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One of the best turntables ever built in Japan. This monster, both in weight and sound, is an upgraded export version of Micro’s legendary DDL-120 with a dedicated, and separate, 230v power supply, ceramic patch bearing and a deep rosewood plinth . The build quality is beyond compare.
Micro had tried to produce export versions of it’s famed DD-100 by shipping out the new DDL-120 but issues with the power supply conversion resulted in it’s demise in all markets outside of Japan. Eventually the replacement came in the form of the DQL-120.
With it’s own “export” power supply solving the previous conversion issues, deep rosewood finish and superb sonic capabilities the turntable seemed to be destined for greatness but it’s high price, mostly due to the materials used, and it’s huge size resulted in limited sales during a time when previous Micro Seiki buyers, in Europe especially, were already switching to Linn and others.With only a limited number of these export turntables sold and a decline in it’s own marketplace in the face of competition, from Technics and Pioneer in particular, production turned to more exotic and high-end equipment until the company’s demise in the late 90’s. The lasting legacy of Micro is the unsurpassed engineering evident in decks like this. Reliability, longevity and, above all, superb sound are simple by-products of the passion behind one of Japan’s greatest hi-fi manufacturers.
The DQL-120’s extreme rarity gives it an almost legendary status but it does exist and here is one of the very few chances to pick up a little piece of audio heaven.
Condition:In full working order. Play tested with SME arm and Denon MC.
The plinth and acrylic cover are in almost mint condition. The rosewood veneers are deeply lacquered and highly polished with no signs of even hairline scratches!! The cover has no scratches and only very, very light polishing marks seen under a strong light. The power supply housing is, also, in excellent condition with just some age related discolouration to a couple of labels.The dust/ant-static brush is still in good condition but would benefit from replacement soon.
The bad bits: (See last three photos)1. There is a small scratch on the arm base-plate that can be seen in the centre of the photo. It’s possible to judge it’s size against the screw and bias weight of the SME arm (not included). It is not obviously visible as it is obscured by the arm pillar and counterweights.2. There is a small brown “spot” on the ring of one of the shock absorber feet. The ring can be turned freely so the spot can be hidden but it may come off with some form of cleaner.3. The rubber turntable platter mat does show some signs of ageing. There are marks on the surface that are hard to see in the photo but they are there. This obviously, does not affect play at all but the mat is a known issue for many Micro turntables and replacements can be found on eBay etc.
Features/Specs:DQL-120 fitted with A-127 armbase for SME arms. 33 1/3 and 45 rpm switched at power supply unit. Four oil-damped shock absorber feet for full isolation. Start-stop stand by button. Two pillar mountings for dust/anti static brush (45’s & LPs) PLL Quartz locked DC Servo. S/N ratio >62dB W & F < 0.02% WRMS Zinc alloy 35cm platter=4.5kg Inertial mass = 1000kg/cm2 Turntable = 52 x 42 x 17.4cm (inc. cover) Power supply = 9.6 x 19.2 x 6 cm. Weight = 20.7 kg (inc. Power supply)
Delivery/Shipping:
Damping fluid and shock absorber feet fluid will be removed for UK shipping. I will include a bottle of silicone oil for the feet, this could be thinned for use in the fluid damper too.
If bidding from outside of UK please note that item can be shipped but at your own risk and will need to be fully insured against loss or damage and will have all fluids removed before shipping which will need to be replaced at the buyers expense. Import taxes and associated costs are also the responsibility of the buyer. Please make contact for shipping quotation before purchasing.
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Category: Sound and Vision:Home Audio and HiFi Separates:Record Players/Turntables
Location: DUNSTABLE