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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
9 responses Add your response
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
thekong
203 posts
 

Hi Tom,

You may want to try the blu-tak tweak mentioned in this link :

http://tnt-audio.com/clinica/orbetweak_e.html

I can’t recall the details, but remember having considerable improvement when I was using the Orbe with SME V years ago.

Good thing about this is that it cost practically nothing, and completely reversible if you don't like the result!

regafan's avatar
regafan
72 posts
 
I have a fully modified Michell Gyro. Twin spiders, the Orbe platter and clamp, and the H.R. power supply. I run an SME V on it and use it with a mono cartridge exclusively. I love it and I am not suffering any audiophile anxiety at all. 

A good turntable shelf, the Orbe clamp, and the H.R. power supply would be the only modifications I would consider. Go in steps so you can judge what is happening. The SME tone arms are often criticized for being too analytical, but they are accurate and reliable with outstanding low frequency reproduction. They were the arms that John Michell used as a reference when he was designing and building the first Gyro's and Orbe's.

Go slow.
jperry
2,448 posts
 
I have a SME 10A and a Michell Gyrodec with Origin Live OL-1 arm and a new power supply.

I also have a Garrard 301. My recommendation is to try a Garrard 301/401. You should be able to do that with a new plinth and tonearm for under $10K.

Another thought, if you want a gradual step, would be to buy a Vibraplane to place under your current turntable. 
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Exactly -- the Gyro needs an arm that has the same "swing" -- which is not the SMEs strength. Adding the Orbe upgrades and the HR will help with the stability and blackness you are looking for but you will still be stuck with the coloration in the arm. 

One cheaper option to experiment with would be to purchase a Wand+ unipivot -- at $1K it's a real bargain and you can see if you like the sound going in that direction.

I actually sold my SME (at this time my number 2 arm on my dual arm EAR Discmaster) and replaced it with a Wand+ for my Miyajima Zero -- no comparison the Wand is much more musical and involving. 
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.
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Congrats on your nice system and happy to chime in with my suggestions on ways forward. As a prior owner of both the Gyro and the SME IV I’ve been in exactly your position. I actually changed my Gyro for a first generation Orbe and then added the HR supply and a wall shelf (GrandPrix Audio Brooklands) both of which really helped so I imagine the Gyro upgrades you have in line will all be positive

However where I would focus most attention if I was in your shoes would be In swapping out the arm. The IV has a very dry and even rough sound and it was only when I changed mine (first to a Triplanar VII and then to a Durand Kairos) that I realized how much it was coloring the sound. I’d sell yours and explore alternatives, personally my taste now runs to unipivots such as the Kairos but Moerch arms are another classic combination with Michell turntables

With an upgraded table and a better arm you can then explore cartridges - anyway hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions
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rauliruegas
13,052 posts
 
Dear tgonzalez: Very good stuff you own. I know very well the 90X and is a very nice performer.

Now, if I was you what I would like to change will be both: tonearm and cartridge. First step a diferent tonearm and listen with the 90X and after this decide if the 90X has to goes too. At this moment I don't think in " touch " the TT, tonearm and cartridge can make a more notable diferences for the better you always in the future can up-grade the Michel to Orbe status.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
What is it that you don't like about your current turntable?  If anything?  If you just want a change, the VPI Classic is a mighty good turntable...it will sound different but if it's attributes are not the things that you respond to...what's the point?
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