Michell Engineering Gyro Pack + T8 + Cusis E (Low)

This bundle brings together the new Gyro in its 2025 version, the T8 tonearm, and the low-output Cusis E MC cartridge, forming a coherent system in which every element has been designed to work in unison. The instantly recognizable silhouette remains, but beneath the surface almost everything has been re-engineered.

A completely redesigned chassis

The most significant evolution concerns the supporting structure. The cast aluminum of previous generations has given way to a 19 mm thick plate of aerospace-grade aluminum, precisely machined. This choice of material ensures uniform mechanical properties throughout the structure, resulting in reduced coloration in the midrange, more precise stereo imaging, and better control of energy flow between the arm and the bearing.

Ten brass weights are integrated into the chassis. They serve a dual purpose: balancing the weight of the tonearm on one side, and contributing to vibration damping on the other. Dense foam inserts complete this system around the arm-mounting area. Michell states it has used finite element analysis and AI-assisted modeling tools to optimize the distribution of mass and damping zones.

The base itself abandons the acrylic Spider that characterized the Gyro SE in favor of a massive aluminum plate. This increased rigidity allows the suspension and feet to work more predictably, with a clear gain in bass definition and midrange clarity.

Suspension and vibration isolation

The three-point suspension retains its pendulum architecture, but its natural frequency has been lowered from 4.5 Hz to 3.5 Hz. This lower setting improves isolation from external disturbances. The Equilibria system ensures automatic centering and effective lateral damping.

Each foot incorporates six Sorbothane contact points, an elastomer renowned for its absorption qualities. This multiplication of decoupling points helps reduce the transmission of micro-vibrations from the support furniture to the turntable’s sensitive components.

The double-helix inverted bearing

Since 1982, Michell has used an inverted bearing in which the pivot point is located at the top of the assembly rather than the bottom. This configuration allows full lubrication of the bearing during rotation thanks to an Archimedean screw machined into the internal bore: the oil is drawn up from a reservoir at the base, rises to the thrust ball at the top, then flows back down through an opening drilled in the shaft.

The 2025 version introduces a double helix that improves oil circulation and extends the mechanism’s service life. The high-density Delrin platter is dynamically balanced; its peripheral brass weights give it high inertia, which favors rotational stability. The platter edge has been thinned and the belt groove removed: the belt now self-levels on a precision edge, which simplifies the overall aesthetics.

Decoupled motor and shielded power supply

The motor block remains physically separate from the turntable — only the belt provides a mechanical link to the platter. This proven architecture prevents vibrations and noise from the synchronous motor from reaching sensitive parts. Both the motor housing and the power supply block are machined from solid aluminum billets, forming rigid enclosures with full RF shielding. The whole assembly is grounded and connected via a shielded cable.

Electronic switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm replaces the manual adjustment of previous models. Michell claims speed stability of ±0.05%, a figure that places this turntable on par with benchmark direct-drive designs.

The T8 arm: increased rigidity and precision

The T8 is a significant evolution compared to the TecnoArm T2 previously fitted to Michell turntables. The vertical bearing housing is now aluminum, while the bearing sleeve and spindle are now stainless steel. These changes increase the rigidity of the assembly and reduce parasitic movements.

The bearings are hand-matched to ensure minimal friction and consistent behavior. The arm tube uses an advanced design aimed at minimizing resonance points. The internal wiring is low-mass copper, extended by low-capacitance phono cables fitted with quality connectors.

With an effective mass of 11 grams, the T8 falls into the light-to-medium arm category, compatible with a wide range of cartridges. The mounting distance of 222 mm (from the center of the platter to the center of the arm hole) corresponds to common standards.

The Cusis E cartridge: an ambitious entry-level model

Michell’s first foray into cartridges after decades devoted to turntables and tonearms, the Cusis range shares a common moving-coil architecture. The E version is the entry-level model, equipped with an elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever.

The samarium-cobalt magnet, combined with pure iron, generates a stable, powerful magnetic field. The coils are precisely wound from 30 μm pure copper wire on a very light armature. The damper has been specifically developed to provide the diamond with the support needed for precise groove tracking.

This Low Output version delivers 0.35 mV, which requires a phono preamplifier suitable for MC cartridges with a recommended load of 100 Ω. The aluminum chassis absorbs parasitic vibrations; the high-density acetal body (a polymer related to Delrin) also helps reduce resonances.

The cartridge weighs 8.9 grams, a fairly substantial size that may require the counterweight to be moved far back on some arms. It mounts via threaded inserts, and Michell supplies several screw lengths to facilitate installation. Expect around forty hours of break-in before reaching full sonic potential.

Pack contents and setup

The package includes the Gyro turntable with its chassis, platter, and bearing assembled, the decoupled motor block, the shielded external power supply, the pre-mounted T8 arm, the installed and pre-adjusted Cusis E cartridge, the Michell record clamp, the drive belt, the acrylic dust cover, and the connection and grounding cables.

Final assembly is left to the user: installation of the suspension, leveling of the chassis, placement of the platter, and VTA adjustment if necessary. Michell provides detailed instructions and an assembly video. Adjusting the spring suspension may require some patience to achieve perfect leveling.

Gyro Turntable

Chassis and Structure

• Main chassis machined from a 19 mm thick aerospace‑grade aluminum plate
• Integrated brass weights for balancing and vibration absorption
• Mechanical and acoustic optimization using AI-based modeling
• Rigid coupling of the tonearm via a machined aluminum armboard
• Damping foam inserts around the arm support to reduce resonances
• Solid aluminum base replacing the Spider acrylic frame
• Non‑suspended design with controlled mechanical damping

Suspension and Isolation System

• Recalibrated suspension system at 3.5 Hz
• Equilibria lateral damping technology
• Large six‑contact‑point Sorbothane isolating feet
• Active reduction of mechanical micro‑vibrations

Bearing and Platter

• Inverted double‑helix bearing with oil circulation 2× more fluid
• High‑density Delrin platter, dynamically balanced
• Slimmed platter edge with no visible groove for a cleaner look and reduced drag

Drive System

• Belt drive
• Michell record clamp included
• Drive belt included

Motor and Power Supply

• Independent motor block, mechanically decoupled from the chassis
• Low‑noise, high‑stability precision synchronous motor
• Motor housing and power supply block machined from solid aluminum billets
• Full shielding against RF interference
• Full system grounding
• Electronic speed switching: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Shielded connection between motor and power supply

Acoustic Performance

• Speed stability: ± 0.05%
• Complete mechanical and electrical silence thanks to full isolation
• Reduced internal vibrations and distortions
• Smooth, natural, and detailed musical reproduction

Compatibility and Options

• Compatible with Rega, SME, Origin Live, and other tonearms
• Supplied without tonearm or cartridge, customizable to your requirements
• Protective cover included

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: approx. 49 cm (W) × 37 cm (D) × 17 cm (H)
• Total weight: approx. 12 kg

T8 Tonearm

Performance and Sound Quality

• Very high‑end audiophile tonearm
• Significant improvement in rigidity and stability compared with the T2 model
• Extremely detailed and natural sound reproduction

Mechanical Specifications

• Effective mass: low (11 g)
• Mounting distance: 222 mm (measured from the center of the platter to the center of the arm)
• Compatibility: Michell Gyro series turntables

Design and Construction

• Precision bearings hand‑matched in pairs
• Advanced arm tube design for maximum resonance reduction
• Low‑mass internal copper wiring
• Low‑capacitance phono cables fitted with high‑end connectors

Box Contents

• Michell Gyro turntable with chassis, platter, and bearing
• Decoupled motor block
• Shielded external power supply
• Acrylic dust cover
• Michell record clamp
• Drive belt
• Connection and grounding cables
• User manual

Cusis E Cartridge

Physical Construction

• Type: moving‑coil (MC) cartridge
• Stylus: elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Chassis: large aluminum chassis
• Body: high‑density acetal

Audio Performance

• Tracking force: 2.0 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 25,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 23 dB
• Channel balance: < 1 dB
• Tracking ability: 70 µ / 2.0 g
• Compliance: 8 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne

Electrical Characteristics

• Output voltage: 0.35 mV
• Recommended load: 100 Ω
• Internal impedance: 4.5 Ω
• Coil: 30 μm pure copper, precision‑wound

Technical Design

• Magnet: samarium‑cobalt combined with pure iron for a stable magnetic field
• Damper: designed for precise groove tracking
• Optimization: each element (number of turns, output, body) is matched to the stylus profile for optimum performance

General Information

• Mass: 8.9 g
• Recommended run‑in time: > 40 hours