Here you see a Micro Seiki (of Japan) DD40 turntable with MS505 tonearm. Again!! (The last buyer was in Australia and when I brought the rather large and heavy box to the post office, I was informed they would only ship EXPRESS!! For $270.00!! Needless to say, we both decided that was a little extravagant, and this time, I'm only listing for the U.S. where shipping does not have this size limit. (I feel I made a new matie, so all's well that ends well...) (Plus, he gave me some good advice about packing this item, including taping up all moving parts, so it's really well-packed and ready to go. Just needs your name on it.)
This tonearm alone sold for around $400 (Ebay) a few weeks back, so I reckon it's a good one. It needs a new cartridge so I haven't played a record recently, but last time it was used it was in excellent condition, according to previous owner. What I have done is plug it in and admired the SILENT motor, at both speeds. Runs fantastically smoothly. And surrounding the platter is a plexiglass border with a really neat feature: In the front 2" or so, it lights up orange with what looks kind of like a road or a track--for 33, it shows one "road," for 45 it shows 2 going in opposite directions. They kind of undulate and it's mesmerizing. So you have to be careful not to stare yourself into a trance, unless that's what you want. Very cool. The platter pad is a full 1/4" thick. It's very good except for a tiny tear near the spindle--only shows if you bend it while removing it--no issue.
As for the tonearm, it looks to be in excellent condition and I can't see why it would have any problems. It might or probably would need to be adjusted. I don't know how much skill this takes, so you need to take that into consideration. The up/down lever is a little crooked but moving it either way this is no issue--no rubbing or anything. Moves as it should.
Cabinet is natural wood grain veneer with solid parts of lauan. There are several nicks and one gash of about 3/4" on the cabinet--see closeup. With a little care, I suppose most of this could be minimized.
On back it reads Power AC- 120v 4w 50/60 hz. It's stamped with the number 7062449.
Underside is very good. Adjustable feet. Cables excellent. Cord very good with a few nicks but nothing deep.
Unit is 14 1/4" x 19 3/4" x 5 1/2". Cover is missing but I know there are people out there who custom make them.
So: This unit is being sold as is, with the guarantee that I have described it accurately and it will meet that description. (If by slim chance you find there IS something wrong with the tonearm, there is a $$ back guarantee. With the return of the item, in same condition in which it was sent, of course.)
Pls ask any ?s before bidding and thx.
On Aug-23-08 at 12:06:48 PDT, seller added the following information:The tracking wire does not show in pics of tonearm, but it IS present and in good working condition.