Micro Seiki MB-18

In my former days as a Micro retailer, the MB-18 replaced their MB-15, in 1981. Unfortunately, we could feel some 'slop' in its tonearm bearings compared to the solid-feel of the MB-15's arm.

If you have not yet purchased an MB-18, I would recommend the MB-15 model instead, such as the one currently on eBay. Another excellent choice would be a Harman/Kardon T-30, having less rumble than a Micro MB-15/18 and a better arm.

The direct-drive version of the Micro MB-18 table also underwent the same tone-arm switch. While I do not remember that one's model number, the original one with the same arm as the MB-15 was called the DD-20. One could hear it had less rumble than the MB-15, and was our most popular Micro.

If you do have the MB-18, I would recommend a 'high-compliance' phono cartridge for it, both to suit its low-mass arm and also to put less demand on that arm's bearings.

Here is a link to a flyer on the MB-15 and DD-20, where you can see how their tonearm compared to that on an MB-18: Micro Seiki Literature. Have fun!

Best regards,
Roy

Congratulations! I think you will really enjoy it. Consider setting up the cartridge via an Arc Protractor when you get the H/K: Google Arc-protractor search

Best regards,
Roy

Better Arc-Protractor info: Arc-protractor, as this company offers to make them for people.

Best regards,
Roy

I am wrong to state that the Galibier company will make an Arc Protractor for any TT. I think they can advise on how to get one made for most TTs. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Best,
Roy

Regarding internal tonearm resonances, the MB-18 is likely better than the usual entry-level turntables of the time, that is, more rigid and more dead. The complaint we had at the time was that we could feel some slop in the tonearm bearings- no worse than other entry-level TTs, but not as tight as the previous S-arm version (MB-14 and 15).

To avoid aggravating that slop, we would use a high-compliance cartridge in it. The idea was those cartridges would send less vibration into an arm. Fortunately, the arm on the MB-18 was lower in mass than their previous tonearm, which allowed the high-compliance cartridges to work properly on warped LPs.

The rumble could be heard, but not until one played the music quite loudly on a good record- but the Micros were always better in this regard than the other entry TTs. Its level of rumble, though, precludes putting on a better tonearm.

What we found at the time is a) its level of rumble was low enough most folks were happy, and b) its low-friction and low-mass tonearm allowed the use of a decent phono cartridge so one's LPs did not get mistracked.

At your purchase price, you will someday be able to re-sell it with no loss to then obtain a fancier belt-drive by Micro, such as a BL-51 or BL-91 with or w/o tonearm, or one of their DD models, such as a DD-33 or DD-40 which came with their great MA-505 arm.

I would not recommend their DDX-1000 model. When we first sold them (and I owned one, too) their platters could be felt to wobble under one's touch, and we never did get great low-bass from it. This was likely fixed in its replacement, the DQX-1000, but I am speculating as I never got to use that one. I would up with a BL-91 and MA-505II arm, and am still pleased with that combo although I own others.

I will add that using an 'arc protractor' for your cartridge's alignment makes a lot better sound than any other method of cartridge alignment. There are methods to produce one on your own printer, but I do not know the links for that on this site. Perhaps that's found on the Vinyl Engine, and would require one to enter the tonearm's length and offset (I think that's all).

Also, we really liked the sonic improvement of a platter mat called 'Platter Matter'. There were other brands with similar names, but we felt this make was the best. It still comes up used once in awhile here, eBay and on Canuck Aadio Mart for $35 to $65.

Best regards,
Roy

Hi Guitarman,
Look up the Manual for the model MB-14 on the Vinyl Engine website.

In it, I see that one slides the weight onto the arm until neutral balance is achieved.
Mark that Zero point by turning just the numbered ring to Zero.
Then grab the rear of the weight assembly ?? (can't remember) and crank it until you get your desired tracking force readout on the numbered ring.

There is no set-screw to lock that weight in place, but back when we sold these, I don't remember the tracking weight adjustment being a hassle for anyone (33 years ago, sorry).

I recommend a Platter Matter record mat for it or perhaps an AudioQuest one.

Best regards,
Roy

Good advice, David, thanks.
I did not realize the anti-skating was that far off on that arm.

Best,
Roy