Vintage Turntable Review – Micro Seiki DD24

Micro Seiki DD24

Having recently spent several weeks with the vintage Micro Seiki DD-24 turntable; I can confidently say this iconic Japanese marvel from the late 1970s still holds its ground as a reference-level analog playback machine for the discerning audiophile.

Build and Design

The DD-24 immediately impresses with its solid, no-nonsense construction. It weighs a substantial 7 kilograms and measures 440 x 350 x 125 mm, making it a stable platform for vinyl playback. The platter is a 310mm die-cast aluminium disc, precision-machined to tight tolerances, ensuring excellent balance and minimal vibration. This meticulous engineering is evident in the engraved strobe pattern for speed accuracy and the platter’s unwavering rotational stability.

The tonearm is a statically balanced type, 214mm in effective length with a 15mm overhang. Its head shell is made from solid, low-resonance material, allowing cartridges to perform at their best without coloration from arm resonances. Damping materials are applied throughout the tonearm assembly to further reduce unwanted vibrations, a testament to Micro Seiki’s attention to detail.

Motor and Drive System

One of the DD-24’s standout features is its high-torque DC servo motor directly coupled to the platter. This direct-drive system delivers exceptional speed stability, with wow and flutter measured at less than 0.03% WRMS—an impressive figure even by modern standards. The motor’s servo control ensures that temperature fluctuations and voltage variations have virtually no effect on rotational speed, maintaining pitch accuracy with a fine adjustment range of ±5% on both 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds.

Unique Features

The Micro Seiki DD-24 incorporates an inside force canceller mechanism, which corrects the natural tendency of an offset tonearm to favour the inner grooves of a record. This ensures uniform stylus pressure between the left and right groove walls, preserving sound fidelity across the entire record surface. The spring tension control is easily adjustable to match the tracking force of your cartridge, adding a layer of customization that audiophiles will appreciate.

Controls are user-friendly and elegant, with soft-touch push buttons for power and speed selection. The tonearm is synchronized with motor operation, so simply moving the arm toward the record automatically starts the platter spinning—a thoughtful convenience feature.

Sound Experience

In my listening sessions, the DD-24 revealed itself as a remarkably neutral and detailed turntable. The low-resonance tonearm and precision platter work in harmony to deliver a clean, transparent soundstage with excellent channel separation. Bass response is tight and controlled, while midrange and treble detail shine without harshness or fatigue. The near absence of motor noise and vibration allows the subtle nuances of vinyl recordings to come through clearly.

The turntable’s stability and speed accuracy mean that pitch remains rock solid, which is critical for enjoying music as intended. Whether spinning classic jazz, rock, or orchestral vinyl, the DD-24 consistently provided a satisfying, immersive analog experience.

Conclusion

Owning and using the Micro Seiki DD-24 is like having a piece of hi-fi history that still performs at an elite level. Its combination of robust build quality, precision engineering, and thoughtful features makes it a standout among vintage direct-drive turntables. For audiophiles seeking a classic turntable with modern-day performance, the DD-24 is a compelling choice that rewards careful setup with exceptional sound.

If you come across one in good condition, it’s well worth the investment—not just for nostalgia, but for a genuine, high-fidelity vinyl experience that stands the test of time.