With a business going back over half a century and as maker of the most recognisable hi-end turntable on earth, Michell Engineering is one of those rare hifi brands that’s stuck to its guns throughout decades of industry change.
Our visit coincided with the launch of its all new Revolv and Gryo models, that mark a new direction for the company. Every detail of these decks has been designed from the ground up, with a focus on controlling unwanted energy entering their replay chain, rather than simply trying to reject it. And this can only be done through decades of knowhow, combined with a level of engineering precision few can match.
While retaining the DNA and styling Michell has become renowned for, it’s safe to say the new Gyro has gone up a few gears. So much so it now surpasses the current Orbe in many ways, and having heard it, it’s hard to disagree.
Also on demo was the the Revolv, this angle revealing its non-suspended design utilising a cutting-edge foot design and platter sporting underweights to create a flywheel effect, that minimises strain on its (belt) drive motor.
Just some of the many parts that make up the new vinyl rotating machines proudly on display. This image doesn’t do justice to the craftsmanship that’s gone into these.
I also got my mitts on Michell’s updated Tecnoweight, with triple o-rings and removable side weights, it’s even more user-friendly than the original.
Before heading around the factory we were treated to some serious sounds from the new decks via this system, and what a system it was, combining PMC speakers and amps with Michell’s latest and greatest. Both the Gyro and Revolv were loaded with Michell arms and pick-ups, feeding Apollo phono stages, a PMC Cor integrated amp and prophecy9 loudspeakers, which drove a grand listening room with exceptional ease.
Stepping inside, it was humbling to see the man himself – Mr Michell – adorning the wall to welcome staff and visitors. John would be proud to see how his legacy has been retained and built upon since his passing in 2003, what a respectful tribute.
The production line is as you’d expect, all carefully hand assembled, and all carefully tested before going out into the world.
Michell remains a family business and you could not meet a nicer bloke than head honcho Stephen Rowland. Here he is holding the new Revolv’s solid chassis.
Company MD Jonathan Nye aint afraid of rolling his sleeves up, and here he is demonstrating how the new Gryo’s solid alloy chassis is constructed with precision weight inserts and damping foam.
If your Michell runs silent and super smooth you’ve Charlie to thank, who meticulously prepares, inspects and polishes every bearing. It’s this level of pride in workmanship that makes Michell what it is, just dedicated staff going that extra mile.
It’s not just new gear that gets the staff up in the morning. This service desk has customer decks going back decades, sent in for a fettle for years more of action and showing that for many, a Michell is a turntable for life.
Here’s one that caught our eye, PMC Founder Peter Thomas’s rare early triple support Michell that was in for a tune up. Stunning.
Nope – not a prototype, this rig is actually Michell’s belt testing machine. Every belt sold (both on decks and as spares) undergoes hours of testing for accuracy and consistent performance before it’s deemed worthy to leave the factory. A testament to Michell’s attention to detail.
It always amazes me what you see on these visits, like these vintage B&W’s tucked away high in the factory rafters.
Michell’s Apollo phono stage made quite an impact when it was launched last year, and inside reveals why with meticulous construction and quality components.
Badges of honour – I love the design language of the new gear, and Michell’s name quite rightly needs to be central to it.
A Gyrodec in Audiograde orange?! Yes please! Production manager John Rowland was keeping a close eye on this one-off, mostly to stop me snaffling it back home.
You wont see many of these either, if Apocalypse Now needed a deck, here’s your man. Crackers, yet cool.
Even rarer, a Michell CD player prototype, from back in the day before John sadly passed away. A piece of audio history.
Boy are there some rare machines here, including a double Michell Reference, Mycro, Syncro, Electronic and more… made from parts so well engineered even Star Wars got in on the action.
Now on my kitchen side I keep an air fryer, box of cornflakes, sponge and some Marigolds. Michell keeps this. One of the most beautiful vintage decks I’ve ever set eyes on.
Got clamped? Well you’ve Michell to thank for that. They invented it, after all.
When expert reviewer David Price pokes your deck you know he means business.
A big thanks to the Michell team for a delightful welcome, demos and behind the scenes tour. It’s these businesses that proudly make British hifi what it is, and long may it continue.
Visit michellaudio.com to find out about the company’s history and its new Revolv and Gryo models.
