Analog Gear News

We always love it when we see howe top-tier turntable companies evolve their product lines — though, in the case of the UK stalwart manufacturer Michell, perhaps we should rephrase that with the altered spelling of evolv. What I mean by that is, Michell has just introduced their latest turntable offerings — one duly dubbed the Revolv turntable, and an upgraded version of their well-respected Gyro table.

Let’s get into the Revolv table first. Michell says the Revolv is positioned between the company’s minimalist TecnoDec table and fully suspended Gyro tables. The Revolv is built around a precision-machined 19mm aluminium chassis, and it incorporates a Delrin platter with 10mm peripheral brass weights, a grounded and shielded motor pod, and Sorbothane-vibration dampening feet with six damping modes.

(Incidentally, I should add that we reviewed the TechnoDec Reference table here on AP back on September 11, 2023, so if you want further context about where it lands in Michell’s turntable line, and how well it performs, go here.)

Revolv’s motor system housing is completely independent from the turntable — its only connection is the drive belt. This physical separation is said to “dramatically” reduce the transfer of motor vibration to the sensitive playback components, in order to preserve musical detail and clarity.

Both the Revolv table’s motor unit and matching power supply are machined from solid billets of aerospace-grade aluminium, forming exceptionally rigid enclosures with minimal gaps to block unwanted RF interference. The entire system is fully grounded and linked via a shielded interconnect, with the intention of ensuring a “pristine” signal path and “outstanding” audio purity.

Other features of the Revolv table include a rigid tonearm coupling via precision-machined aluminium arm plate, inverted mono-helix oil-circulating main bearing, and a separate PSU with electronic speed selection for 33⅓rpm and 45rpm playback options.

And now, to the “evolved” Gyro table. Michell first points out that, since its debut in the early 1980s, the Gyro has evolved through countless incremental refinements, “each calculated to improve performance while retaining the original design ethos.” In the company’s words, the latest Gyro iteration is, quote, “not a reinvention, but a reimagining of everything beneath the surface.” This new version of a classic table is considered to be a “ground-up” engineering overhaul intended to deliver “dramatic” improvements in performance, usability, and long-term reliability, while staying true to the Gyro’s unmistakable form.

At the heart of the newly evolved Gyro table is a complete reworking of the main chassis. Whereas previous versions used cast aluminium, the updated Guro utilizes a precision-machined, 19mm aerospace-grade aluminium tooling plate. “Carefully calculated and positioned” embedded brass weights are said to help balance the tonearm assembly while absorbing vibrational energy. Around the tonearm mount, foam damping inserts suppress reflections, said to ensure that the stylus/vinyl interaction won’t be “hampered, or the fine musical details masked.”

Other specs for the refined Gyro include AI-modeled vibration control and structural optimization, precision tonearm coupling replacing Delrin spacers, a “smoother platter edge with the belt groove removed for sleeker aesthetics, a re-tuned suspension with 3.5Hz frequency and Equilibria lateral damping, an aluminum baseplate replacing an acrylic spider frame.

Additional Gyro features — which are also available on the above-noted Revolv table — include the large Sorbothane isolation feet; redesigned motor pod and PSU with shielding, grounding and 33⅓rpm and 45rpm electronic speed control; and an inverted bearing with double-helix oil pumping.

Finally, the Michell Revolv turntable sports an SRP of £3,995, while the revised Michell Gyro turntable has an SRP of £5,995. Both SRPs reflect the respective tables being made available sans either tonearm or cartridge.

For more about Michell, go here.
To find an authorized Michell retailer, go here.