Michell Engineering Levis

Michell Engineering Levis: magnetic levitation isolation feet

When looking to isolate a turntable from unwanted vibrations, traditional solutions—decoupling spikes or damping feet—run into a simple problem: they create contact. Michell Engineering offers a different approach with Levis, feet that use magnetic repulsion to suspend the turntable. The principle is based on a known idea, but it is in the execution that the British manufacturer had to solve several engineering challenges.

A virtually contact-free support

The Levis operate using two magnets in repulsion. The upper magnet, attached to the turntable, repels the lower magnet fixed to the furniture or shelf. This magnetic force lifts the whole assembly and keeps it suspended.

But a pure levitation system would pose an obvious problem: nothing would prevent the parts from separating laterally. Michell opted for a fully enclosed design that contains the assembly while minimizing contact points. Three almost invisible polymer micro-spikes ensure centering between the upper and lower parts of each foot. These contact points bear no load, as all the weight is supported by the magnetic force. They serve only to prevent metal from touching metal and to maintain alignment.

Michell’s engineers studied other levitation devices on the market before designing the Levis, and did not find an approach that suited them. The high-rigidity, low-mass polymer housing completely encloses the mechanism, with springs that isolate the micro-spikes from the metal parts.

What vibrations do the Levis protect against?

The structural vibrations that affect a turntable come from multiple sources: speakers in operation, footsteps on a floor, outside traffic, electrical transformers, and even the turntable’s own motor. These disturbances, however slight, are transmitted through the supporting surface, travel up into the turntable, and eventually reach the stylus.

By inserting a magnetic field between the support and the device, the Levis cut off this transmission path. The turntable floats, literally, on a magnetic air cushion.

Two versions depending on the turntable’s weight

The Levis are sold in sets of three feet and come in two versions calibrated for different weight ranges.

The standard version supports loads from 13 to 30 kg, which covers normal-sized turntables equipped with hinged dust covers, such as the GyroDec, Orbe, or certain Technics and Pro-Ject models. The lighter SE version accommodates turntables from 9.5 to 14 kg, designed for compact models such as the Gyro SE or Orbe SE.

It is essential to choose the version suited to the total weight of the equipment placed on it, including the dust cover if it remains in place. A turntable too light for the standard version would not allow the magnets to compress sufficiently; a turntable too heavy for the SE version would crush the system.

Finishes and setup

The Levis are available in black (rubber finish) or silver. Installation requires no tools: simply position the three feet under the turntable at the existing support points, then place the unit on top. No adjustment is necessary afterward.

One compatibility point to note: the Levis do not work with the new Gyro 2026, whose base geometry has been modified.

Technical specifications

Technology and operating principle

• Isolation by magnetic levitation with opposing magnets
  • Repelling magnets lift the turntable on a cushion of air
  • Minimal contact ensured by microscopic polymer contact points
  • The polymer contact points serve solely to prevent metal-on-metal contact, guaranteeing maximum isolation
• Protection against structural vibrations
  • Speakers and acoustic sources
  • Footsteps and mechanical vibrations
  • Traffic and external disturbances
  • Internal turntable motors

Materials and finish

• High-rigidity, low-mass polymer
• Isolated metal parts

Versions and load capacities

• LEVIS model
  • Use: full-size turntables with hinged lids
  • Supported load: 13 to 30 kg
• LEVIS SE model
  • Use: lighter turntables and SE models
  • Supported load: 9.5 to 14 kg

Compatibility

• Compatible models: Gyro SE, Gyrodec, Orbe SE, Orbe

Contents and installation

• Supplied as a set of 3 feet
• Simple installation without specific tools

Key points

• Extreme reduction of structural vibrations
• Near-contactless magnetic support for more stable vinyl playback
• Highly rigid yet lightweight materials
• Compatible with heavy and light turntables depending on the model