i've owned TW AC-1 & currently own Micro SX-5000 (air bearing version of RX-5000).
both exhibit unique characteristics in my system (i've run 3 diff arms on both). TW generally sounds more "hifi" (slightly hyped-up leading edge & timbre/tonality is less varied as others hv also highlighted), while musical notes decay rather quickly with the Micro, & some may also find it less "pitch black" vis-a-vis TW. both table's shortcomings can be addressed (to some extent) via matching &/or tweaking. based on my priorities, i prefer the Micro table (sounds more natural + the decay issue can be easily addressed).
reliability wise, i've had problems with both. my TW had an issue with the motor controller - wouldn't store/save speed settings (required a chip replacement), while my Micro had a weak air pump which caused my platter's glass bottom to occasionally contact the base (required a pump motor replacement).
hope you find this feedback helpful. good luck with yr turntable search.
both exhibit unique characteristics in my system (i've run 3 diff arms on both). TW generally sounds more "hifi" (slightly hyped-up leading edge & timbre/tonality is less varied as others hv also highlighted), while musical notes decay rather quickly with the Micro, & some may also find it less "pitch black" vis-a-vis TW. both table's shortcomings can be addressed (to some extent) via matching &/or tweaking. based on my priorities, i prefer the Micro table (sounds more natural + the decay issue can be easily addressed).
reliability wise, i've had problems with both. my TW had an issue with the motor controller - wouldn't store/save speed settings (required a chip replacement), while my Micro had a weak air pump which caused my platter's glass bottom to occasionally contact the base (required a pump motor replacement).
hope you find this feedback helpful. good luck with yr turntable search.