Audio T Verdict
The Michell Apollo and Muse form a highly configurable two-box phono stage designed to preserve the extremely small signal produced by a turntable cartridge.
Five gain settings and five loading options allow the Apollo to work with a wide range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, from conventional high-output MM designs to very low-output MC models.
Separating the Muse power supply from the sensitive Class A amplification circuitry helps Michell keep transformer noise away from the music signal. Add carefully regulated power, passive RIAA equalisation and solid aluminium shielding, and this becomes a serious phono stage for suitably revealing vinyl systems.
Michell Apollo MM and MC Phono Stage with Muse Power Supply
The Michell Apollo is a high-performance phono preamplifier for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. It is supplied with the dedicated Muse external power supply, creating a two-box system engineered around low noise, accurate equalisation and flexible cartridge matching.
A phono stage amplifies the tiny electrical signal generated by a turntable cartridge and applies the RIAA equalisation required for accurate vinyl playback. The Apollo then provides a standard line-level output for connection to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Compatible with MM and MC Cartridges
The Apollo offers five gain settings and five resistive loading options. These are adjusted using DIP switches on the underside of the phono stage.
This flexibility allows the Apollo to be configured around the output and recommended load of the connected cartridge rather than relying on one fixed setting.
Check the Cartridge Specification
Gain and loading should be selected using the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. Both left and right channel DIP-switch banks must be set identically.
Switch off the Apollo and Muse before changing any settings or connections.
Class A Phono Amplification
The Apollo uses Class A preamplifier and gain stages developed to handle the exceptionally low signal levels produced by phono cartridges.
The preamplifier circuitry draws on technology commonly used in professional microphone amplification, where low noise and precise signal handling are essential.
Further Class A gain stages amplify the equalised signal before it is passed to the Apollo's stereo line-level outputs.
Passive RIAA Equalisation
Records are cut using the RIAA equalisation curve, which reduces bass and increases treble during mastering. A phono stage must accurately reverse that process during playback.
The Apollo uses a finely tuned passive RIAA circuit between its amplification stages. Michell also measures and matches capacitors by hand to maintain close tolerances and consistent channel balance.
Muse External Power Supply
The Muse places the mains transformer in a separate enclosure away from the Apollo's sensitive amplification circuitry.
Its power-supply design includes:
- A low-noise toroidal transformer
- Capacitance multiplier technology
- High-quality voltage regulation
- Two filtered and regulated DC outputs
The Apollo then provides further internal regulation before power reaches its amplification stages. This dual-stage approach is designed to provide a clean and stable electrical supply.
Screened DC Link Cable
A custom UK-made DC cable connects the Muse power supply to the Apollo.
Its construction includes silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors, FEP insulation, internal separators and high-density shielding to help reject external electrical interference.
Solid Aluminium Enclosures
Both enclosures are machined from solid aluminium sections with solid aluminium rear panels.
The close-fitting construction forms a protective Faraday cage around the internal electronics, helping prevent radio-frequency interference from reaching the sensitive phono amplification stages.
The separate enclosures also prevent the Muse transformer from sharing the same casework as the Apollo's low-level audio circuitry.
Connections
The Apollo provides:
- One stereo RCA turntable input
- One stereo RCA line-level output
- A turntable grounding terminal
- A dedicated input for the Muse DC power cable
The Muse provides the corresponding DC output, an IEC mains inlet and a mains power switch.
Connect to a Line-Level Amplifier Input
The Apollo's output should connect to an AUX, line, CD, tuner or other standard line-level input.
Do not connect its output to another phono input, as this would apply phono amplification and RIAA equalisation twice.
Cartridge Gain Guide
Michell provides the following starting points:
- Standard MM around 5mV: 40dB
- Lower-output MM around 2–3mV: 50dB
- MC around 0.4–0.6mV: 60dB
- Low-output MC around 0.25–0.4mV: 68dB
- Very low-output MC around 0.05–0.25mV: 73dB
These figures are starting points. Cartridge loading should also be selected according to the manufacturer's specification and confirmed by listening.
System Matching
The Apollo and Muse can be used with Michell turntables or with suitable record players from other manufacturers.
They are particularly relevant where:
- The amplifier has no built-in phono input
- An existing phono stage is limiting the vinyl system
- A low-output moving coil cartridge requires additional gain
- Adjustable cartridge loading is required
- A future cartridge upgrade is planned
The configurable inputs make the Apollo a natural partner for the Michell Cusis S Moving Coil Cartridge, as well as many other MM and MC designs.
Key Features
- Two-box phono stage and power-supply system
- Compatible with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
- Five selectable gain settings from 40dB to 73dB
- Five selectable cartridge-loading values
- Class A preamplifier and gain stages
- Finely tuned passive RIAA equalisation
- Hand-measured and matched capacitors
- Dedicated Muse external power supply
- Low-noise toroidal transformer
- Dual-stage DC filtering and regulation
- Custom screened DC connection cable
- Solid aluminium shielded enclosures
- Stereo RCA input and output connections
- Turntable grounding terminal
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Apollo support moving magnet cartridges?
Yes. Its 40dB and 50dB gain settings are intended for standard and lower-output moving magnet cartridges.
Does it support moving coil cartridges?
Yes. Gain settings of 60dB, 68dB and 73dB accommodate a broad range of moving coil cartridge outputs.
Is the Muse power supply included?
Yes. The Apollo and dedicated Muse power supply are sold together as a two-box system.
How are gain and loading adjusted?
DIP-switch banks on the underside of the Apollo provide separate settings for each channel.
How many turntables can be connected?
The Apollo provides one stereo RCA phono input for one turntable or tonearm and cartridge combination.
Does it have balanced XLR audio connections?
No. The audio input and output connections are unbalanced stereo RCA. The multi-pin connector is used for DC power from the Muse.
Does it have a turntable ground connection?
Yes. A grounding terminal is provided beside the RCA connections.
Which amplifier input should I use?
Connect the Apollo to a standard line-level input such as AUX or CD, not another phono input.
Can it be used with non-Michell turntables?
Yes. Compatibility depends on the cartridge's output and recommended loading rather than the turntable brand.
Should the Apollo and Muse be stacked?
Keeping the power supply physically separated from the phono stage helps preserve the benefit of the two-box design. Audio T can advise on suitable equipment placement.
What settings should I use for my cartridge?
Start with the cartridge manufacturer's recommended load and the Michell gain guide, then confirm the result through demonstration and careful listening.
Related Michell Products and Vinyl Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable turntables and cartridges
- MM and MC cartridge compatibility checks
- Gain and loading configuration
- Turntable grounding and hum diagnosis
- Phono cable and line-level interconnect advice
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss cartridge matching for the Michell Apollo and Muse.