Micro Seiki

Micro Seiki was a legendary Japanese precision engineering company founded in 1961 in Tokyo by Kosaku Komiya, originally manufacturing surgical instruments, miniature mechanisms, and high-precision metal parts for watches and measuring instruments before revolutionizing turntable design starting in 1968. With roots in aerospace technology and employing ex-airplane technicians, Micro Seiki brought unparalleled craftsmanship and tank-like ruggedness to their turntables throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, creating mid and high-end turntables of almost legendary quality including the groundbreaking DDX-1000 (1976) that accommodated three tonearms simultaneously. The company's philosophy emphasized 'no substitute for quality, precision and tank-like ruggedness,' producing an epic assortment of 89 turntables and 18 tonearms across nine product lines, featuring burnished copper, flawless stainless steel, polished aluminum, and exquisite wood veneer craftsmanship that remains unmatched in the industry. After transitioning to reference-class turntables in the 1990s, Micro Seiki encountered financial difficulties and ceased turntable production in 2001, though they continue operating as a small precision engineering workshop, leaving behind a legacy of collectible turntables now commanding $18,000+ on the vintage market.