Michell Engineering TT users; Orbe or Gyro why Excellent over all of the rest?

Hi guys

I have the MK2 gyrodec since 1988 with the old indestructible Papst motor operating in AC voltage, this year I have spent 30 years living with me.

It is simple to configure and the calibrations stay with the passage of time; over the years I have made all the upgrades available through different power supplies until the replacement of the platter (I did not want the Orbe platter because aesthetically unpleasant) of the pin and "uni point" suspension, and always the money spent has made audible improvements.
Moreover, in 30 years, I have developed several ideas making some very important and useful improvements with which many owners have copied them using them:
replacing the plinth in plexiglass with another of greater thickness,
made some improvements to the frame that is slightly resonant by applying some sheets of blue tac,
prepared the possibility of using a tonearm box to use any signal cable.
Replaced small and thin original engine cover with another heavier, complete and pleasing to the eye.

I use 2 tonearms at the same time.
It will not be the perfect turntable with the best sound but the maximum for the simplicity with which it is assembled.


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bye all

i have just done an upgrade for these turntable the spring has been replaced by independent o-rings there are reviews on AOS and wam in the uk , The deck has so much  more to give and does when these are fittedbetter sound stage , the difference you will get will have you playing all you record collection again ,and no they are not made of string and wood, they are an engineering solution made from delrin by an ex aerospace engineer

I have an SME IV on my Michell GyroDec, works perfectly for me.

Either an SME 309, or IV. Do that table justice. 

Stay away from SME V tonearms on eBay from Hong Kong. They are fake.

Congrats.  enjoy my friend

I heard the techno arm.  Sounded very good but get the best you can afford

Purchased the JA Michell Orbe SE. I look forward to hearing it, upgrading the tonearm from Rega RB to something else. Recommendations from user who have a Michell?  Note: unless I can find a SME V for cheap, my budget is about half or less than a new SME V. I did find a IV and not apposed to the JA Michell arm. 

Folkfreak: Your mod site link is very welcome and I'm in touch with them. 

I've owned many different brands and drives of turntables in the last 5 decades and had owned more than 1 at a time since around 75 ish. About 1979 I  owned a J A Michell turntable (Reference Electronic) which is still spinning records for my sister. The Gyro in the mid eighties was when I really felt they were making a far better option. I have owned different versions of the Gyro and Gyro SE and the Orbe and Orbe SE. I still have an Orbe SE with the speed selective Orbe Tacho power supply offered (2003) before the N/C was available and will not sell or trade this one away, keeper. I also have reacquired the Micro RX 5000 I originally owned from the fellow I sold it to 2 decades ago. As tables came and went and interest and performance stalled with others , I always had a Michell table either upgrading the table to current or buying newer versions outright when opportunity came along. Just my preference , but one of the better sounding tables with no real trade offs. Very well balanced machine.  Super reliable , easy to set up suspension correctly , regardless of what some (OCD) people claim. Quality built, full stop. Even with a moderate arm and moderate cartridge set properly still great results. Long time service if it is needed is exactly what you would expect from a company that delivers on product, not marketing hype. 
I have to agree , although they have gotten somewhat more expensive, the poster above mentioning all the MDF tables out there and many of them as much or more than a Gyro Se, boggles my mind on a value for your dollar . The very few times I ever needed service or a part in close to 40 years of owning a Michell table I was never left waiting and always quickly resolved. I can't say that about any other Turntable manufacturer and few have been around as long. I like that they build a quality built table first time around and only make minor changes as needed. Unlike the others who have new units every year to create sales but leaving as many behind with near obsolete product and the newer model no better, just repackaged. Other than the uber expensive tables out there, I often wonder if that lack of better , just repackaged branding is what drives many to some of the vintage tables , that are arguably as good and better than many of the MDF tables pumped out now in the mid price level. 
The type of drive should give as much thought to choice as brand will for ones personal choice on sound one prefers and many like one over the other.
All can be good , no argument there. The Orbe SE , in my opinion is one of the better ones that gets more of it right and gets out of its own way at its price point and even a bit above. Its a bonus that its looks are also so good IMO . I have some friends with far deeper pockets than I and far more expensive tables that always comment on how well the Orbe SE and the Graham 2.0 TC arm I have sounds no matter what cart is on it. I was going to buy a better arm , but no need. Quickly realized the symmetry was there in spades. I enjoy  better dynamics, extended bass, more articulate bass and better soundstage , with nothing offending or holding it back. I've heard better tables and arms I couldn't possibly afford new or used , I've heard far more expensive tables and arms that were not better, but for a reachable price especially if you get lucky used, few competitors for return of value and expectation on the dollars can realistically better it unless your a die hard DD or Idler drive guy, then you get into the weeds of different , personal preference which can be better and worse, like all drives are capable of. 
 

Just got back into analog after a 34 years absence. TT is a Michell Engineering GyroDec (not the SE, full plinth/cover version) with an SME IV and Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony cartridge. I have no comparison with other TT setups. However, to my ears this TT setup not only looks spectacular, it also sounds wonderful. I am having fun with HiFi all over again and am amazed how good modern vinyl pressing are compared with what I had 34 years ago. HiFi News are running a small article about my setup in the April issue. For more information, see my previous Audiogon post on getting back into vinyl:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/second-system-that-sounds-and-looks-spectacular-i-am-there

I am also very happy to report Michell Engineering customer service is excellent.

Michell doesn't do a lot of advertisement/reviews because they have an insanely incredible product, which allowed them to survive via word of mouth for decades.

The Gyro SE is a timeless work of art and a statement piece. Superb craftsmanship, fit and finish, style, and most importantly breathtaking sound. 

The only turntable manufacturer that takes it to yet another level is SME.

Forget all of those MDF plinth contraptions on the market today. Nothing can even come close to Michell and SME.

I owned an Orbe for about fifteen years. Besides being a great sounding (dynamic, spritely) table it’s also very easy to set up and to fine tune or tweak once you get the hang of it. Mine travelled from the UK to Boston and then cross country to LA with no issues. Tear down and reassembly is easy and changing arms is also a cinch. Finally the manufacturers commitment to long term support and upgradability is also a positive. If you do get one get the best PSU you can, the NC comes as standard with the Orbe but is the way to go even if you get an older Gyro

lots of other tweak ideas here (all good stuff and we’ll worth the $)
http://www.pedersensgyro.dk/

Just bought one on the (very) used market. Once its set up and running I'll let you know. I bought mine on reviews over the ages, and the fact that it is a really neat piece of audio jewelry. 

Regards