Micro Seiki BL-111, how good is it ?

No mat. Cartridge was Denon 301

That would explain your ’issue’. Frankly, putting a Denon 301 (mkII I assume?) at the front end of an analog set up like this makes no sense to me at all. I don’t know the rest of the system they used for the demo, but the BL-111 / FR-64fx combo and the ARC Ref 2se phono amp clearly deserve something MUCH better than the Denon.

The 301 is sometimes described as the low output version of the DL-160. Both are high compliance carts originating from the 80’s requiring a low mass arm. Contrary to what it says on its VTF dail, the FR-64fx is NOT a low mass arm. So it looks like you have been ’served’ by a technical mismatch as well as a quality mismatch. It’s clear to me you didn’t get to hear what this table and arm are capable of. What a shame.

Hi,
well, is better late than never.
If well I have not the MS BL111, I have the BL-111L (V). That is the "Large" model, for 12 inch tonearms, and the (v), mean that is the "vacuum" model.
Before to say anything about the BL111L, I must say that I have had about 20 serious TT, like Technics SP10mk2 and mk3, Victor TT 101, 81 and 801, and many others.
First, I'm very happy with my 111L. I have used it with several 12 inches tonearms, and many cartridges; like Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Victor L1000, Victor MC2E, Lyra Parnassus dct, Benz LP and a long etcetera.
My last words about the BL111L, are that I have big doubts that I will sell it someday.
(anyway, I have had sometime also the BL111 standard, and it gives a level that is impossible to reach today with a modern table, for the nowadays price of one of the BL111.) Anyway, What is the price of a standard BL111 today ?
br.