Having slight trouble with a Micro Seiki

Aman · « **on:** 26 Nov 2004, 04:36 am »

Hey guys!

Thanks to many suggestions from here, I have attempted to see what's wrong with my Micro Seiki MB-15, a turntable that, as I'm told, is a very good midrange turntable.

I have fixed my balance issues and now face one issue: The vinyl spins too slow! (Or at least I think this).

I put in my Thick as a Brick pressing, and to my surprise, Ian Anderson's voice was slower than normal. I really don't know what could be wrong with it. The turntable is already sounding better than the CD recording I have, but I would really like it to play at the correct speed. On this turntable, I have a switch that goes from 33 to 45. 33 appears to be too slow, and 45 is way too fast. I don't know what kind of setting I can put on the turntable to make it go the correct speed.

The vinyl itself is in fine condition, and the player itself is also in great condition, but this issue is bugging me. Does anybody know how to fix this?

Thanks!!!
Andrew

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 03:43 pm »

Get a strobe from KAB...

Aman · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 03:56 pm »

Is there a way I can do this without having to use my food money for the month?

(I'm a college student here).

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 04:11 pm »

Quote from: Aman

Is there a way I can do this without having to use my food money for the month? (I'm a college student here).

Some test records have strobe discs. I can't recall now, but you *do* need to measure speed in order to troubleshoot the problem.

Ulas · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 04:23 pm »

If you have a printer, you can print your own strobe disk. pdf images are available here.

Aman · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 04:27 pm »

thanks for that guys! I will try that out and get back to you.. appreciate it!
Andrew

doug s. · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 08:15 pm »

Quote from: Aman

thanks for that guys! I will try that out and get back to you.. appreciate it!
Andrew

i picked up a cheap strobe on ebay for <$10. but, you can yust move yer turntable under a flourescent light fixture w/that test disc, for the same results...

doug s.

Marbles · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 08:22 pm »

Aman,

You already know you need to speed it up, the strobe will tell you how slow it is playing, but won't tell you how to play it at the right speed.

If I had to guess, I would guess that you have an old belt that is stretched a bit and that's why it is playing slow.

You might want to contact any repair places to see if they have belts to fit that TT.

Good luck.

Aman · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 10:40 pm »

Unfortunately, I am on my own then. There are no parts left for this turntable.

Looks like it's time to head out for that MM-5

Thanks guys.

Marbles · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Nov 2004, 10:52 pm »

Do a search at AA (audio asylum) in their vinyl forum for Micro Seiki belts. You can get them sent to you for not much money if I remember correctly, like $20.

Good luck.

Aman · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Nov 2004, 01:43 am »

I found a belt online for 15 dollars here:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=MIC115

Is this any good? And is the solution to the problem?

One more question: If I get this replacement and then give all my records a proper cleaning, should get be somewhat back to new again? And, if so, what methods of cleaning can you guys recommend?

Thanks!!
Andrew

Marbles · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Nov 2004, 02:20 am »

That's the belt, and it is my GUESS, and only a guess that that will solve your problem.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Nov 2004, 08:09 am »

You might consider LP Gear's strobe if you're ordering the belt. It's $6.95---not the cheapest alternative, but convenient.

Aman · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 11:59 pm »

An update:

I have discovered that the problem was actually in the arm, and not the belt or the speed. The arm is not replacable, so I am going to buy a Goldring GR-1 for 350 dollars from Brooklyn Audio. Very surprised, because the normal one costs more than a hundred dollars more in most other places.

I am told it is the best turntable to buy for under 500 dollars.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!
Andrew

doug s. · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 02:40 pm »

Quote from: Aman

An update:

I have discovered that the problem was actually in the arm, and not the belt or the speed. The arm is not replacable, so I am going to buy a Goldring GR-1 for 350 dollars from Brooklyn Audio. Very surprised, because the normal one costs more than a hundred dollars more in most other places.

I am told it is the best turntable to buy for under 500 dollars.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!
Andrew

aman, i think that's an ok deal, cuz it uses a killer arm - the rega rb250. for a few dollars more, it can be upgraded to the origin-live iteration. which will then make it better than even an o-l upgraded rb900 - this is according to o-l themselves.

all that said, i would still spend my money on a used deck. here's a couple, yust from a quick ebay search:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5739406229&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5738659272&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5739418909&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3283&item=5737920696&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5738947459

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64626&item=5738849814&rd=1

that last item - the technics sl1200 is an especially good deal, cuz it's awreddy been upgraded w/the kabusa tonearm damper - add their power supply upgrade for a really killer deck...

doug s.