Michell Engineering Gyro SE (GBP 1036.00 exc arm and cartridge)
The Gyrodeck first saw the light of day in the early 80's. This, of course, wasn't Michell Engineering's first turntable, as most audiophiles know, but it is the model which has become something of an icon in the last quarter of the last century (and let's face it, icon has become the buzzword of late!). Many people fondly remember being mesmerised by the rotating weights when they first set eyes on it. Me, I prefer simpler visual creations - but, hey, that's just me! Enough waffle; the Gyro makes it into the new century, and along with it, the new simplified Spider version (as it's been unofficially nicknamed) the Gyro SE. This is a Gyrodeck minus the expansive (and expensive) acrylic plinth and dust cover, but with the outboard motor assembly inherited from the more expensive Orbe model. And, the motor is now DC powered, a departure for Michell, who've always used Papst AC motors in the past.
The SE sounds great; in fact some people have dared to suggest it sounds better than the full Gyrodeck. Either way, it's cheaper, and you certainly don't sacrifice any performance. Almost any arm can be mounted, with Rega at the one end of the scale, and SME at the other being favourites. Put an old record on the platter when you're not using it to keep the dust off.
