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

This turnkey package combines the new turntable with the T8 tonearm and the Cusis E low-output MC cartridge, a coherent system designed and entirely assembled in the United Kingdom. The REVOLV introduces a different approach from the Gyro models: it favors direct mechanical coupling rather than spring suspension, offering an alternative for vinyl enthusiasts who seek stability and rigidity.

A solid aluminum chassis as an acoustic foundation

The REVOLV is built on a 19 mm thick slab machined from aerospace-grade aluminum. This substantial mass provides solid mechanical grounding and helps dissipate unwanted vibrations. The choice of a non-suspended design also simplifies installation and daily use: no suspension adjustment, no sensitivity to floor movement. Six feet equipped with Sorbothane damping nodes complete the isolation system and decouple the turntable from its support furniture.

The platter follows the proven principle used on the Gyro models: a Delrin base (a technical polymer with damping properties close to vinyl) surrounded by 10 mm brass peripheral weights. This distribution of mass at the periphery increases the moment of inertia, which stabilizes rotation and reduces speed fluctuations. The coupling between the platter, bearing, and armboard is rigid, promoting a controlled and uniform transfer of energy.

An inverted bearing with oil circulation

Michell has been using an inverted main bearing design for decades: the rotation point is located at the top of the assembly rather than at its base. This arrangement allows the use of a helical groove (inspired by the Archimedes’ screw principle) to circulate oil continuously from a lower reservoir to the upper contact point, then back through a return channel. The bearing thus remains constantly lubricated over its entire surface during rotation, which limits wear and ensures long-term stability. This single-helix system contributes to quiet operation and rotational accuracy.

A standalone, shielded motor block

The REVOLV’s motor is not fixed to the chassis: it is a standalone block connected to the turntable only via the drive belt. This physical separation interrupts the transmission of mechanical vibrations between the motor and the sensitive components (bearing, platter, arm). The motor housing and its power supply are both machined from solid aluminum in a clamshell design that provides shielding against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. The whole assembly is grounded and connected by a shielded cable, preserving signal integrity. Speed selection (33⅓ and 45 rpm) is handled electronically from the power supply block.

The T8 tonearm: a substantial evolution of the T2

The T8 tonearm represents a qualitative leap compared with the previous T2 model. Michell has completely redesigned the bearing structure: the vertical bearing housing is now made of aluminum, while the vertical bearing sleeve and shaft are stainless steel. These materials provide increased rigidity and stability, reducing micro-movements and unwanted resonances. The bearings themselves are hand-matched to minimize tolerances.

The arm tube benefits from an advanced design aimed at limiting resonance points. The internal wiring uses low-mass copper, extended by low-capacitance phono cables equipped with quality connectors. With an effective mass of 11 g, the T8 pairs well with a wide range of medium-compliance MC and MM cartridges. The standard mounting distance of 222 mm (from the center of the platter to the center of the arm hole) complies with Michell’s usual specifications.

The Cusis E cartridge: an accessible and musical MC

The Cusis E is the entry-level model in Michell’s MC cartridge range. It shares a common architecture with its bigger sisters (Cusis S and Cusis M): a samarium-cobalt magnet combined with pure iron generates a stable magnetic field, while the coils are wound from 30 μm pure copper wire on a lightweight armature. This low-output version delivers 0,35 mV and requires an MC phono preamplifier with a 100 Ω load impedance.

The elliptical stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever offers a good compromise between definition and ease of setup. Channel separation reaches 23 dB, with channel balance within 1 dB. The recommended tracking force is 2 g, placing the Cusis E in a relatively forgiving operating range. Michell recommends a run-in period of around forty hours before reaching optimal performance. The wide aluminum chassis and high-density acetal body help absorb vibrations and maintain a stable seating in the headshell.

A ready-to-play system designed to be upgraded

This package brings together three elements designed to work together coherently. The REVOLV is configured to accept the T8 on its machined aluminum armboard, with the rigid coupling between the two ensuring optimal transmission of mechanical energy. The effective mass of the T8 (11 g) and the compliance of the Cusis E (8 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne) form a compatible pairing, with a resonance frequency that falls within the recommended range.

The REVOLV’s architecture is designed to accommodate future upgrades. You can replace the cartridge with a higher model from the Cusis range (the S with its Shibata stylus or the M with its micro-line stylus) or opt for a higher-performance phono preamplifier without having to change the turntable. The supplied dust cover and record clamp protect the platter and improve record-to-platter coupling.

REVOLV Turntable

Construction and materials

• 19 mm solid aluminium chassis
  • Precision machined for maximum rigidity
  • Unsuspended design for direct mechanical grounding
• Delrin platter with peripheral mass
  • 10 mm brass peripheral weights for increased inertia
  • Rigid arm coupling via machined aluminium sub‑platter
• Handcrafted manufacturing
  • Designed, built, and hand-assembled in the UK
  • Timeless engineering and minimalist footprint

Motor system and isolation

• Independent, isolated and shielded motor block
  • Drastically reduces the transmission of vibrations to sensitive components
  • Preserves musical detail and clarity
• Shielded power supply with electronic speed selection
  • Motor and power supply machined from aeronautical‑grade aluminium blocks
  • Rigid housings that block RF interference
• Grounding and shielded cabling
  • Complete system grounded and linked with shielded cable
  • Ensures a pure signal path and outstanding audio quality

Stability and damping

• Sorbothane isolating feet
  • Six vibration dissipation points
  • Optimal damping to preserve sound fidelity
• Inverted mono-helical main bearing with oil circulation
  • Ensures stable and silent rotation
  • Contributes to precision and clarity of musical reproduction
• Optimised mechanical architecture
  • Direct, unsuspended grounding
  • Absolute stability of the motor system

Upgradability and accessories

• Upgradable platform
  • Architecture ready to accommodate future upgrades
  • A turntable you can build on and invest in for years
• Tonearm and cartridge are not supplied
• Included accessories
  • Dust cover
  • Record clamp

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 centre of the platter to the centre 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
• External shielded power supply block
• Acrylic cover
• Michell record clamp
• Drive belt
• Connection and grounding cables
• User manual

Cusis E Cartridge

Physical construction

• Type: moving coil (MC) cartridge
• Stylus tip: elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Chassis: large aluminium 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, precisely wound

Technical design

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

General information

• Mass: 8.9 g
• Recommended break-in: > 40 hours