Michell gyro SE which phono stage?
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Topic: Michell gyro SE which phono stage?
Posted By: mickmack926
Subject: Michell gyro SE which phono stage?
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 6:58pm
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Hi again all, first of all, I'm very new to vinyl, CD was the big thing by the time I had enough money to choose my Hi Fi products. I'm in the market for a turntable, should have the funds for the Hi Fi show in Bath. I was looking at the Michell Gyro SE, admittedly for looks as well as sound. This is where I'm stuck, I don't have the time to go through extended sessions trying every available combination of phono stage, arm and cartridge. I like a very lean sound, high on detail (I'm all Cyrus at the moment), my music tastes are 60's-70's rock plus a lot of old punk stuff. I love my GS Headphone amp that I built and therefore wanted to build the DAK Genera kit, would it have to aim higher than this for my chosen turntable? Any advice on arm/cartridge would be appreciated too. Thanks, Mick. ------------- Michell Gyro SE, TechnoArm A, Goldring 1042, GS Genera, DAK Novo Headphone Amp, Cyrus Stream XP₂ Qx, Cyrus CD8SE2, Cyrus PreXP, Cyrus 8 Power, ProAc D18's. |
Replies:
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 7:17pm
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Hi Mick. For many years I ran a GyroSE with a Tecnoarm and a Goldring 1042. Great performance! I sold it because I needed a TT with automatic cueing, not because of any shortcoming. You could also consider the Ortofon 2M range, or maybe a Nagaoka. Everyone will have their favourites! But the Gyro is a classic in both looks and performance.  ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: mickmack926
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 8:37pm
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Thank's Bob, I have just been looking at prices, I may have to go with the 303 arm with an Ortofon cartridge. I have pushed the boat out going for the Gyro SE, at least it will give me something to aim for next year.........onwards and upwards. eh! ------------- Michell Gyro SE, TechnoArm A, Goldring 1042, GS Genera, DAK Novo Headphone Amp, Cyrus Stream XP₂ Qx, Cyrus CD8SE2, Cyrus PreXP, Cyrus 8 Power, ProAc D18's. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 9:38pm
Hi Mick, Rather than the Tecnoarm you might also consider the Audiomods arm, available in several versions even a diy kit, all based on the same Rega 25x arms. I use one of these with a Genera and an Ortofon VMS30II cartridge - a very capable comination. The new Ortofons would I'm sure be a step up from this. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
mickmack926 wrote:Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 10:21pm
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Seconding Ian's advice I have heard good things about the Audiomods arm and it seems great value. I have an Origin Live Zephyr and would recommend that from my personal experience. The Genera is really good and fun to build for a capable hobbyist. I still use my DAK Genera with my P3-24. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: ServerBaboon
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 10:45pm
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Not sure I would call the Gyrodec the leanest sounding deck around, I think the Rega and Clearaudio decks are leaner, also the Clearaudio can be purchased as packages. However what they don't have is the iconic looks of the Gyrodec, indeed the Gyrodec is the only piece of my HiFi that has passed the SWMBO test and I have been forbidden to change my Gyrodec or even get the Orbe Platter upgrade. There is historically a slight bloom to the Gyrodec that can be removed by the Armboard Isolation kit, this maybe part of the standard build now but should be considered if you buy. Also if you do get the Gyrodec with a Rega based arm then you should consider the VTF adjuster and finger locking nut for easy VTF adjustment. Get it setup by your dealer! When considering arms then you should check out Origin Live bottom end arms as well as the Rega, there are some who who think that the higher end arms are a good match, however they are a bit fiddly and that Audiomods upgrade looks a serious bit of kit. I have not heard the low end 2M but the 2M Black is certainly not warm and cuddly, needs careful setup though and the VTF adjuster helps. FYI I own a Gyrodec SE as follows Gyrodec SE Armboard Isolation Kit. VTF adjuster and Finger nut. Push on Clamp kit. HR Kit (Tightens bass) Origin Live Conquer MKII (Drunken 2nd Hand Ebay purchase) Ortofon 2M Black Revelation 2M Black ------------- Steve ------------- Various bits of GSP Kit ..well two so far, unless you count the cables that is. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2013 at 4:14pm
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I use Gyro Dec + Tecnoarm + Goldring 1042 into ERA Gold.
Sounds good to my ears. Not lean but clean and detailed and no 'bloom' :-)
Adrian.
PS does have Michell's outboard power supply ;-)
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Posted By: ServerBaboon
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2013 at 5:05pm
only 'slight' but enough for them to produce a change to the arm mounting. and certainly not enough to stop me buying mine. ------------- Steve ------------- Various bits of GSP Kit ..well two so far, unless you count the cables that is. |
Posted By: mickmack926
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2013 at 8:08pm
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Thanks BackinBlack (Ian),
the Audiomods arm (especially the kit) looks very interesting. Also
thanks Jon, I was always sold on the Genera kit since I did the headphone amp
earlier this year, I love to tinker. Steve thanks for the advice on the VTF adjustment, on that point, as the Audiomods arm is based on a Rega arm, would I still need the VTF adjustment kit for this as well, or is it built into the arm kit? The arm kit doesn't seem to have a 3 point mount and is only using the arm tube. As I said in my original post I am completely new to vinyl, from reading up on the Audiomods arm, it has a micrometre to adjust VTA, but it doesn’t mention VTF!! Thanks to all that replied, I’m now looking forwards to more building. Finally, yes Adrian, Michell do the HR Power Supply, which can be yours for around £400 (new).------------- Michell Gyro SE, TechnoArm A, Goldring 1042, GS Genera, DAK Novo Headphone Amp, Cyrus Stream XP₂ Qx, Cyrus CD8SE2, Cyrus PreXP, Cyrus 8 Power, ProAc D18's. |
Posted By: ServerBaboon
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2013 at 10:55pm
I can understand your confusion when you read late night posts from Dummkopfs  who mean to type VTA and type VTF!Sorry I meant VTA, VTF is a function of the arm, I was frustrated that my previously typed post had disappeared with a casual keypress and didn't reread the retyped post. If you are going straight to the Audiomods then I guess you don't need the VTA adjuster (its cheapish). I don't have any experience of the Audiomods arm and whether it is both the 3 point and/or just the orig Rega mount. You should speak to your knowledgeable dealer about this for bettor understanding, or even speak to Michell I learnt that my OL arm needed a lighter arm board after speaking to them. (Thickness of the armboard and hence weight depends on the weight of the arm) You do not need the HR PSU to begin with you can upgrade later if you want to, I upgraded a couple of years later. ------------- Steve ------------- Various bits of GSP Kit ..well two so far, unless you count the cables that is. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2013 at 9:18am
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I see there's a version of the Audiomods arm with a micrometer for VTA adjustment built in. For a Gyro this would affect the armboard weight needed, though. ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2013 at 10:58am
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Even without the micrometer the Audiomods arms have VTA adjustment capability. The micrometer is really only measuring device to enable quick repeatability of setting, not normally a requirement. Most users will set VTA and leave it alone. IMO the Audiomods is the premium Rega based arm, had it been available at the time it would have been my choice over the Tecnoarm A that I chose over various other modified Rega arms then available. I doubt you will buy anything at near the price that will compete with it. I don't mind tinkering with a lot of stuff and have rewired an arm or two, but would probably have Jeff build the arm if I were to purchase an Audiomods. I think both 3 point and original mounts can be catered for, but why not ask him directly. ------------- Tony G |
Posted By: mickmack926
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 8:59pm
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Genera on order, the rest will have to wait for the Bristol hi-fi show. Thanks again all. ------------- Michell Gyro SE, TechnoArm A, Goldring 1042, GS Genera, DAK Novo Headphone Amp, Cyrus Stream XP₂ Qx, Cyrus CD8SE2, Cyrus PreXP, Cyrus 8 Power, ProAc D18's. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 10:20pm
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Mick, I've been away for a few days just catching up. I would echo tg's recommendation, just speak to Jeff at Audiomods, you'll get straight forward advice, much as you would from Graham. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Dave W
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 2:26pm
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I have just joined the forum from being pointed to here from Vinyl Engine. I also have a Michell Gyro Dec also with a Rega 303 arm. I have just upgraded my speakers to Neat Motive 3's and through my CD player (which is actually a Pioneer 1450 Laserdisc player) and Music Fidelity Digilog DAC, and Rega Brio 3 amp, I like what I hear. But not so much through my turntable. My cartridge is a AT120E and I am using a Project Phone Box SE 2, but I want to try/upgrade the phono - amp 1st and then probably upgrade my cartridge later. So what phono amp should I go for? Cheers Dave |
Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 4:54pm
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AT120E is a great cart, as much as I loved what the AT95e does to get people on the road, the 120 just does everything so much better, areal grown up version. Technically, I suppose any of Graham's MM phono stages would do the job, from the DIY Genera kit to the Reflex M with PSU1. Obvious one, is that it comes down to your budget, but as a fellow sufferer of upgradeitis, I'd say either don't listen to what you can't afford, or just get it over with and get the top dog first time!!  John
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Posted By: mickmack926
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:49pm
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Hi Dave, and welcome. As you can see from my posts I am new to turntables so I can't help you too much, however you will get tons (tonnes if you're not a wrinkley) of help on here. As for me, I went to Bristol and I ordered the Gyro SE with the Techno arm. Unfortunately build time has been estimated at (up to) 5 weeks.  ------------- Michell Gyro SE, TechnoArm A, Goldring 1042, GS Genera, DAK Novo Headphone Amp, Cyrus Stream XP₂ Qx, Cyrus CD8SE2, Cyrus PreXP, Cyrus 8 Power, ProAc D18's. |
Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 10:05pm
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Mick, it'll be wort the wait John
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Posted By: Dave W
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2014 at 8:47am
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Definitely worth the wait, mine took 8 weeks to arrive. |
Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2014 at 8:56am
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This is turning into a Michell love-in, but I think it needs some pics! So, deep breath, and first attempt to post a piccie on this forum:-  Cheers John
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Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2014 at 9:01am
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OK, it took a second attempt to get the picture in! Been some changes since that picture, so it reminds me to take some updated pics. I'll do that with the GSP products while they are here John
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2014 at 9:30am
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Nice picture John - makes me wish I still had my Gyro. Such classic, superbly engineered turntables. We have a http://audio-forum.gspaudio.co.uk/topic1780.html - "picture" thread going where you can see others' kit . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: The Gman
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 10:55pm
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I bought a Gyrodeck SE
recently and have been playing it for the past 2 weeks When I went to demo it, I had no plans to buy a TT- I had a Project that I was satisfied with and was looking to go house hunting and could not justify the purchase price. But, against a more rational judgement I went and demo'd it with a Goldring 2200 . I went home, and found that my Project sounded flat, congested and lacking in dynamic range in comparison. As my persuasive dealer was having a sale he offered me a discount and home installation. I relented. I 've had it now for two weeks , with an Rondo Red repurposed from the Project What can I say, absolutely huge soundstage, wide dynamics and fantastic detail resolution. On my system ( Naim 150x/112x Neat Motive 1) it gives a real whollop and a real drive with drums . Toe-tapping fun. It does not give a lean sound or a warm sound; it’s clean, big, with real drive and some impressive low end. |
Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 6:56am
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Yep, described pretty much why I love my GOrbe. And they aren't called "dealers" for nothing!! John
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Posted By: Bi-wire
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 2:38pm
House or new turntable? .... go for the turntable every time; you know it makes sense  ------------- Peter Satisfied user of: Revelation M, PSU1-Enigma, Solo SRGII and lots of CuSat50 |
Posted By: The Gman
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:49pm
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it was a new house I was hunting for me. Far more difficult, expensive and frutsrating than a TT which will bring joy. Only snag is that compared with th Gorbe, CDS sound flat and lifeless. A pain as I have way more Cds than vynill |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:51pm
From what people are saying, you might need to try out the Majestic DAC. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: fixedwheel
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:56pm
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Which would mean ripping all the CDs, as the CDS doesn't have a digital out. Mind you, the CDS is a fab source John
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Posted By: The Gman
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2014 at 7:12pm
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Which would mean ripping all the CDs, as the CDS doesn't have a digital out. Mind you, the CDS is a fab source have to admit, the prospect of ripping CDS and then having to learn how to use the software leaves me a little cold. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2014 at 10:55pm
It's easy and there's plenty of advice available. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Dave W
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 6:23pm
Well I have had the Reflex M on loan for a few days, and all I can say is WOW! Even with such an inexpensive cartridge, the difference is amazing compared to the on-board phono-amp and my Pro-ject Box SE. The music just comes alive, no matter what I am playing.  Only problem now is I need to save up for one. |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2014 at 3:16pm
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Apologies if you were not warned of this possibility, one of us should have done so. ------------- Tony G |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2014 at 7:30pm
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Erm, I think I did warn him. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Dave W
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2014 at 8:47am
True  |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2014 at 9:27pm
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But I did suggest that a Gyro SE merited trying the Reflex M... ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |