VPI or Michell?

[Bonsai]

What are the feelings on a VPI classic or Scout 2 vs a JA Michell Gyrodec/GyroSE?

VPI Industries

VPI Industries

versus

Gyro Dec | Michell Engineering

TecnoDec | Michell Engineering


I would use the pickup arm that comes with the TT - my SME3009 is long gone.

🙄

 

[Bonsai]

No views?

Anybody own these TT's?

 

[billshurv]

I have no direct experience, but the gyro was my #2 choice when I was looking for a TT 20 years ago. They do look wonderful. I still have days when I think my xerxes looks boring and staid and I made the wrong choice.

 

[Bonsai]

Thanks - any comments sound-wise? arm, cart compatibility - I'd be using a MC which I still have to get.

 

[murillollirum]

Hi Bonsai, altought this is supposed to be a diy forum, I maybe help with your question. I had both, a VPI Scoutmaster and the Michell. The Michell for me looks amazing. I did not liked the VPI tonearm, it have to be very well adjusted to sound good. But it is a very well build turntable if you have the patience to keep it allways adjusted.
IMHO I prefer an old Lenco L75 or a Thorens TD125 over them.
From my experience, these old pieces, with a proper tonearm, eat them for breakfast.

 

[tomatamot]

Bonsai, have a look at WWW.LencoHeaven.net!

 

[billshurv]

At shows the gyrodec was normally paired with a silver SMEIV which looked wonderful. But strange room, strange speakers, strange music and 24 years ago.

 

[Bonsai]

I have not found any definitive comparisons - all of the reviews are highly subjective.

VPI has the option of a nice heavy platter - wow, flutter and rumble are pretty good from what I can see.

The Gyrodec seems to have had good reviews going way back (e.g. Stereophile 2003 for an earlier incarnation). Kind of like a Spitfire - good basic design that just gets upgraded over time

I am working on my other half right now. Absolutely no need to worry about spending the money - but she is ever so frugal ('Why do you need that thing - you've got the Project T/T in storage, and besides, you have over 500 CD's and Spotfire that we pay for every month . . . '

'Because, darling, they just look so damn cool. Oh, they sound ok too and I've also got 300 LP's coming out of storage in a few weeks that I don't want to play on a 12 year old TT'

 

[Joel Wesseling]

Bonsai, Take a close look at Nottingham Hyperspace. I've had mine for 12 years and I cant imagine that there's anything with better sound..

I've owned 2 Oracles and 1 Accuton but couldn't live with them for very long.

I'll post more comment on this later🙂

 

[Bonsai]

Thanks - I'll take a look at that!

 

[zacster]

12 years? That's still new! My Rega is going on 30 years now, and still sounds like a champ.

 

[jpr_pt]

How do modern turntables compare with old designs?
I still have my Linn Axis up and running (about 25 years old) and I wonder what should expect from new range of products on the market