Michell Engineering GyroDec build assembly
We’ve had the pleasure of assembling another Michell GyroDec, this time fitting a carefully looked after ex-demonstration SME 309 tonearm and a brand new Ortofon Cadenza Red moving-coil cartridge.
It is always a delight to assemble a GyroDec: every single component is beautifully finished and fits together perfectly, so we took a few photos during assembly for sharing with you.
This Gyro is the the full-fat version with a clear Perspex plinth and lid (something that’s lacking from many a high-end turntable), and once the gleaming machine-turned motor housing was positioned and the clear plinth and lid placed on top, we could hardly wait to fit the remaining parts.
Michell Engineering supplied an arm mount made specifically for the SME which is vital, as it comes with the correct diameter and positioned threaded holes and spacers which supports the SME at the correct height. Once this was fitted to the main chassis we attached the SME 309 tonearm. The arm looked virtually brand new, so it looked particularly handsome once on the Gyro’s circular sub-chassis.
Next came fitting the precision main bearing to the chassis, lowering the whole assembly, complete with tone arm and cable, carefully over the adjustable sprung supports, and lubricating the main bearing. All that was needed to finish it off was to place the platter with its gold-plated weights over the spindle, fit the belt, fit and align the cartridge, level the suspension and lock the tonearm cable underneath to prevent any disturbance to the operation of the suspension, check ‘bounce’ of the chassis and fit power supply.
It’s a long but very satisfying job – particularly when we listened to the assembled turntable, where we were rewarded with a sound of such bass precision, midrange clarity and smooth naturalness, we just had to spin a few more discs. This is analogue done really, really well and we think exceptional value for money.