Michell Engineering Orbe platter kit

This conversion kit developed by Michell Engineering allows certain components of the Orbe turntable to be adapted to the GyroDec and Gyro SE models. It modifies the original structure of these turntables to improve resonance control and playback stability.

Technical composition of the kit: fusion of materials and engineering

The Orbe platter kit consists of six essential elements, each playing a specific role in the overall performance upgrade:

The 60 mm thick platter is the centerpiece of this transformation. Made from a proprietary composite of acrylic loaded with vinyl and carbon, this massive platter offers an acoustic impedance matched to vinyl itself. This correspondence of mechanical properties enables optimal transmission of vibrational energy from the record to the platter, avoiding stray reflections that usually occur at interfaces between dissimilar materials. Visually, the platter is equivalent to three standard GyroDec platters stacked, without the characteristic gold counterweights.

The Orbe threaded record clamp replaces the standard clamping system. Unlike simple pressure clamps, this threaded mechanism allows for a significantly higher coupling force between the record and the platter. The system accommodates both standard pressings and 180-gram audiophile vinyl, offering welcome versatility.

The replacement threaded spindle installs into the existing main bearing body. This precision-machined part allows the clamp to screw down progressively, ensuring uniform, controlled pressure across the entire surface of the record.

DensoDamp (also called Densoseal in some documentation) is a proprietary viscous damping compound. This dense, adhesive material, similar in appearance to an especially sticky black modeling clay, is placed in the cavities and internal corners of the aluminum chassis. Its application transforms the acoustic behavior of the subchassis by dissipating vibrational energy as heat through internal friction.

The convex nut and collar form a clever system for flattening slightly warped records. The convex shape of these elements, combined with the pressure applied by the threaded clamp, creates a centripetal force that naturally tends to flatten the vinyl against the platter.

A new belt completes the set, ensuring optimal transmission from the motor after the substantial increase in rotating mass.

Mechanical and acoustic transformations: analysis of benefits

Installing the Orbe platter kit fundamentally changes three aspects of the turntable’s mechanical behavior:

Inertia and speed stability: The significantly increased platter mass (about three times that of the standard platter) creates a particularly effective flywheel. This rotating mass naturally resists speed variations, whether caused by motor irregularities, groove modulations, or external disturbances. Users report a notable improvement in rhythmic stability and bass control.

Resonance management: DensoDamp applied to the subchassis cavities radically alters its vibrational behavior. Impulse tests on treated chassis show a faster, better-damped response. However, application must remain moderate—excess material can paradoxically slow transients and affect musical dynamics. Some experienced users recommend sparing use, particularly around the main bearing and in the chassis corners.

Record-to-platter interface: The principle of acoustic impedance matching merits special attention. When two materials with similar mechanical properties are in contact, vibrational energy is efficiently transmitted from one to the other. The Orbe platter, whose composition approximates vinyl, enables this transmission without stray reflections. Vibrations generated by the stylus tracking the groove are thus drained into the platter rather than bouncing back toward the cartridge. This phenomenon partly explains the significant reduction in surface noise and crackle reported by many users.

Compatibility and installation conditions: essential watchpoints

Installing the Orbe platter kit requires your GyroDec or Gyro SE to meet certain precise technical criteria:

The inverted bearing is the sine qua non condition. This type of bearing is recognizable by its characteristic bronze color visible beneath the platter. Models equipped with a traditional aluminum bearing (silver color) cannot accept the kit without prior modification. The inverted bearing, introduced progressively on GyroDecs from the mid-1990s onward, places the point of rotation above the platter’s center of gravity, creating a self-stabilizing system.

The black acrylic platter must already be fitted to your turntable. Early GyroDec models used an aluminum platter with a rubber mat—these versions must first be upgraded to the standard acrylic platter before the Orbe kit can be installed.

The springs and suspension towers must be of the latest generation. GyroDec Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3 models may require replacement of these elements to properly support the Orbe platter’s additional mass. Two-piece suspension towers with O-ring decoupling represent the optimal configuration.

While feasible for a meticulous hobbyist, installation demands patience and precision. Replacing the threaded spindle requires accessing the bearing from beneath the chassis. Applying DensoDamp takes about an hour of careful work, as the material is particularly adhesive and difficult to reposition once applied. The supplied instructions detail each step clearly.

Aesthetic and philosophical evolution: from GyroDec to Orbe

Installing the Orbe platter kit radically transforms your turntable’s appearance. The rotating gold counterweights, the iconic visual signature of the GyroDec since 1982, disappear beneath the massive platter. This change divides enthusiasts: some lament the loss of that hypnotic mechanical spectacle, while others appreciate the monolithic restraint of the Orbe platter.

This visual transformation reflects a philosophical evolution. Where the GyroDec celebrates visible mechanics and perpetual motion, the Orbe emphasizes inert mass and absolute silence. Both approaches remain valid, catering to different listening priorities. The kit enables precisely this evolution without investing in a complete Orbe turntable.

Technical Specifications

Kit Components

• Heavy 60 mm platter with matched impedance
• Screw-on clamp for standard and 180 g records
• Replacement threaded spindle
• Denso damp to damp the sub-chassis
• New belt
• Convex nut and ring to flatten records

Documentation

• Complete assembly instructions included

General Information

• Upgrade kit designed for GyroDec and Gyro SE turntables. Integrates several elements from the Orbe to significantly enhance the performance of Gyro turntables.