2. analog
  3. 124092-19004

Michell Gyro SE + SME IV upgrade path

I'm spending more and more of my time listening to LPs and thinking of upgrading my turntable.  The system is really starting to jell, but I have neglected the upstream portion of the system as I have focused on improving the downstream portions (amps, cabling, speakers) as well as dedicated power.  

I would like your thoughts on which of the three following paths is the wisest (long-term) course:

1) Upgrade Michell Gyro SE by adding a HR power supply (allowing speed fine tuning and electrical isolation), possibly adding Orbe spider base and platter, rewiring the SME IV (eliminating both the cartridge and SME DIN connections), and adding wall shelf as per the suggestions of the forum;

2) Trading in the Michell Gyro SE and SME for VPI Classic Signature or other non-sprung turntable in the less than $10k range (including arm); or

3) Selling the Michell Gyro and keeping the SME IV (possibly rewired) and replacing it with an SME 10 or 15A.

I'm open to other suggestions.  These are down the road upgrades so listening and comparing are options as the upcoming AXPONA event or at Chicago many hi-fi dealers.

The objective is to get as good as sound as I can from my improving system.  The analogue portion of my system and path is as follows:

1) Michell Gyro SE + SME IV (with VTA adjustment and damping) + Shelter 90X
2) Silver Breeze DIN to RCA
3) Pass Labs X-Ono
4) Audience AU24SE XLR
5) Pass Labs X-1
6) Audience AU24SE XLR
7) Pass Labs XA100.8
8) Audience AU24SE Speaker
9) Magnepan 3.7i plus two DWMs

Audio rack needs to be upgraded as the Salamander Synergy rack could be a more solid foundation.  (Dedicated room and power circuits with hi-fi outlets, Audience PowerChords SE and power conditioner)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments,

Tom
tgonzales

Showing 2 responses by tgonzales

tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
Excellent points.  There is no doubt swapping a Michell for VPI would deliver differently but not necessarily better.

The Gyro feels like the potential weak link in my analogue chain.  The tone of Michell is fantastic besting my Oppo 105 with Hi-Res.  So why do I feel that is the Gyro the weak link?   First, often individual instrument touch on realistic tone, speed and microdynamics.  Never is this true across the entire band.  A snare drum, lead guitar or bass guitar that is simply stunning.  Others simply blend in.  Listening to the Dead's American Beauty some instruments are more there than others.  Vocals are a bit recessed.  The vocals are very organic.  Second, I feel that ultimate blackness could be improved.  This is the reason I thought about a non-suspended 'table like the VPI.  But as FolkFreak suggests this could be a SME issue.

This all sounds like I'm dissatisfied.  I'm not.  The PRaT of the Gyro is fantastic.  It's very musical.  A bit less Hi-Fi a bit more a musical instrument.
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
I ended up following regafan's recommendation of adding the HR Power Supply and Orbe clamp (but not the full patter upgrade).  I'm very surprised what a difference it made.  The PRaT became snappier and bass really filled out.  Not night and day different but very much an improvement.

I also followed other advise to adjust SME IV damping paddle to just barely touching, whereas before I had it fully submerged.  I did this prior to the power supply and clamp upgrade.  That alone made a difference in pace.

The one caveat is that I upgraded both the power supply and Orbe clamp at the same time.  It would have been nice to do one at a time as regafan suggested.  Moreover, when I made the clamp upgrade, I noted that the bearing was low on oil.  Adding oil mostly helped.  Too bad I hadn't made step changes.

On the original problem of footfalls and blacker blacks, I think I still need to address that.  Thinking about fabricating some type brace for the Synergy stand, at least until I can figure out a wall shelf.  The wall shelf seems like the best bet, but its location has and continues to be the problem.  The only two options are a distant wall requiring a long run of balanced XLRs ($$$) or directly behind one of the Magnepans (which would be in the rear "line of sight" of the speaker which may cause even more interference).

Thanks all,

Tom
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