Michell Engineering Pack GyroDec black + Tecno Arm MKII black + Record clamp

This pack combines the GyroDec, part of the Michell Engineering range since 1982, with the Tecno Arm MKII tonearm, the last project developed by John Michell before his death in 2003. The assembly ensures vinyl playback based on defined technical choices: three-point pendulum suspension, inverted bearing with oil circulation, continuous pure silver wiring. The included record clamp completes the configuration by holding warped records flat and reducing certain resonances.

The inverted bearing: a proven technical solution

The GyroDec’s bearing places the rotation point at the top of the assembly, inverting the traditional design. A modified Archimedean screw, machined into the inner bore, circulates oil from a reservoir at the base up to the thrust ball at the top. The oil then flows back down through a channel drilled in the shaft.

This continuous circulation ensures complete lubrication of all contact surfaces during rotation. Mechanical noise and friction are reduced, allowing the platter to spin with notable consistency. The system requires maintenance approximately every five years—bearing oil replacement—and maintains its performance over time.

Composite platter and resonance control

The GyroDec’s modern platter uses an acrylic/vinyl composite material, chosen for its damping properties close to those of vinyl itself. The solid brass weights, integrated beneath the platter, add mass and inertia—like a skater extending her arms to stabilize her rotation. Speed-up takes longer, but rotational consistency gains stability once the speed is reached.

The record clamp included in this pack flattens warped records and firmly couples the disc to the platter. Delrin, the material of the clamp body, has a density close to metal with relatively low mass. This characteristic preserves the bearing while ensuring intimate contact between the vinyl and platter, allowing the latter to absorb parasitic vibrations generated by stylus tracking.

The Tecno Arm MKII: John Michell’s final project

The tonearm included in this pack bears John Michell’s direct imprint. In 2002, weakened by illness, he entrusted the company’s daily management to his family to focus on engineering. The Tecno Arm was introduced during this period, the fruit of his final reflections on optimal groove tracking.

The one-piece aluminum tube undergoes two treatments: sandblasting that modifies its natural resonance, then drilling of 22 holes on its underside to reduce mass. The effective mass of 12.5 grams places this arm in the lightweight design category, compatible with a wide range of cartridges from 4 to 13 grams.

The tube interior is filled with foam to dampen resonances. The integrated headshell is machined with precision guaranteeing perfect parallelism with the bearing position. These low-friction polymer bearings allow fluid movement in both horizontal and vertical planes.

Continuous pure silver wiring

The Tecno Arm MKII’s wiring follows the lithium principle patented by Michell. A 99.9999% pure silver wire runs uninterrupted from the cartridge clips to the silver-plated RCA connectors. This continuity eliminates intermediate solder joints, potential sources of signal loss.

The PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) dielectric and braided metal shielding protect the signal from electromagnetic interference. A separate ground wire completes the assembly to prevent ground loops.

Accessible and precise adjustments

The three-point VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustment device allows tonearm height adjustment from the top of the turntable. This ease of access simplifies adjustments when changing cartridges or optimizing the tracking angle according to record thickness.

The dual counterweight accommodates light cartridges (4-7 grams) as well as heavier models (7-13 grams). The graduated scale allows tracking force adjustment in 0.1-gram increments—appreciable precision for respecting cartridge manufacturers’ recommendations.

The effective length of 222 millimeters, measured from the platter center to the pivot, and the overhang of 15 millimeters determine the tracking geometry. The offset angle of 21.63° minimizes tangency error across the record’s playing surface.

Belt drive and decoupled motor

The DC motor block operates autonomously, physically separated from the turntable. Transmission occurs solely by belt, eliminating direct propagation of mechanical vibrations from the motor to the subchassis.

This decoupled design reduces residual noise audible in quiet passages. The belt requires occasional replacement—every few years depending on use—but its contribution to vibration isolation justifies this compromise.

Low-contact feet and removable dust cover

The aluminum feet minimize contact surface with the support, limiting vibration transmission from the furniture to the acrylic base. This attention to the vibration path is found at every stage of the design.

The hinged acrylic dust cover protects the turntable from dust while remaining easily removable. Some users prefer listening without the cover in place to avoid any acoustic interaction; others appreciate the protection it offers between listening sessions.

Technical Specifications

Suspension System and Sub-chassis

• 3-point suspension with fixed towers to adjust spring height
• Weighted, rigid and dense pendular sub-chassis
  • Absorbs vibrations
  • Supports the bearing, platter and tonearm

Bearing and Platter

• Inverted bearing with oil circulation for complete lubrication during rotation
  • Reduces noise and vibrations for precise playback
• Impedance-matched platter with solid brass weight
  • Material close to vinyl, dampens vibrations and remains neutral
  • Improves stability and limits wow and flutter
  • Provides more mass and inertia

Motor and Drive

• Standalone motor unit, separate from the turntable
• Belt-only transmission to avoid vibrations and noise

Chassis and Isolation

• High-density acrylic base: rigid and non-resonant
• Low-contact aluminum feet to reduce vibration transmission

Accessories

• Hinged acrylic dust cover to protect the turntable, easily removable
• Record clamp included to flatten warped vinyl and reduce resonances

Tecno Arm MKII Black Tonearm

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

Adjustments

• Vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment on 3 points
• Dual counterweight for cartridges from 4 g to 7 g and 7 g to 13 g
• Precise tracking force adjustment in 0.1 g increments
• Effective mass: low, 12.5 g
• Effective length (from platter center to pivot): 222 mm

Compatibility and Installation

• Only compatible with Rega turntables equipped with double brace technology if the VTA adjustment device is not used
• Tonearm shown mounted on support (support not included)

Dimensions and Weight

• Weight: 14 kg
• Dimensions: 53 × 41 × 19 cm (W × D × H)
• With dust cover open: 53 × 49 × 55 cm (W × D × H)

Basic Configuration

• Turntable supplied with Tecno Arm MKII black tonearm (cartridge not included)
• Dust cover and record clamp included