MICRO SEIKI RX-1500

Pre owned. In excellent conditions. No visible signs of wear. Without original packaging.

With SME M2-12 tonearm, complete with original packaging.

The Micro Seiki RX-1500 stands out as one of the most sophisticated and ingenious turntables ever made, the result of the masterful craftsmanship of the Japanese manufacturer. Its most distinctive feature lies in the ability to separate the motor from the platter, a design choice that minimizes vibrations and ensures impeccable mechanical isolation.

The build quality is outstanding, with extremely tight tolerances, a platter suspended on springs that absorbs unwanted resonance, and a speed-adjustable motor designed to deliver stable and precise rotation.

The RX-1500 is composed of two distinct sections: the platter, equipped with a central spindle and prepared to accommodate one or more tonearms, up to four at the same time, and the motor unit, placed laterally on the left, which houses the power supply, the on/off switch, the speed control, and the pulley for belt transmission.

Over time, this model has proven to be extremely versatile and open to customization: it can be paired with tonearms from different manufacturers, dedicated supports, and even components reproduced with modern 3D printing technology, which has helped keep its original spirit alive.

When the motor is distanced from the platter with a longer belt, induced noise is further reduced, allowing for the installation of a second tonearm and confirming the modular yet purist nature of this masterpiece.

The Micro Seiki RX-1500 therefore remains an absolute reference for audiophiles, capable of combining mechanical precision, engineering elegance, and uncompromising musicality.

SME M2-12 Tonearm

The SME M2-12 represents the most refined expression of the series, designed for those seeking more accurate tracking and uncompromised musical reproduction. Its length provides a pivot-to-stylus distance of 308.8 millimeters, significantly reducing lateral tracking error distortion—at least twenty-five percent less compared to a nine-inch arm. This feature makes it ideal for highly precise and natural listening, capable of delivering a more stable and coherent soundstage.

The construction follows SME’s meticulous tradition: the tonearm tube is made of stainless steel, combining lightness and rigidity, while the detachable magnesium headshell with azimuth adjustment ensures optimal geometry control and reduced resonance. The one-piece clamping system provides exceptional structural rigidity and allows for extremely precise adjustments before final tightening. Balance is ensured by a tungsten counterweight working in combination with high-quality ball bearings, which guarantee smooth and silent movement.

The effective mass of the M2-12 is around twelve grams, making it suitable for cartridges with medium and low compliance, thereby expanding pairing and customization options. To take full advantage of its qualities, a turntable designed for twelve-inch arms is required, a necessary condition to appreciate its full performance. The result is a tonearm that combines mechanical precision, solid construction, and versatility, while staying true to SME’s philosophy of merging top-level engineering with natural, balanced musical reproduction.

Technical specifications Micro Seiki RX-1500:

• Type: analog turntable with detachable motor
• Power consumption: approx. 8 W
• Speeds: supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Motor: separate unit (RY-1500D), with dedicated on/off and speed controls
• Platter suspension: four-element system including coil springs, rubber-diaphragm piston, compressed air, and high-viscosity oil, for isolation from vibrations and acoustic feedback
• Speed stability: approx. ±3% adjustment range
• Wow & flutter: approx. 0.025% WRMS
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ~75 dB (DIN B)
• Weight: approx. 33.1 kg

Technical specifications SME M2-12:

• Length: 12"
• Construction: straight stainless steel tube with internal damping
• Counterweight: chromed tungsten
• Cartridge compatibility: 5 to 12 g
• Base: sliding, for tracking adjustment
• Weight: 675 g