A truly futuristic turntable from the past. The chassis is made mainly from high-grade inch-thick perspex with a twin layer platter (lower section is Aluminium, supporting 6 circular alloy weights of an inverted cone design at the outer edge. these are covered by rubber isolation grommets and then support the actual platter proper, of 1/4 inch glass) all topped off with a strong chuck-type disc clamp. The drive system and powersupply sit in a triagular module to the rear left of the platter, with on/off/speed selector switches, a small under-lit strobe wheel and speed trim pots. the base plate is cut with a slot with adjustment space to take a variety of arms.
The whole device sits on alloy "leaf spring" legs, with levelling adjustment via brass thumb nuts.
Active or dormant, it is a work of art! sorry I haven't added a pic, but I'm sure Google can find one for you.
Summary: I bought this deck secondhand from an old pal (Rick Fenn, guitarist of 10CC) who was moving to Brisbane....along with most of his excellent vinyl collection!
How to begin....I've listened to Linns, Aristons, Regas, Thorens; but NONE of these even come close to my Michell! The transparency, fluidity and sheer cohesiveness of a well recorded triple analogue LP just envelope you when played on this machine. You are literally there at the moment of recording, especially on good live material. the sound stage is so real and stable that if you close your eyes you might open them again in a concert hall or studio!
Of course the SAEC arm and Audio Technica MC cartridge play their part, but I truly believe that this turntable weaves an alchemical magick with it's associated components.
As it seems to be long out of production, I advise you to snap one up if you ever see one second hand. Your ears will be reborn!
Would you like to Comment? Join AudioReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
