Michell Engineering Tecno Arm MKII silver

The Tecno Arm MKII represents the ultimate project of John Michell, an iconic figure in British high-fidelity who shaped the world of turntables for over fifty years. This tonearm embodies a singular philosophy where meticulous engineering engages in dialogue with a pragmatic approach to value for money.

A perforated tube as a technical signature

The structure of the Tecno Arm MKII is based on a one-piece aluminum tube that undergoes a radical transformation compared to conventional arms. The initial shot-peening alters the surface texture and material rigidity, creating a characteristic matte finish that helps disperse parasitic resonances. The 22 perforations made on the underside of the tube are far more than an aesthetic exercise: they reduce the effective mass to 12.5 grams while preserving the structural rigidity necessary for faithful transmission of the mechanical signal.

Internal foam damping complements this resonance control system. This foam, injected into the tube cavities, absorbs residual vibrations without significantly adding weight. The integrated headshell, machined to ensure perfect parallelism with the bearing axis, eliminates misalignments that can compromise groove tracking.

Silver wire as the conductor of choice

The Tecno Arm MKII’s wiring is a major distinguishing element. Michell Engineering has developed a proprietary loom using 99.9999% pure silver Litz wire. This configuration of individually insulated multiple strands minimizes the skin effect that can impair the transmission of high frequencies. The signal path remains continuous from the cartridge tags to the RCA plugs, with no intermediate solder joints that could introduce points of resistance or oxidation.

A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric surrounds the conductors, offering superior insulation properties compared to conventional plastics. A braided metal shield protects the signal from surrounding electromagnetic interference, while a separate ground wire ensures effective grounding. Silver-plated connectors extend this pursuit of optimal conductivity right up to the phono preamplifier inputs.

The TecnoWeight system: precision and a lowered center of gravity

The TecnoWeight counterweight replaces the standard cylindrical system with a more sophisticated design. Two interchangeable masses allow the arm to be adapted to cartridges weighing 4 to 7 grams and 7 to 13 grams. Tracking force is adjustable in 0.1-gram increments, a resolution that allows full exploitation of modern cartridge specifications.

The TecnoWeight’s geometry lowers the center of gravity to align it with that of the cartridge. This arrangement improves dynamic stability during playback of highly modulated passages, maintaining constant tracking force despite vertical undulations of the record. The counterweight also sits closer to the pivot thanks to the hollowed rear tube and lightweight aluminum adjustment assembly, reducing the lateral inertia of the moving system.

VTA adjustment: three points for variable geometry

The three-point vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment device represents a notable evolution compared to standard Rega arms that do not offer this functionality. This architecture allows the arm height to be adjusted to accommodate cartridges of varying thicknesses or records of different weights. The system maintains mounting rigidity while offering a sufficient adjustment range for most setups.

The VTA adjuster, available in several versions depending on the mounting type (single-point or three-point), introduces a 2 mm base raise even at the minimum position. This characteristic requires the use of appropriate spacers on Michell turntables (10 mm spacers are supplied for the Gyro and Orbe models) or must be accounted for when mounting on other decks.

The shadow of the transformed Rega RB250

The Tecno Arm has its roots in the Rega RB250, an arm that has set a benchmark in performance-to-price ratio for decades. Michell Engineering did not settle for cosmetic tweaks: the original arm is disassembled, and each critical component is reworked or replaced. Ultra-low-friction polymer bearings replace the original elements, reducing resistance to both horizontal and vertical movement.

The redesigned mounting base improves the rigidity of the interface with the turntable. This evolution is accompanied by better tolerance to mounting variations, particularly important for installations on turntables other than the brand’s own. Compatibility remains nevertheless limited to Rega turntables equipped with “double brace” technology when the VTA device is not used, a technical constraint that deserves attention at the time of purchase.

The continuous evolution of the TecnoArm

The original TecnoArm was born in the final years of John Michell, as he battled the illness that would take him in October 2003. This final project testifies to his desire to democratize access to quality sound reproduction without compromising the technical standards that built the brand’s reputation.

The MKII version (or TecnoArm 2) incorporates several substantial improvements. The shift to three-point mounting, inspired by newer-generation Rega arms, improves the rigidity of the interface with the turntable. The systematic inclusion of the VTA device, previously optional, makes it easier to optimize setup according to the cartridges used. A fourth cable establishes an additional ground link between the arm and the turntable, reducing sensitivity to radio-frequency interference that could affect earlier versions.

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Perforated one-piece tonearm with internal foam damping
• Patented continuous lithium wiring
• Connectors:
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric
  • Braided metal shielding
  • Separate ground wire
  • Silver-plated RCA connectors and phono plugs

Adjustments

• Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) adjustment on 3 points
• Dual counterweights for cartridges from 4 g to 7 g and 7 g to 13 g
• Precise tracking force adjustment in 0.1 g increments

Technical Specifications

• Effective mass: low, 12.5 g
• Effective length (from platter center to pivot): 222 mm

Compatibility and Installation

• Compatible only with Rega turntables equipped with double brace technology if the VTA adjustment device is not used
• Tonearm supplied mounted on a base (base not included)