The Classic Michell Gyro SE Turntable - Review and Upgrade Advice

Discover the Michell Gyro SE Turntable – A Modern Audiophile Classic which will astound you.

Back in 2010, the Michell Gyro SE became my reference turntable—a statement piece that combined engineering precision with striking design. Before transitioning to the Thorens TD124 MKII, and, eventually, through many other turntables which I won't mension, the legandayy Trio/Kenwood LO7-D, the Gyro SE defined my initial vinyl playback experience.

From its floating chassis and brass-weighted platter to its freestanding motor and modular architecture, the Gyro SE stood out from the crowd. It wasn’t another wooden box like the LP12 (controversial, I know)—it was a bold reimagining of what a high-end turntable could be. For me, it brought together design, performance, and sonic finesse in one unforgettable package.

The Engineering Behind the Michell Gyro SE

The Michell Gyro SE was released in 2005, building on the legacy of earlier Michell turntables such as the Reference (1977) and the Gyrodec (early 1980s). This model refined key technologies to deliver a high-end vinyl playback experience for audiophiles.

• Key features of the Gyro SE include:
• Three-point spring suspension for isolation
• Weighted pendulum chassis for vibration control
• Inverted oil-platter bearing for smooth rotation
• Freestanding motor unit to reduce mechanical noise

The brass weights embedded in the platter increase rotational inertia, resulting in rock-solid speed stability and improved timing accuracy.

Setting Up the Gyro SE Turntable

Setting up the Gyro SE is not for the faint-hearted. It demands attention to detail and a stable environment. I found the best results came from placing it on a wall-mounted plinth, which offered better isolation than floor-based furniture. If you frequently rearrange your listening space, this turntable may not be ideal—it’s designed to be set up once and left undisturbed.

Sound Performance & Listening Impressions

My original setup paired the Gyro SE with a Rega RB300 tonearm and an Ortofon Rhondo Red MC cartridge. Despite being entry-level components, they delivered a well-balanced and engaging sound. Compared to my Thorens TD124, the Gyro SE offered fluid presentation, precise timing, and a clean soundstage.

However, over time, I noticed a lack of emotional depth. The SE’s precision was almost clinical—it didn’t fully convey the soul of the music. While technically flawless, it left me wanting more warmth and realism.

When compared directly with the TD124 paired with an SME 3009 tonearm, the Gyro SE’s presentation felt more restrained. It was authoritative and locked-in, but it lacked the organic warmth and emotional connection I craved.

System Pairing Recommendations

The Gyro SE performs well with both valve and solid-state amplification. Personally, I preferred it with valve gear—especially separate pre/power setups. Amplifiers like the Quad IIs or the Tube Distinctions KT-120 Copper Amp brought out its musicality.

If you lean toward solid-state, the Luxman L-505Z is a great match. For separates, I highly recommend the Ultrafide U4PRE and U500DC combo, which offers excellent synergy with the Gyro SE’s precision.

Amplifier & Preamplifier Pairings for the Gyro SE

For an integrated amplifier setup, the Air-Tight ATM-1 is my top recommendation. It’s versatile, musical, and pairs beautifully with the Gyro SE’s precision. If you prefer separates, there are several excellent preamplifier options to consider—such as the Khozmo passive, Croft Vitale, or the Epoch. Whether you choose active or passive, the key is synergy. With the right match, this turntable will always deliver.

Explore more system ideas on the Amplifiers, Preamplifiers, and Turntables pages.

Upgrading the Michell Gyro SE Turntable

After years of use, I considered selling the Gyro SE—but before making that decision, I explored a few upgrades. In 2010, two popular modifications were available that promised sonic improvements.

The first was replacing the main ball bearing with a Delrin version. This was a straightforward job, and I also refreshed the bearing oil as recommended by Michell Engineering.

The second mod involved filling the casting gaps on the underside of the subframe with a dense black dampening compound. This helped reduce resonance and ringing throughout the chassis.

After completing both upgrades, I noticed subtle but meaningful improvements. Bass became more engaging, and the treble gained a touch more realism. Still, the core issue remained—the Gyro SE’s presentation lacked emotional warmth.

Tonearm Upgrade: Replacing the Rega RB300

The Rega RB300 is a capable entry-level tonearm, but I wanted to see if the SME 3009 S2 (non-improved)—the arm from my Thorens TD124—could bring more soul to the Gyro SE. Fitting the SME was relatively easy, though setup was a bit fiddly at first. I reused the Rhondo Red cartridge, which, while not a perfect match, still performed admirably.

From the first few needle drops, the Gyro SE felt revitalized. The sound gained a looser, more organic quality, and the emotional connection improved. It was a turning point in how I experienced this turntable.

Final Reflections

There are countless turntables that have earned cult status among audiophiles. Some dismiss the Gyro SE in favor of classics like the Linn LP12, but I believe that with the right setup and thoughtful upgrades, the Gyro SE holds its own. It may not be the most soulful deck out of the box, but it’s a platform that rewards experimentation and refinement.

Gyro SE vs Linn LP12: A Personal Comparison

After briefly owning a Linn LP12 with several factory and aftermarket upgrades, I found it to be a disappointing experience. In contrast, the Michell Gyro SE—paired with the SME 3009 tonearm and a few simple upgrades—outperformed the LP12 in every meaningful way. The Gyro delivered tighter timing, better stability, and a more refined presentation.

The Gyro SE is a wonderful turntable, but it benefits greatly from thoughtful upgrades. Even modest improvements can unlock its full potential and elevate its performance to reference level.

Choosing the Right Tonearm for the Gyro SE

If you're considering a Gyro SE, my strongest advice is to choose your tonearm with care. My experience swapping between the Rega RB300 and SME 3009 was transformative. The SME brought a sense of soul and musicality that the Rega couldn’t quite match. Of course, there are many other arm and cartridge combinations worth exploring—each with its own sonic signature.

Should You Buy a Michell Gyro SE Turntable?

Absolutely. The Gyro SE is a classic audiophile deck—visually striking, mechanically precise, and sonically impressive. It’s also a rewarding project for those who enjoy tweaking and upgrading their gear.

To be clear, the SE isn’t soulless in its stock form. But when compared to emotionally rich turntables like the Thorens TD-124 or the legendary Kenwood Trio L-07D, you begin to understand what deeper musical engagement feels like.

Still, I wholeheartedly recommend the Gyro SE. It’s flexible, upgradeable, and capable of delivering stunning vinyl playback. While it may not be the easiest turntable to set up, once dialed in, it’s hard not to fall in love with its performance and potential.