Audio T Verdict
The Michell Gyro remains instantly recognisable, but almost everything beneath its familiar outline has been re-engineered.
A new 19mm aerospace-grade aluminium chassis, retuned suspension, redesigned motor system and double-helix inverted bearing aim to reduce unwanted movement and provide a quieter, more stable foundation for the tonearm and cartridge.
Its modular no-arm configuration also allows the turntable to be tailored around the customer. Choose an appropriate tonearm, cartridge and phono stage and the Gyro becomes the centre of a highly capable vinyl system with a clear upgrade path.
Michell Gyro Reference Turntable
The Michell Gyro is a suspended belt-drive turntable developed from one of the most recognisable designs in British Hi-Fi.
This latest generation retains the visual identity of the original GyroDec while introducing a completely reworked chassis, suspension, bearing, motor unit and power supply.
Tonearm and Cartridge Not Included
This version of the Michell Gyro is supplied without a tonearm or cartridge.
A compatible tonearm, arm mounting arrangement, cartridge and phono stage must be selected separately. Audio T can configure and professionally install the complete turntable system.
Machined 19mm Aluminium Chassis
The main chassis is precision machined from a solid 19mm aerospace-grade aluminium tooling plate.
This replaces the cast-aluminium construction used by earlier Gyro models and provides a more rigid, accurately machined platform for the bearing, suspension and tonearm.
Brass weights are embedded within the chassis to balance the tonearm assembly while helping absorb unwanted vibrational energy.
Tonearm Mounting and Damping
The tonearm mounting area uses precision coupling rather than the Delrin spacer arrangement found on previous versions.
Foam damping inserts around the tonearm mount help suppress reflections and vibration close to the point where the cartridge signal is generated.
The correct arm plate and mounting arrangement will depend on the chosen tonearm and should be confirmed when ordering.
Retuned Suspended Design
The Gyro uses a retuned suspension with a specified resonant frequency of approximately 3.5Hz.
Michell's Equilibria lateral damping system is designed to control sideways movement and help the suspended assembly return to its correct position.
The suspension helps isolate the platter, bearing, tonearm and cartridge from vibration travelling through the supporting furniture and surrounding room.
Aluminium Baseplate and Sorbothane Isolation
A high-mass aluminium baseplate replaces the acrylic Spider structure used by earlier Gyro SE models.
Large feet with Sorbothane isolation elements provide a further barrier against vibration entering through the equipment support.
As with any high-performance turntable, the Gyro should be installed on a rigid, level and stable surface away from loudspeakers and heavy footfall where possible.
Precision Platter
The latest platter retains the characteristic peripheral brass weights associated with the Gyro while adopting a smoother outer edge without the visible belt groove of earlier models.
The platter, suspension and bearing work together to maintain stable rotation while controlling resonance around the record and stylus.
Double-Helix Inverted Bearing
Michell's inverted main bearing places the point of rotation towards the top of the assembly.
The new version uses a double-helix oil-pumping system, designed to move twice as much lubricant through the bearing as the previous single-helix arrangement.
Continuous oil circulation supports smooth platter rotation, reduces friction and helps protect the precision bearing surfaces over long-term use.
Freestanding Motor Unit
The motor is housed in a substantial freestanding aluminium enclosure and remains physically separate from the main turntable structure.
Its only mechanical connection to the platter is the drive belt, reducing the opportunity for motor vibration to travel directly into the chassis, bearing or tonearm.
Redesigned Power Supply and Electronic Speed Control
The matching external power supply and motor housing are machined from solid aluminium billets.
The redesigned system provides:
- Electronic speed control
- Mechanical separation between motor and turntable
- Grounded motor and power-supply enclosures
- A shielded connection between the power supply and motor
- Protection against radio-frequency interference
This removes the need to reposition the drive belt when changing normal record-playing speed.
Choosing a Tonearm
The no-arm Gyro allows the tonearm to be selected around the cartridge, system and budget.
Michell options include the T8 tonearm, which is available when ordering a compatible Michell turntable, and the Michell TecnoArm 2.
Tonearm selection should consider:
- Mounting pattern and arm plate
- Effective mass
- Cartridge compliance and weight
- Counterweight adjustment range
- Vertical tracking angle adjustment
- Phono cable and grounding requirements
Choosing a Cartridge and Phono Stage
The cartridge is not included and should be matched to the chosen tonearm and phono stage.
The Michell Cusis S Moving Coil Cartridge is one suitable high-performance option.
A moving coil cartridge requires a compatible MC phono stage, such as the Michell Apollo Phono Stage with Muse Power Supply.
A turntable cartridge cannot normally be connected directly to a standard line-level amplifier input.
Setup and Installation
Correct assembly and adjustment are essential to the performance of a suspended turntable.
Installation should include:
- Levelling the turntable support
- Balancing and adjusting the suspension
- Positioning the freestanding motor correctly
- Fitting the drive belt without twisting it
- Installing and aligning the tonearm
- Aligning the cartridge
- Setting tracking force and anti-skate
- Checking the turntable earth connection
Professional installation is strongly recommended, particularly when fitting a fine-line or moving coil cartridge.
Key Features
- Reference suspended belt-drive turntable
- Precision-machined 19mm aluminium chassis
- Embedded brass balancing and damping weights
- Damped precision tonearm mounting
- Retuned 3.5Hz suspension
- Michell Equilibria lateral damping
- High-mass aluminium baseplate
- Large Sorbothane isolation feet
- Precision platter with peripheral brass weights
- Double-helix inverted oil-pumping bearing
- Freestanding aluminium motor housing
- External shielded power supply
- Electronic speed control
- Available in black or silver
- Tonearm and cartridge selected separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the original Michell GyroDec?
No. This is the latest Michell Gyro, featuring a redesigned chassis, suspension, bearing, motor and power supply while retaining the familiar Gyro appearance.
Is a tonearm included?
No. This version is supplied without a tonearm so the deck can be configured around the intended cartridge and system.
Is a cartridge included?
No. The cartridge must be purchased and installed separately.
Does it include a phono stage?
No. A suitable external phono stage or amplifier with a compatible phono input is required.
Can I fit a Michell T8 tonearm?
Yes. The T8 is designed to partner Gyro turntables and is available when ordering a compatible Michell deck.
Can I fit the Michell TecnoArm 2?
Yes. Michell specifies the TecnoArm 2 for Gyro and Orbe turntables, subject to the correct mounting arrangement.
How are vibrations controlled?
The Gyro combines a suspended chassis, Equilibria lateral damping, Sorbothane isolation feet, a freestanding motor and targeted damping around the tonearm mounting area.
What is the benefit of the inverted bearing?
The inverted design circulates oil towards the upper thrust point while the platter rotates. The new double-helix system increases the lubricant flow through the bearing.
Is the motor built into the turntable?
No. The motor sits in its own separate aluminium housing and connects mechanically to the platter only through the drive belt.
Which finishes are available?
The Michell Gyro is available in black or silver.
Does it need professional setup?
Professional assembly is strongly recommended to ensure the suspension, tonearm, cartridge and tracking settings are configured correctly.
Related Michell Products and Vinyl Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Michell Gyro demonstrations
- Tonearm and cartridge matching
- Professional turntable assembly
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Suspension and levelling adjustment
- Phono-stage gain and loading setup
- Turntable isolation advice
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing servicing and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best tonearm, cartridge and phono stage for the Michell Gyro.