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Michell Gyro SE + SME IV upgrade path

I'm spending more and more of my time listening to LPs and thinking of upgrading my turntable.  The system is really starting to jell, but I have neglected the upstream portion of the system as I have focused on improving the downstream portions (amps, cabling, speakers) as well as dedicated power.  

I would like your thoughts on which of the three following paths is the wisest (long-term) course:

1) Upgrade Michell Gyro SE by adding a HR power supply (allowing speed fine tuning and electrical isolation), possibly adding Orbe spider base and platter, rewiring the SME IV (eliminating both the cartridge and SME DIN connections), and adding wall shelf as per the suggestions of the forum;

2) Trading in the Michell Gyro SE and SME for VPI Classic Signature or other non-sprung turntable in the less than $10k range (including arm); or

3) Selling the Michell Gyro and keeping the SME IV (possibly rewired) and replacing it with an SME 10 or 15A.

I'm open to other suggestions.  These are down the road upgrades so listening and comparing are options as the upcoming AXPONA event or at Chicago many hi-fi dealers.

The objective is to get as good as sound as I can from my improving system.  The analogue portion of my system and path is as follows:

1) Michell Gyro SE + SME IV (with VTA adjustment and damping) + Shelter 90X
2) Silver Breeze DIN to RCA
3) Pass Labs X-Ono
4) Audience AU24SE XLR
5) Pass Labs X-1
6) Audience AU24SE XLR
7) Pass Labs XA100.8
8) Audience AU24SE Speaker
9) Magnepan 3.7i plus two DWMs

Audio rack needs to be upgraded as the Salamander Synergy rack could be a more solid foundation.  (Dedicated room and power circuits with hi-fi outlets, Audience PowerChords SE and power conditioner)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments,

Tom
tgonzales
jperry
2,469 posts
 
I have a SME 10A and a Michell Gyrodec with Origin Live OL-1 arm and a new power supply.

I also have a Garrard 301. My recommendation is to try a Garrard 301/401. You should be able to do that with a new plinth and tonearm for under $10K.

Another thought, if you want a gradual step, would be to buy a Vibraplane to place under your current turntable. 
regafan's avatar
regafan
75 posts
 
I have a fully modified Michell Gyro. Twin spiders, the Orbe platter and clamp, and the H.R. power supply. I run an SME V on it and use it with a mono cartridge exclusively. I love it and I am not suffering any audiophile anxiety at all. 

A good turntable shelf, the Orbe clamp, and the H.R. power supply would be the only modifications I would consider. Go in steps so you can judge what is happening. The SME tone arms are often criticized for being too analytical, but they are accurate and reliable with outstanding low frequency reproduction. They were the arms that John Michell used as a reference when he was designing and building the first Gyro's and Orbe's.

Go slow.
thekong
203 posts
 

Hi Tom,

You may want to try the blu-tak tweak mentioned in this link :

http://tnt-audio.com/clinica/orbetweak_e.html

I can’t recall the details, but remember having considerable improvement when I was using the Orbe with SME V years ago.

Good thing about this is that it cost practically nothing, and completely reversible if you don't like the result!

tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
I ended up following regafan's recommendation of adding the HR Power Supply and Orbe clamp (but not the full patter upgrade).  I'm very surprised what a difference it made.  The PRaT became snappier and bass really filled out.  Not night and day different but very much an improvement.

I also followed other advise to adjust SME IV damping paddle to just barely touching, whereas before I had it fully submerged.  I did this prior to the power supply and clamp upgrade.  That alone made a difference in pace.

The one caveat is that I upgraded both the power supply and Orbe clamp at the same time.  It would have been nice to do one at a time as regafan suggested.  Moreover, when I made the clamp upgrade, I noted that the bearing was low on oil.  Adding oil mostly helped.  Too bad I hadn't made step changes.

On the original problem of footfalls and blacker blacks, I think I still need to address that.  Thinking about fabricating some type brace for the Synergy stand, at least until I can figure out a wall shelf.  The wall shelf seems like the best bet, but its location has and continues to be the problem.  The only two options are a distant wall requiring a long run of balanced XLRs ($$$) or directly behind one of the Magnepans (which would be in the rear "line of sight" of the speaker which may cause even more interference).

Thanks all,

Tom
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