Audio T Verdict
The Michell TecnoArm 2 is a reference-quality tonearm designed to offer precise cartridge tracking, low resonance and extensive setup flexibility without unnecessary complexity.
Its one-piece arm tube, ultra-low-friction polymer bearings and continuous silver Litz wiring create a carefully controlled path from the stylus to the phono stage. Michell's TecnoWeight and VTA/SRA adjuster also make it easier to configure the arm accurately for the chosen cartridge.
It is a natural partner for Michell Gyro and Orbe turntables, but its familiar 222mm mounting geometry also allows it to be considered for selected compatible decks from other manufacturers.
Michell TecnoArm 2 Tonearm
The Michell TecnoArm 2 is a standalone tonearm developed for high-performance vinyl systems. It combines a specially modified one-piece arm tube with precision bearings, advanced cartridge wiring and practical adjustment for tracking force and tonearm height.
Available in black or silver, it can be fitted to compatible Michell turntables and selected third-party decks using the correct mounting arrangement.
One-Piece Perforated Arm Tube
The TecnoArm 2 uses a custom one-piece arm tube with an integral headshell. Reducing the number of mechanical joints helps maintain rigidity between the cartridge and the tonearm bearing assembly.
Michell shot-blasts the arm tube to alter its resonant behaviour before drilling 22 holes along its underside. The perforations reduce mass while retaining the structural benefits of the one-piece design.
The underside of the integral headshell is machined parallel to the bearing position, providing an accurate mounting surface for the cartridge.
Ultra-Low-Friction Polymer Bearings
The tonearm is assembled using Michell's ultra-low-friction polymer bearings and redesigned mounting base.
Low bearing friction allows the cartridge to follow the record groove freely, while a stable bearing structure helps maintain accurate alignment as the arm travels across the record.
12.5g Effective Mass
Michell specifies an effective mass of 12.5g. Cartridge compatibility will depend on the cartridge's weight, compliance, tracking-force requirement and the adjustment range of the TecnoWeight.
The TecnoArm 2 can be considered for suitable moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, but the complete mechanical and electrical combination should be checked before installation.
Continuous Silver Litz Wiring
The TecnoArm 2 uses Michell's proprietary wiring loom with 99.9999% pure silver Litz conductors.
The signal path runs from the cartridge tags to the phono plugs without internal wiring joints. This avoids additional connections in the path of the extremely low-level cartridge signal.
Silver-plated cartridge tags are milled from solid brass and use a spring-loaded connection to maintain secure contact with the cartridge pins.
Michell TecnoWeight Counterweight
The TecnoWeight provides straightforward tracking-force adjustment for different cartridges.
Its underslung design places the counterweight closer to the height of the cartridge, lowering the tonearm's centre of gravity. Michell also uses the counterweight's rigid connection to help damp resonance within the arm tube.
Adjustable VTA and SRA
The supplied VTA/SRA adjuster allows the tonearm height to be changed to suit different cartridge body heights.
Correct tonearm height helps establish the vertical tracking angle and stylus rake angle required for the stylus profile to sit correctly within the record groove.
Allow for the Adjuster Height
The VTA/SRA adjuster raises the tonearm by 2mm at its lowest setting. Michell supplies shorter arm-plate spacers for use with Gyro and Orbe turntables to compensate for this additional height.
Turntable Compatibility
Michell recommends the TecnoArm 2 for Gyro and Orbe model turntables, including the Michell Gyro.
The required mounting distance is 222mm, measured from the centre of the platter spindle to the centre of the tonearm mounting hole.
Arm Plate Not Included
Product images may show the TecnoArm 2 fitted to a Michell arm plate. The arm plate is not included and must be selected separately for the intended turntable.
Compatibility with Rega Turntables
Michell states that the TecnoArm 2 can be used with Rega turntables featuring Double Brace technology only when the VTA adjuster is not installed.
Compatibility should be confirmed before purchase, as the turntable must provide the correct mounting geometry, clearances and arm-height relationship.
Cartridge and Phono-Stage Matching
The selected cartridge must suit the TecnoArm 2 mechanically, while the phono stage must provide the correct gain and loading.
The Michell Cusis S Moving Coil Cartridge is one potential partner for a suitable Michell turntable system.
A low-output moving coil cartridge requires an appropriate MC phono stage, such as the Michell Apollo Phono Stage with Muse Power Supply.
Professional Setup
Correct installation is essential to achieve reliable tracking and protect both the stylus and records.
Setup should include:
- Confirming the correct arm plate and mounting position
- Checking the 222mm mounting distance
- Securely fitting and connecting the cartridge
- Setting cartridge overhang and alignment
- Adjusting tracking force and anti-skate
- Setting tonearm height and stylus rake angle
- Checking phono-stage gain, loading and grounding
Key Features
- Reference-class standalone tonearm
- Custom one-piece arm tube and integral headshell
- Shot-blasted arm-tube finish
- Twenty-two underside holes to reduce mass
- Ultra-low-friction polymer bearings
- 12.5g effective mass
- 222mm mounting distance
- Continuous 99.9999% pure silver Litz wiring
- Silver-plated spring-loaded cartridge tags
- Michell TecnoWeight counterweight
- Adjustable VTA and SRA
- Designed for Michell Gyro and Orbe turntables
- Available in black or silver
- Professional installation recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the TecnoArm 2 be purchased separately?
Yes. Unlike Michell's T2 and T8 factory-fit options, the TecnoArm 2 is available as a standalone tonearm.
Which Michell turntables are compatible?
Michell recommends it for Gyro and Orbe model turntables using the correct arm plate and mounting arrangement.
Is an arm plate included?
No. The appropriate arm plate must be selected separately.
Is a cartridge included?
No. A compatible cartridge must be chosen separately.
What is the effective mass?
Michell specifies an effective mass of 12.5g.
What is the mounting distance?
The required distance from the platter centre to the tonearm mounting-hole centre is 222mm.
Does it include a phono cable?
Yes. Silver Litz wiring runs continuously from the cartridge tags to the phono plugs.
Can it be fitted to a Rega turntable?
It is compatible with Rega turntables using Double Brace technology only when the VTA adjuster is not used. Confirm the exact model before ordering.
Can it be used with a moving coil cartridge?
Yes, where the cartridge's weight, compliance and tracking requirements are suitable. A compatible MC phono stage will also be required.
Can Audio T fit and align the tonearm?
Yes. Audio T can check compatibility and professionally install the tonearm, cartridge and phono stage as a complete system.
Related Michell Products and Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Tonearm and turntable compatibility checks
- Correct Michell arm-plate selection
- Cartridge matching and installation
- Professional alignment and tracking setup
- VTA and stylus rake angle adjustment
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono-stage matching
- Ongoing turntable support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss installing the Michell TecnoArm 2 on your turntable.