Description
Micro Seiki BL-91 turntable. SAEC WE-308 SX. Denon DL-301 II. 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.
Micro Seiki BL-91 is an outstanding example of Japanese audio engineering from the late 1970s and early 1980s, valued for its precision performance and refined sonic character. It features a massive 3.9 kg platter with a diameter of 310 mm, ensuring smooth rotation and effective vibration damping. Its construction employs special alloy bearings, machined and polished using techniques typically reserved for jet engine turbines. Micro Seiki engineers also developed a unique oil-bath damping system, which guarantees complete isolation of the rotating assembly from any mechanical resonances. This solution not only eliminates the need for periodic lubrication but also remains resistant to temperature changes and material aging. With an impressively low wow & flutter of 0.025% WRMS and a high signal-to-noise ratio of 75 dB, recordings sound clean and natural, with faithful spatial reproduction. The BL-91 is regarded as one of the most vibration-resistant turntables ever built. It allows the listener to fully appreciate every nuance of a recording, delivering a presentation that is both coherent and dynamic. A true classic, the BL-91 combines elegant design with engineering precision, offering a level of sound quality that, even decades later, continues to set the benchmark.
The SAEC WE-308 was the first tonearm created by the Japanese company Sound of Audio Engineering Company (SAEC), introduced to the market in 1971.
From the very beginning, it reflected the brand’s advanced technical philosophy as well as the aesthetics of Japanese design. The key element of the construction is the Double Knife-Edge bearing system, which employs four precisely polished blades – two upper and two lower – perfectly aligned on a single axis. This solution virtually eliminates all mechanical play, ensuring exceptionally smooth, frictionless movement. The contact points are made from synthetic ruby, which increases sensitivity while guaranteeing long-term resistance to wear and aging. The arm’s structure was further reinforced around the axis to improve mechanical isolation and maintain consistent tracking performance over many years. The WE-308 is also equipped with a lateral balancer and a subtle automatic stylus pressure enhancement mechanism, which optimizes dynamic balance during playback. One of the greatest advantages of this tonearm is its versatility-it easily adapts to cartridges of various weights and compliances. The mechanical precision of this model translates into a clean, stable, and modern sound, faithfully reproducing both the richness and natural character of low-resistance MM cartridges, as well as the detailed qualities of more demanding MC designs.
The enclosure has undergone a complete revitalization and is crafted from rosewood. The wood finish consists of Chinese oil produced from natural oils, combined with natural turpentine-based beeswax. All external and internal metal components of the turntable have been thoroughly cleaned and refinished using the automotive “wet painting” technique. The unit has been fully inspected and serviced. The turntable is fitted with new aluminum feet.
This is a collector’s set. The device is in perfect condition. A record clamp is included.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
– the platter has been mechanically polished, restoring a factory-new appearance
– new power cable and new braided signal cables have been installed
– the dust cover has been polished and waxed, giving it a brand-new look
– enclosure made of rosewood; the wood finish consists of Chinese oil produced from natural oils, and natural turpentine-based beeswax
– dust cover hinges have been cleaned and powder-coated, which restored their original, brand-new look
– white and black slipmats are included in the set
– verification of the anti-skating mechanism
– diagnosis of the tonearm wiring condition
– cleaning and lubrication of all mechanical components
– cleaning and maintenance of switches and potentiometers
– cleaning of circuit boards and removal of cold solder joints
– cleaning and calibration of the tonearm
– replacement of lubricants in the tonearm bearings
– replacement of screws
– replacement of electrolytic capacitors
– lubrication and servicing of the motor
– complete servicing of the mechanical system
– adjustment of all parameters according to the service manual
Technical specifications:
– Denon DL 301 II cartridge (MC type), professionally calibrated with the turntable
– belt drive system
– four-pole, six-slot, brushless motor with external rotor, servo-controlled
– platter – pressure-cast aluminum, 310 mm, 3.9 kg
– rotational speeds – 33 or 45 rpm
– power cable included
– speed adjustment range – +- 6%
– power supply – 230V
– signal-to-noise ratio – 75 dB
– wow and flutter – 0.025% WRMS
– dimensions – 53 cm (width), 42 cm (depth), 18 cm (height)
– weight – approx. 23 kg
– year of production – 1979/84