References
Here's some feedback from people who've bought my GyroDec/armboard upgrade kits (sorted by date):
Also, click here to read Tom Rothermel's review of the complete Michell ORBE SE and armboard upgrade!
Full Upgradekit
- Tonny Stølegaard, Danmark. August 2022
Michell ORBE upgraded by Gert Pedersen, Kuzma arm, Benz LPS pickup.
"Helt klart har jeg en stramhed i basområdet som er on-par med min DAC og det strækker sig helt op i nedre mellemtone - dette har jeg aldrig før hørt på en pladespiller. Derefter stikker ORBE'n klart af, og stikker DAC'en i mellemtone og helt op i øverste diskant.
Den har samme ro, som min Goldmund havde, og med et lydbillede der matcher det jeg havde på Goldmund Studioen. Dynamik er eksplosiv og der mangler ikke mikrodetaljer overhovedet.
Personligt mener jeg det er en rigtig god kombo med Benz LPS pickup, Kuzma 4P og din ORBE modification.
Jeg tror at jeg skal lede rigtig længe og grave dybt i lommen før jeg får noget der er bedre.
Det helt stor plus, er at det hele er så meget nemmere at justere på pladespilleren, efter jeg har droppet min Goldmund, både ORBE og Kuzma arm gør det til en fornøjelse at få det til at spille max."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Marcus Dean, New Zealand, June 2022.
Michell GyroDec SE, SME IV Arm.
"Everything is fitted and it sounds amazing. Your armboard kit has made a huge difference to the sound of my Gyro.
Separation of instruments is a lot better.
Accuracy and timing of notes starting and finishing is better.
Low and high notes are clearer and more extended and the soundstage has moved further back in the room.
Amazing change to the whole presentation of music, I am very happy with this modification, thank you for taking the time to perfect it, and thank you for promptly answering any fitting queries that I sent you via email."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Peter Williamson, United Kingdom, May 2020
Michell GyroDec SE, Jelco Arm.
"I received the arm board yesterday 30th April 2020. From ordering to delivery took only 5 days, and I had it installed within 10 minutes. The first thing I noticed was the treble quality, it seemed to have cleaned it up, I can hear a lot more detail on records that I thought I knew. It seems to add a sense of control to the treble, the rest of the frequency range is just the same.
For the price I paid this mod is a steal, I only wish I had done it sooner. All I can say is thank you for the quick service, and thank you for a great arm board."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Glenn Ilahi, The Netherlands, April 2019
Michell GyroDec SE, Origin Live Silver MK III, Coral 8 M, low output MC Cartridge.
"The arm-board for my Origin Live arm and Michell Gyro SE turntable, is a very effective and worthwhile upgrade for the price.
I do recommend it!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Adriano Nazareth, Portugal. January 2019
Michell Orbe, SME V, Van den Huk MC 1 pickup.
"First of all, I would like to say that I always tried to have a sound that pleases me. I already had a good sound: stage large and deep; basses solid and deep; lot of "air" around the instruments and voices.
Why I did the GP armboard upgradekit? Because of what I read about the GP armboard upgrade kit - it seemed to me well thought out and if I didn't like it, I could return to original armboard.
Conclusion: With the GP armboard upgradekit I have everything I had already, but better. More stage, more detail, more "air" and more microdynamic information. Yes, it's better in everything.
Congratulations Gert! Now I will been "eyeing" the ORBE upgradekit, but at this moment I want enjoy the "new sound" that I have in my house."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Paolo Zanetti, Bologna, Italia. July 2018
Michell Gyrodec Mk III, SME V, Lyra Delos pickup, Kimber Kcag.
"My short review of the armboard upgrade:
Set up is very simple and then record after record you start to hear what was not there before, or so it seemed.
What is most striking is the sensation of naturalness and immediacy in reproduction. The volume can be raised a lot without creating confusion or kneading. Then you understand that everything is cleaner, more precise, the stage is deeper and bigger in all directions. The low and medium bass are also deeper and more authoritative.
In short, the sound becomes engaging, pleasant even with the recordings that you thought were bad. It's like rediscovering your record collection.
I was not expecting such a change, I'm really surprised, and I think I just got a deal.
So, thanks again Gert."
Full Upgradekit
- Félix Sanchez, Madrid, Spain. January 2018
Michell Gyrodec Mk I with Gyropower QC, SME Series V arm, Zyx Omega pick-up.
"I consider that this upgade has improved in every single aspect, including musicality, aperture, timbre, background noise and information detail. That improvement is highly recommendable and with patience, it can be implemented by anyone.
Best regards and I hope you make future upgrades."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Donald Troise, Florida, USA. September 2017
Michell Orbe SE with Pete Riggle Wood Arm, Soundsmith Zephyr pick-up.
"I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with your arm board upgrade kit. The change in clarity and background is not subtle and it is immediate, there is a depth to the sound stage that was not there before. The noise level from the vinyl has also dropped significantly allowing a clarity that I had not heard before.
I did not believe that there would be this much of a difference for this excellent Turn Table.
It is like upgrading my Soundsmith cartridge to their top of the line. (No need to do that now.)
Thank you so much for this perfect product at a cost that is pennies compared to the results."
Full Upgradekit + GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Peter Bejerholm, Aarhus, Denmark. November 2016
Michell Gyrodec with GP suspension, Moerch DP6 Arm, Audioquest 404i pick-up.
Full Upgrade:
"I did the suspension upgrade some 20 year ago. Like so many other, I have been going through a digital period and now rediscovered my old turntable with all its qualities.
Gert's upgrade kits has one more time impressed me. Super craftmanship, easy to install and what an improvement!"
Armboard upgrade kit:
"In general, the overall sound is going from good to great. There is a lot more space between the instruments. Tracy Chapman's voice is more clean and raw. Dire Straits Private Investigation has a more defined and solid bass in a sound picture, which now has more clearence than I ever thought possible.
Great job Gert!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- John Crowther, Edinbourgh, United Kingdom. October 2016
Michell Gyro SE, SME 309 Arm, Ortofon Cadenza blue pick-up.
"Many thanks for this superb upgrade, it has improved the overall sound of the deck greatly. And thanks too for the service you provide. The whole transaction has been very pleasant experience, and quite rare these days. Keep up the good work!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Kerem, Turkey. June 2016.
Michell ORBE, TecnoArm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue cartridge.
"Finally I've completed installation processes. Result is only one word: 'wowwww'
My first impressions are, some unvisible layers are removed. Especially when listening to big orchestras, all of the instruments are separated from each other. I feel great concert hall stage in my home. I can imagine all of the groups in the orchestra. Violins, second violins, viola's, cello' s, bass'es succesfully seperated from each other and much more resolution..
I want to congratulate your wonderful research and development activities for Michell Turntables."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Alan Shulman, USA. May 2016.
Michell GyroDec SE, TecnoArm, Sumiko cartridge.
"Your armboard upgrade looks great, sounds terrific and fits like a glove. It looks and sounds like it was meant to be there, firming up the bass and allowing for greater accuracy. A noticeable and affordable upgrade!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- René Prins, The Netherlands. March 2016.
Michell GyroDec, SME 309 arm.
"Compared to this upgrade before it sounded like there was noise coming from three blocks away and you never could point out what that sound really was. Parts in music where you had trouble really hearing what was going on is now like you have your hearing back. I guess that when I re-listen my record collection I'll think that I have some new records too.
Installing is easy and the parts that were delivered are well made and fits perfectly. For esthetic reasons it is also a very nice upgrade, the Gyro looks much better with it."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- John D, Canada. January 2016
Michell GyroDec SE, Origin Live Encounter arm, Shelter 7000 cartridge.
"Installation was a very simple and straightforward. I’ve spent the better part of the week listening to records with the arm board upgrade and my impressions of the modification is very much the same as others have experienced. The first thing that I noticed in the first 15 seconds was the attack and how it improved for the better. Overall, a greater sense of an actual musician in front of me.
I highly recommend this upgrade to any Michell owner.
I would also like to add a thank you for your time and especially for your enthusiasm. Gert, you are a pleasure to deal with."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Peter Embleton, United Kingdom. April 2015
Michell ORBE SE, SME IV.
"Just a line to say that I have spent the last few days going through my vinyl collection and this modification is sensational and easily the best value upgrade I have ever carried out.
Everything is so much clearer, more space around the instruments and vocal harmonies so much easier to separate.
Great work, thank you so much."
Full Upgradekit:
- Ulf Lundin, France. April 2015
Michell ORBE, SME V.
"Just a short report on what the upgrading of my Orbe mk 1 with a SME V arm with your modification achieved. It provides a sound much better than the Linn Sondek LP 12 it replaced and one very much to my liking. It has a wide, stable and distinct sound image which is very dynamic, fluid and full of rhythm, involving and very clear in the details. The other day by chance I put on the MPS (re)issue of the Supersax album Chasin’ The Bird – a standard LP and not an audiophile one. It has an amazing sound. Listen to the drums on Night In Tunisia.
It gives in a nutshell what a Pedersen modification brings to an Orbe or Gyrodec. But it says nothing about the kind and personal service that also comes with the purchase of the mod."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Pete Rogers, United Kingdom. February 2015.
Michell ORBE, SME V, Lyra Scala cartridge.
"The kit is easy to fit even for a ham fisted idiot like me. It also looks good and enhances the aesthics of the Orbe.
As for the sound I could remark on the extended tight and tuneful bass or the clean and coloration free midrange or the greater dynamic contrasts rendered without distortion even at high level. However there is no need to resort to such disection of the sound as it suffices to say that the armboard modification improves every single aspect. Furthermore it does it in such a way that is completey cohesive without spotlighting any individual considertion. As it improves everything it is therefore implicit that there are no downsides.
It is essential to remark that the improvements are in no way marginal, apparent only to the golden eared, but of a significant scale. It is akin to buying a new and expensive cartridge/arm/turntable combination and has caused me to reassess the capabilities of the Orbe (positively).
I would describe the overall result as revelatory. Indeed there has not been a single disc listened to since fitting it where I have not learned more about the music and performance.
Congratulations Gert on your superb product. Any Gyro or Orbe owner can be assured that by fitting this modification they will gain substantial improvements at a very moderate cost without risk of disappointment."
Full Upgradekit:
- Kimmo Ketonen, Finland. October 2014.
Michell GyroDec MK V, Audio Note arm 3/II, Ortofon Cadenza Blue.
"First of all the assembly was pretty easy because of great instructions and pictures. When I started working I had an ipad with the pictures and step by step did the upgrade following carefully the instructions. Gert helped me on the way and it was great to purchase the upgrade from a devoted gyro-enthusiast :)
I'm now really happy with the looks of my new Gyrodec. What about the sound then? Well what I first noticed was that the bass came a lot tighter and faster. Drums and bass guitar was much easier to follow and you could really get inside the presentation. All in all everything is now much more balanced and analytical. You can really get into the grooves!
I've been now listening to many albums that I didn't before because the bass used to sound muddy because of coloration of the old chassis. Now it just sounds amazing thanks to the damping :) Thank's to Gert I now have a new top of the line turntable! I recommend this upgrade to all Gyro owners."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Rob Neefs, The Netherlands. October 2014.
Michell GyroDec SE, Rega RB 600 arm, ZYX RS 2000 pickup.
"Na montage van mijn armboard upgrade is het geluid rustiger.
Aanvankelijk had ik te veel bas geluid die de boven toon voerde.
Nu is het laag, mid en hoog beter gebalanceerd.
Deze relatief eenvoudige upgrade is een must voor je draaitafel, die een grote geluids voldoening geeft.
De onderdelen die geleverd worden passen perfect en zijn eenvoudig te monteren.
Gert Pedersen maakt waar wat hij belooft, super."
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
- Kimmo Ketonen, Finland. September 2014.
Michell GyroDec MK V, Audio Note arm 3/II, Ortofon Cadenza Blue.
"Armboard upgrade looks really nice and the quality is top notch! It was easy to install and the instructions made it even easier.
Sound surprised me even more :) There was a noticeable improvement to the old sound. Imaging and bass are now more controlled and details are easier to hear.
I will definitely recommend this upgrade to any Gyrodec/Gyro Se owners. Great work Gert and thank you!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit for SME:
- Sergei Kostin, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. September 2014.
Michell GyroDec SE, Orbe platter, SME IV arm, Linn Akiva pick-up.
"Armboard is effectiveness. Sounds more details, bass structured, fast, clear. Vocals fully informative, live. Rhythm is best. Possible, it is simply and effective upgrade for Michell turntables. Many thanks to You for all. Good luck to your business."
Full upgradekit + Armboard Upgradekit:
-Jarmo Lilja, Raahe, Finland. January 2010.
Michell GyroDec SE, Orbe Platter, HR PSU, Origin Live Illustrious MK3c, Lyra Dorian, Transcendent tube RIAA, Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp, Transcendent T16, OTL power amp, Stacked Quad ESL.
"It is now about a month ago when I did the full Pedersen upgrade plus the armboard upgrade to my Gyro SE. The quality of the parts was top-notch and
instructions easy to follow. During the last four weeks I've been listening through my old vinyls - the new sound is stunning!
I loved my old Gyro, butnow it is a totally new player. As stated, the bass is like solid rock. The whole frequency range is out of colorations and distortions. Surface noise level is also improved and the sound is more dynamic and impressive. All the details are there and the soundstaging has improved as well.
To summarize,the mod was worth all the investment and I can recommend it to all Gyro owners."
Full upgradekit:
-Richard Knowless, Essex, UK. April 2007.
Michell Orbe, SME V arm, Fuji ZYX Cartridge.
"Test System:
Full-Orbe, Incognito re-wired SME V, ZYX Fuji -S-SB, EAR 324 phonostage, Hardy Mu-Follower preamp, Modified Assemblage EL34 in triode PP poweramp, Martin Logan SL3 electrostatics. Nordost Valhalla interconnects and Red Dawn speaker cable.
I used to own this Orbe but the springs annoyed me. Sound was always a bit heavy/thick and closed-in, so I sold it on. Recently I bought it back to modify for a friend. We did the modifications over a couple of weekends.
The kit is all very good quality and parts well made. The instructions are very clear, tools included and the picture disc clarifies everything and shows the various steps...this is a nice touch. The only tricky operations are the various drill holes that might be easiest with an upright drilling machine for best result, although it is possible to do by hand (as we did). The filler is a bit messy but if you mix small amounts it's ok. I found the sand filling operation tiring as you need to shake the sand in to fill it solidly and it gets very heavy after a while...I had to stop after that for a rest! But the effort is extremely rewarding!
"Cat among the pigeons":
The sound was something of a revelation and set me thinking how foolish I was to sell the Orbe! I currently use both an SME 20 with V and an Amazon One with a Triplanar....Both very capable decks....but this modified Orbe has some interesting characteristics that I like very much. Frequency extremes are very extended with a clean sparkling treble that is not exaggerated. Focused and extended bass with no boom. Old orchestral recordings sound very real....with proper instrument tone and colour (string tone, woodwind and brass sound very realistic). Dynamics are excellent and pace is fast and very musical with great timing and instrumental interplay. Like other super-decks (yes this is now in that league!) it needs careful setup of the cartridge (ZYX's are very fussy!) and must be absolutely level at all times or you loose the magic owing to wrong arm-bias and bearing drag. But it's easy to get it level and it's very stable...pitch stability is spot on, bass drum and timpani are powerful and real with proper slam and no slur.
My friend is delighted and I am annoyed with myself for selling it on a second time!!!
If I get another one, how am I going to live with three decks in my house, each with it's own magic and interestingly all with rubber suspension..?!
It will be interesting to see if I end up keeping only one......at the moment I have a sneaky feeling it could be a Pedersen Orbe..!
Many thanks for a great modification and for "putting the cat among the pigeons"! "
Full upgradekit:
-Paul Goutiere, Canada. February 2007.
GyroDec SE, Rega RB 600 arm, Benz L2 MC cartridge.
"I finished the table this weekend and the results are amazing! As you suggested I started by playing well known records and the differences are very noticeable, a much tighter bass and everything seems much more focused. The increased mass and tighter suspension has yielded incredible results! All in all, this is the best upgrade I've ever done to my system, I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to hear what their Gyrodec is capable of.
I should add that the whole process gave me a much
better understanding of the turntable's dynamics and a greater
appreciation to its design.
Lots of fun.
Many thanks Gert!"
GP Armboard Upgradekit for SME:
-Michael Gammage, Birmingham, UK. February 2007.
GyroDec SE, Orbe platter, SME V arm, Lyra Argo cartridge.
"Fitting was very simple - excellent and clear instructions - took about 15 minutes.
Now I have had a chance to listen I have to agree with all the previous comments about value for money!
Huge improvement in image definition and depth, much better controlled bass, superb instrument definition and detail, especially in the upper bass to mid range. Voices are much more real, as is piano.
Keep up the good work!"
Full upgradekit (upgraded by Gary Whitford, UK):
-Phil Morgan, Buckinghamshire, England. January 2007.
GyroDec MKIV, Michell Tecno arm, Ortofon kontrapunkt B cartridge.
"I collected the Gyro from Gary last Thursday night, he's done a lovely job of fitting the upgrades. He also fitted an Orbe spindle with the better record clamp.
I am very pleased with the improvements to bass depth, timing, detail and musicality. It makes the deck a more absorbing listen in every sense. Theres treble detail in spades that i was missing before too.
The Gyro looks stunning too - I much prefer the aesthetics with the upgrades installed than the standard deck.
An excellent value upgrade."
Full upgradekit:
-Paul Eros, East Sussex, England. January 2007.
Michell ORBE, SME IV arm, Lyra Helikon cartridge.
"Well I did it. I am now the proud owner of a Pederson'd Orbe. The rest of my system is SME IV, Lyra Helikon, Thrichord Delphini/NC, Pathos Logos, Chord Signature cables and interconnects and ART Stilleto speakers.
The instructions are clear and legible and come with a photo cd containing pictures of the upgrade at various stages. I printed these out onto A4 paper so that I had copies to hand in my garage where I performed the work which, if you follow Gerts instructions is easy.
After checking cartridge alignment, VTA, tracking weight and bias I dropped the needle of the Lyra Helikon into the first track on the Bob Dylan album Oh Mercy. I have never been able to listen to the first track, political world, of this otherwise excellent album. Previously I found it muddled and not at all musical. With the Pedersen'd Orbe I was treated to a Dylan spectacular. His voice stands alone centre stage and is brought forward in to the room. The backing instruments now have their own space and the bass rythm drives the track along at a fantastic pace. There is air, clarity and musicality to boot. I listend to numerous other albums into the wee small hours of sunday morning and found each album I listened to to be sharper, more musical and ultimately more intelligable than previously.
The only way I can describe it is that I now have real musicians with real instruments and breath in their lungs, in my front room....
who wants to go to concerts anymore?
The Michell Orbe is a fantastic real world record playing machine. With the Pedersen upgrades it's, to my ears anyway, a real world better...can vinyl sound better than this? It hasn't in my system....come to think of it nor has CD !!!!
I cannot wait to hear from Gert about future upgrades."
-Shaun Chan, HongKong. January 2007.
Michell ORBE SE, Odyssey RP1-XG arm, Koetsu Urushi cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Well, I must congratulate your amazing armboard kit which elevates the Orbe SE into another level. The top is more open and more air. Image is more solid hence better body tone. The piano is crispy and more real, the sax is fuller, guitar is more transparent, and vocal has more body. The bass is also tightening up but not too much so it is still very extend and ease. Overall, the sound is more lively and open then before. Well the new Koetsu still needs time to break in so I guess when the full glory of the Koetsu unveils the sound will be amazing.
Thank you very much for this kit, truly worth every penny and more!"
-Peter Fong, Middelsex, UK. January 2006
Michell GyroDec SE, ORBE platter, Rega Origin live silver arm, Lyra Lydian Beta MC cartridge, Full upgrade-kit:
"I completed the upgrade a few weeks ago. It had been a labour of love & I was in anticipitation of what musical improvements there would be. Well the degree of improvement in sonic performance knocked me back. Much more information was now retrieved from the grooves. The cartridge stylus was tracing the groove with extreme accuracy. More subtle notes of chords now sounded & extra lines of harmonies appeared. Now was a more complete picture of the structure & coherence of the music.
Bass is extended, powerful, tight & tuneful. There is an increase in dynamic range, from low to high sound intensity. I now set the volume control a little lower. Some percussive sounds eg bell, brushed symbals are balanced better -before they were almost inaudible among the music mix. To me the quality of piano reproduction is a good evaluator & now, given a good recording the infinite harmonics of the piano is very satisfying to hear.
Considering the Gyro was so very good with your armboard upgrade & Orbe platter, my expectation was that any further improvements would be small. When you get to these high levels of performance it gets more & more difficult to better this; that is the law of diminishing returns. The GP upgrade is a rare exception to this rule because it happens to provide brilliant improvements for a modest cost.
Also the tt is easier to setup as the previous spring suspension was awkward to balance & also to get the subchassis to bounce properly. The wobbly arm cueing has been cured. Another major boon is when using the mandatory screw down clamp with the platter rotating. It is much more stable. And to me it looks better,yes more professional finish with the new suspension mount, kevlar stabilisers & large acrylic base!
Thank you Gert for the most rewarding upgrade ever for these great value turntables."
-Gary Whitford, Bedfordshire, UK. January 2006
Michell ORBE SE, SME IV arm, Jan Allearts MC 1B cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"It was the cheapest tweak I have come across with such great results. I now have cleaner treble and better bass control. Its like a veil being lifted, but most impressive is the amount of extra detail that can now be heard.
I would urge any one with a Gyro-Dec or Orbe to try this mod out !!"
-Peter Fong, Middelsex, UK. December 2005
Michell GyroDec SE, Rega Origin live silver arm, Lyra Lydian Beta MC cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Many thanks for your prompt service. Many more thanks for bringing great music
into my life!
I take my hat off to you! Your armboard upgrade has truly surpassed my
expectations. Its cost is very small, so it is also a great audiophile
bargain. The most notable improvements to me are -stereo imaging is now
stable, separate voices well defined and musically together, extended bass, notes of
chords heard, reproduction of metallic timbre of bass strings of piano &
guitar.
Before this I was thinking hard of what to change next - speakers,
amp, cables etc. This would have cost plenty. Now because the front end ie the source has
improved as never before, each component really does sound so very good!
Changing to a new megabucks amp would not have brought this level of improvement,
which is logical but because the Gyro was so highly rated I had overlooked its
weaknesses.
Together with your upgrades these Mitchell decks are without competition.
Now I want to concentrate on getting the main GP upgrade. (see new reference above)
It was difficult for me to choose the numerous fine decks on the market but
now without doubt the Gyro fitted with GP Armboard upgrade offers the best
value by a wide margin."
-Mark Townley, West midlands, UK. August 2005
Michell Gyrodec SE, grey, Origin Live 250 arm, Lyra Beta cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"I installed the armboard upgrade kit and was most impressed: Whilst individual instruments within the soundstage were better focussed, the soundstage itself gained in its proportion - particulary in its depth plane.... I then started to adjust the VTA height using the spacing washers - in the past I have not really been able to detect the change in sound by altering the VTA - with the armboard kit in place the changes in VTA were easily heard! This then resulted in several days of me playing around with the different spacer washers before finally settling on the combination I prefered.
In short I am really happy with the results and would recommend the upgrade kit to anyone who has not yet got one!!
Thanks for making my turntable sound even better than it did."
-Gianvittorio Solari, Genova, Italy. May 2005
Michell Gyrodec SE, grey, SME IV arm, Benz MC Wood 0,8 cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"I got a new Pre phono few months ago (AR PH5) and a new Cartridge (BENZ MC wood 0,8).
Since I installed everything joined with my Michell Gyrodec SE and the SME IV, big problems came out.
The bass was strongly blooming , especially on the high side of the bass frequencies.
The mid/high was behind a fog. No clarity and scene. The situation was really depressive.
Given that the sound with the CD was absolutely perfect, I started to exclude problems from the amplification or ambient.
I spoke about it to a friend of mine who suggested me to try the GP Armboard upgradekit. I did it. I must be honest: I was not expecting nothing radical from the kit, an improvment yes, but nothing more.
After I mounted a new world appeared in front of me, all the odds dissapeared.
Perfect bass control, Lucent high. The mid totally musical.
Even the scene opened wide giving details never heard with my equipment.
I am going to put a small monument of Gert in my living room."
-Jonathan Palin, Kent, UK. April 2005
Michell GyroDec V, SME IV arm, Ortofon Rohmann cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Dear Gert - Finally found time to install SME armboard upgrade to my Gyro...
I must say it's a VERY impressive mod - Low level detail is much clearer - I actually thought it sounded like there was less Bass - I then realised it's all there - I just wasn't hearing the Woolyness and Bloat of resonances which weren't meant to be there - Imaging seems much improved and a level of "Grain" seems to have gone throughout the frequency spectrum - I think the control of resonances to and from the cartridge are responsible for this - exactly as your upgrade intended - Its a very cost-effective and noticeable upgrade - thanks!"
-Mark Brown, London, UK. January 2005
Michell GyroDec, Rega Origen live RB 250 arm, Dynavector DV-10X4 cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Well, after all this time I have got around to having the armboard upgrade installed. My question to you is, are you sure it shouldn't cost some more? :-)
I think this has proven to be more significant than a cartridge upgrade. It had an effect on three areas in my set up: Bass, Vocals and Treble. Bass was clearly more defined, it same the same power but was now more integrated in the mix. Vocals are even more clearer, I had a problem with slight sibilance - this is eliminated now. The treble, no more splash. I can hear the decay of the cymbals more naturally. Really glorious stuff!
I got to thank you for sharing this with the hifi community. I remember reading somewhere that this mod should be included on the Gyro and Orbe as standard. It's very true, this mod is THAT good. I think I'll put off buying a new cartridge until mid New Year.
Gert thank you, thank you, thank you :-)
All the best, have a fantastic 2005"
-Joao Branco, Oeiras, Portugal. January 2005
Michell ORBE SE, SME V arm, Benz LP cartridge, GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Three days after placing my order, I received the armboard kit for my Michell Orbe SE / SME V tonearm (a very fast shipment). Only fifteen minutes of work and the kit was installed, replacing the original fixing screws and washers. Only 10 minutes more, for the final adjustments on my tonearm, and everything was ready to the final test. I was anxious to check the results of the GP Armboard Kit.
The DallasWind Symphony Fiesta, from Reference Recordings label, was the selected record to the final judgement of the Gert Pedersen armboard Kit.
The lights switched off and the show began.
Unbelievable!
What a big sound improvement! Much better than with the blue-tack technique, which I have experienced before, with good results!
Just four comments to describe the improvements I have immediatelly noticed:
- More air all around the instruments;
- More realistic 3D soundstage;
- Cleaner high frequencies;
- Deeper and more controlled bass.
Conclusion:
I strongly recommend this fantastic hi-end product, without hesitation: - It produces a remarkable upgrade for a reasonable price!"
-David Elm, Alberta, Canada. November 2004
Michell ORBE SE, Morsiani CM-1 low mass arm, Music Maker II cartridge, upgrade-kit, plus GP Armboard upgradekit:
"The modifications have been installed now for about a month. The difference in sound was immediately noticeable: improved clarity through the frequency range. I gather this comes from improved vibration control. Selections that were previously busy were now clearer and as a result enjoyable. The sound stage was changed: better seperation and development in the centre. Good recordings improved and poor recordings remained poor (there is no magic)."
-Kostas Agath, London, United Kingdom. September 2004
Michell GyroDec MK V, HR psu, grey, SME V arm, Koetsu Urushi cartridge, upgrade-kit 24 carat gilt, plus GP Armboard upgradekit:
"Punchier bass, better definition in midrange and treble, better
soundstaging. I have no hesitation to recommend the Pedersen
modification...
The following comments refer to both turntable and arm modification that were done at the same time:
There is an abundance of presence in the lower registers. Bass is much punchier presenting itself every now and then, when the depth and the better definition of a note, previously only alluded to, pleasantly startle you. (Examples: the accentuation of rhythm in Pink Floyd’s ‘Speak to me’ in the ‘Dark Side of the Moon’; the cohesion brought to the magic of Sam Gopal’s ‘Yesterlove’ in the Escalator LP; the subwoofer I thought I had in my room in Eric Clapton’s ‘Unplugged’)
Higher up the frequency range you get better discrimination and soundstaging. For the first time I could position in space 5 of the 6 Valkyries at the start of Act III, in Die Walkure with von Karajan. And although Siegrune remains elusive, each of her five sisters could now claim her own space in my listening room when singing alone. In Allegri’s ‘Miserere’ by the Tallis Scholars the better discrimination of the voices also defined the blackness of the surrounding cathedral I thought I was sharing with the singers. In ‘Grace’ by Country Joe and the Fish all those high pitch sounds were neither bleeding into, nor competing with each other anymore; instead they were creating music together!"
-Willem Schipper, Schiedam, The Netherlands. May 2004
GyroDec SE, SME IV arm, Denon 304 cartridge, GP Armboard Upgradekit:
"Saturday i mounted the armupgrade on my gyro SE.
It's an improvement !
More " air " around the voices.
Also the lower frequenties are cleaner.
The sound becomes more precieze.
I can say : it's an improvement !"
-Jamie Holland, Norwich, UK. February 2004
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
"Thanks Gert.
My thoughts:
The Pedersen Gyro SE Armboard upgrade is one of the best value tweaks I've ever made. In fact, not only does it improve a major weakness of the Gyro SE it also manages to look pretty as well. 100% satisfied."
-Michael Gartz, Düsseldorf, Germany. July 2003
Michell GyroDec SE, grey, upgrade-kit:
"For me, the ingeneous thing is, that the Pedersen-Gyro combines the virtues of a heavy 'mass'-Player with the advantages of a suspended player.
It's very hard to describe what i hear now, i would say you are more 'in' the music, you get a better feel of 'to be there'. It's more spacious, bass is tighter and more defined, and i hear an overall better separation of the instruments.
And, as a side effect, the player looks sooo great with the new acrylic groundplate and the new suspension towers! Even the wife said WOW... :-)
I checked with a great recording which i have, 'Kip Dobler, Reaching out from the inside'.
It's a Direct-To-Disc recording from Cardas Records, which lots of acoustic drums, flute and acoustic guitar etc.. It has an ultra-deep bass from the acoustic drums and a sensational sound quality.
The bass quality now is much tighter than before, and the overall 'picture' of the music is much more holographic! I am very happy!!!!
Youre a genius... :-)
And i liked how lovingly the whole package is put together, with the little wooden blocks, the wood for to check the height of the chassis, and you even thought to put the 4 little pots for to stir the PP into the package!
Very helpful.
A big Thank You Michael Gartz Düsseldorf"
-Colin Johnson, San Fransisco, USA. April 2003
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
"I finally got around to installing Gert's upgrade to my ORBE SE today.
I use an SME IV.vi with this turntable and otehrs have commented upon the amount of energy this arm reflects back into the chassis and ultimately finds it's way into the bearing etc and colors the sound.
Gert Pederson from Denamrk addresses this issue with a few simple additions to the stock armboard.
I have to say it's made a dramatic difference to the sound of my turntable.
Imaging is more holographic.
The sound seems to have more detail and yet be more relaxed at the same time - simillar to what the EAR phono stage did in my system.
(Now I'll have to try it again, because it may be too much now)
Voices are incredible - Nora Jones sounds like she is in my living room :)
I'd recommend this upgrade to any Gyrodeck/ORBE owner and a cheap ($86 including shipping) way to better sound.
Gert even takes Paypal now after I persuaded him to get it :)
Well done Gert !!!"
-Jan Andersson, Uppsala, Sweden. January 2003
Michell GyroDec SE, grey, acrylic groundplate, upgrade-kit:
"Review of Gyro SE Upgrade kit
I had no problem following the very clear assembly instructions, and it took me about four evenings to install the mod-kit since the silicone needs to dry properly between the different "stages" of the assembly.
The finished player looks very cool; maybe not as "polished" as the original mainly because of the visible silicone strings on top of the subchassis, but the replaced parts such as the suspension mounting pieces and the large acrylic bottom plate have a very high finish indeed.
Using the modified player one notices a totally transformed "feel" to it; gone is the rather "wobbly" experience of cueing the arm onto the record - the new and much stiffer rubber suspension makes the whole record playing excercise seem more "safe" and similar to using an unsuspended record deck.
After reading all the positive reviews the sound of the modified player surely didn't disappoint; an extended frequency range with more details, quiter backgrounds, and a punchier bass was among the changes which was noted immediately. After listening a bit more one becomes aware of more "solid" feeling to the sound images portrayed, voices and instruments doesn't "move around" in the sound picture as they used to, and the "layering" of different sounds in the depth of a recording have become much more obvious.
I would therefore rate Gert Pedersens upgrade kit as giving excellent value for money considering the great performance increase it brings to the already very good original Michell Gyro SE."
-Marcel, The Netherlands, January 2003
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
"Hi Gert,
Firts let me congratulate myself with the purchasing of your armboard upgrade, via Janis Lykakis (who indeed recently ordered two pieces). Second, let me congratulate you, by succeeding in putting an upgrade in the market, which is of the biggest importance for Michell owners worldwide... Please call John Michell, and tell him to include your armboard upgrade as a STANDARD with the Gyro or Orb decks!!! It impressed me by 1) Mega easy installment, and 2) The very first second of it sounding, it never sounded before! What an improvement... Super; the Transparancy, the controlled bass response, the imaging, the sound scape... I can go on and on and on... Perhaps a little hint: Let future owners tweak and play with tighting the 3 hex-screws with the little rubber ring: you can exactly "find" the best tension, by playing a piano record, with well recorded lefthand keyboard (like Bösendorfer Grand played by Tori Amos on Under the pink), and make sure the lower notes sound: 1) tuneful, 2) sparkling (also "bright") and 3) well defined and "weighty" enough! This is a piece of cake! Bravo! Thank you very much for this important upgrade! I will rethink my planned arm upgrade: Now I am able to get more of it, and I am more than happy with it, co working with your armboard adapter upgrade!"
-Dave Cattermoul, Leicester, UK. November 2002
GP Armboard Upgradekit:
"First impressions
I installed the armboard modification a couple of weeks ago on my VC'd SE , with OL Silver arm and Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood. During the first few days I experimented with the number of PVC washers between the armplate and the frame, settling on the thickest of the three supplied on each of the bolts. I also experimented with the tightness of the bolts.
The beauty of the mod is that it is totally reversible if you do not like it (I do!) and does not break any warranties that may still apply.
Results
The whole sound picture has opened with more detail, silkier strings and an air of relaxed authority. Climaxes build and build with no sense of strain and the image keeps the air around it (Stokowski Sheherezade, Berglund Sibelius) with no hardening of the treble. Bass is tight and deeper than before.
Gert has come up with a gem here, that improves the sound and looks good as well!
Any Gyro (or Orbe) user should try this."
-Hans Henrik Brok-Kristensen, Måløv, Denmark. May 2002
Michell GyroDec, black, upgraded by Gert Pedersen:
"Like most HiFi-freaks I was always on the look-out for further improvement on my stereo equipment. In my search I came in contact with Gert Pedersen and got him to work on my Michell Gyrodec.
Before I had always appreciated the functional design and sumptuous sound of this record player, but after - the change is amazing!
The bass is rock-solid and seems much deeper now, precision and clarity have audibly improved, and the dynamic range has extended considerably. It's a new record player at bargain price!
On top of that the modifications blend in very well with the design - they almost look original.
I recommend Gert Pedersen's work without reservation.
A final word warning: If you go ahead and do it you may find yourself hooked on listening and re-listening to your old grammophone records for hours and hours and hours........."
-Gene Fachin, Carlifornia, USA. March 2002
Michell GyroDec, grey, upgrade-kit:
"-Easy to install
-Good installation instructions
The one thing I did not like about the Gyrodec was the spring suspension, I never knew if it was right.
The mod eliminates the springs and makes a solid turntable and stays in adjustment.
Everything improved
-soundstage, detail, tone, imaging, musicality.
It is the best single improvement to my stereo for the money...
I have not played CD's (Sony XA77ES SACD player) since installing the mod.
I was going to get a new Turntable/arm/cartridge. I don"t know if I could improve on the Gyrodec
with your mod without spending a great deal of money...
Thank you, you saved me a ton of money. I believe this will be my last Turntable...
I will upgrade the arm from a Lourne to a SME-V. I am using a Van Den Hul FROG."