20 Super cartridge (MC cartridge) professionally calibrated with the turntable
– string drive
– platter – pressure-cast bronze, 310 mm – 11 kg
– speed – 33 or 45 rpm
– power cable included
– speed adjustment range – ?6%
– power supply – 230V
– turntable dimensions – 53 cm width, 43 cm depth, 23 cm height
– weight approx. 41 kg
– year of production 1981/82
Cartridge technical data:
– weight – 7g
– output voltage – 0,07 mV (mkI), 0,09 mV (mkII)
– internal resistance – 3 ohm
– tracking angle – 20 degrees
– frequency response – 20 – 20 000 Hz
– channel separation – 25 dB
– channel balance – 1,5 dB
– stylus weight – 0,5 mg
– tracking force – 1,7 g (1,5 to 2,0 g)