Audio T Verdict
The Michell Revolv combines the straightforward operation of a rigid, unsuspended turntable with engineering developed for Michell's latest reference models.
Its substantial 19mm aluminium chassis, Delrin platter, brass peripheral weights and inverted oil-circulating bearing provide a stable mechanical foundation for the tonearm and cartridge.
A freestanding motor keeps its main source of mechanical vibration separate from the turntable, while the no-arm configuration allows the complete record player to be tailored around the customer's cartridge, phono stage and system.
Michell Revolv Reference Turntable
The Michell Revolv is a manually operated belt-drive turntable positioned between the TecnoDec and Gyro in Michell's range.
It uses an unsuspended design for direct mechanical grounding, combined with Sorbothane isolation beneath the chassis. This provides a simpler installation than a suspended deck while retaining extensive control over unwanted vibration.
Tonearm and Cartridge Not Included
This version of the Michell Revolv is supplied without a tonearm or cartridge.
A compatible tonearm, mounting arrangement, cartridge and phono stage must be selected separately. Audio T can configure and professionally install the complete system.
19mm Machined Aluminium Chassis
The Revolv chassis is machined from solid 19mm aerospace-grade aluminium tooling plate.
This substantial structure provides a rigid platform for the platter bearing and tonearm mounting while helping control unwanted movement between the key playback components.
Unsuspended Turntable Design
Unlike the suspended Michell Gyro, the Revolv uses a rigid, unsuspended architecture.
The chassis is mechanically grounded through specially developed Sorbothane feet rather than being carried by a spring suspension. This makes setup comparatively straightforward while maintaining a controlled connection with the supporting surface.
Sorbothane Isolation Feet
The Revolv uses advanced Sorbothane isolation feet with six damping nodes.
These are designed to reduce vibration travelling between the turntable and the supporting shelf or equipment rack.
The turntable should still be placed on a strong, level and stable surface, away from loudspeakers and heavy footfall where practical.
Rigid Tonearm Coupling
The tonearm is mounted through a precision-machined aluminium arm plate.
This rigid connection helps maintain the mechanical relationship between the cartridge, tonearm and main bearing as the stylus traces the record groove.
The required arm plate and installation details depend on the chosen tonearm, so compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.
Delrin Platter with Peripheral Brass Mass
The Revolv uses a Delrin platter with 10mm peripheral brass weights.
Positioning additional mass around the outer edge increases rotational inertia, helping the platter resist short-term changes in speed once it is rotating.
Delrin also provides a stable surface for the vinyl record without requiring a separate conventional felt or rubber mat.
Inverted Oil-Circulating Bearing
The platter rotates on Michell's inverted mono-helix oil-circulating main bearing.
As the platter turns, the helical groove circulates lubricant through the bearing assembly, supporting smooth rotation and protecting its precision surfaces.
Freestanding Motor Pod
The motor is housed in a heavy, freestanding enclosure and remains physically separate from the turntable chassis.
Its only mechanical connection to the platter is the drive belt. This helps reduce the transfer of motor vibration to the platter, bearing, tonearm and cartridge.
Shielded Motor and Power Supply
Both the motor housing and matching power supply are machined from solid billets of aerospace-grade aluminium.
The closely fitted enclosures, grounding and shielded connection are designed to reduce exposure to radio-frequency and electrical interference.
Electronic Speed Selection
The separate motor and power-supply system provides electronic speed selection.
This allows the normal record-playing speed to be selected through the motor system rather than by manually repositioning the drive belt.
Choosing a Tonearm and Cartridge
The no-arm configuration allows the Revolv to be built around the customer's preferred tonearm and cartridge.
Selection should consider:
- Tonearm mounting and arm-plate compatibility
- Tonearm effective mass
- Cartridge compliance and weight
- Counterweight adjustment range
- Vertical tracking angle adjustment
- Phono cable and grounding requirements
The Michell Cusis S Moving Coil Cartridge is one possible cartridge option, subject to compatibility with the selected tonearm.
A Suitable Phono Stage Is Required
A turntable cartridge produces a much smaller signal than a conventional line-level source.
The complete system therefore requires either:
- An amplifier with a compatible phono input
- A separate moving magnet phono stage
- A separate moving coil phono stage
The required type depends on the cartridge. The Michell Apollo Phono Stage with Muse Power Supply supports both moving magnet and moving coil designs.
Professional Turntable Setup
Correct installation is essential to the performance and safety of the cartridge and records.
Setup should include:
- Levelling the turntable support
- Positioning the freestanding motor correctly
- Fitting the drive belt without twisting it
- Installing the correct tonearm and arm plate
- Accurately aligning the cartridge
- Setting tracking force and anti-skate
- Checking tonearm height where adjustable
- Confirming phono-stage gain and loading
Revolv, TecnoDec or Gyro?
Revolv vs TecnoDec
The Revolv steps up to a 19mm machined aluminium chassis, peripheral brass platter mass, upgraded isolation and Michell's latest shielded motor and power-supply system.
Explore the Michell TecnoDec.
Revolv vs Gyro
The Revolv uses a rigid unsuspended design, while the Gyro adds Michell's retuned suspended chassis and further bearing and isolation developments.
Explore the Michell Gyro.
Key Features
- Reference manual belt-drive turntable
- Supplied without tonearm or cartridge
- Unsuspended design for direct mechanical grounding
- Solid 19mm aluminium tooling-plate chassis
- Precision-machined aluminium tonearm plate
- Sorbothane isolation feet with six damping nodes
- Delrin platter
- 10mm peripheral brass platter weights
- Inverted mono-helix oil-circulating bearing
- Heavy freestanding motor pod
- Separate shielded power supply
- Electronic speed selection
- Upgrade-ready modular construction
- Designed, engineered and assembled by hand in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tonearm included with the Michell Revolv?
No. This version is supplied without a tonearm so the turntable can be configured around the intended cartridge and system.
Is a cartridge included?
No. A compatible cartridge must be selected and purchased separately.
Is the Revolv suspended?
No. It uses a rigid unsuspended chassis supported by Sorbothane isolation feet.
How does it differ from the TecnoDec?
The Revolv adds a thicker machined aluminium chassis, more advanced isolation, peripheral brass platter weights and Michell's latest shielded motor and power supply.
How does it differ from the Gyro?
The Revolv is unsuspended, while the Gyro uses a fully suspended design and sits above it in Michell's current range.
Is the motor attached to the chassis?
No. The motor sits in a separate housing and connects mechanically to the platter only through the drive belt.
Does it have electronic speed control?
Yes. Michell specifies electronic speed selection through the separate motor and power-supply system.
Does the Revolv have a built-in phono stage?
No. A compatible external phono stage or amplifier phono input is required.
Which cartridge can I use?
Cartridge compatibility depends on the selected tonearm, its effective mass and the phono stage. Audio T can recommend and install a suitable combination.
Does it require professional setup?
Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure the tonearm, cartridge, motor and phono-stage settings are correct.
Related Michell Products and Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Michell Revolv demonstrations
- Tonearm and cartridge compatibility advice
- Professional turntable assembly
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking force and anti-skate setup
- Moving magnet and moving coil phono-stage matching
- Turntable isolation and positioning 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 a complete Michell Revolv turntable system.