Key Features
The Orbe SE is built around Michell’s signature double-chassis, suspended pendulum design: a cast aluminium subchassis carrying the platter and tonearm hangs from three suspension springs, themselves held by towers fixed to a secondary acrylic base, which in turn sits on solid aluminium feet shaped to minimise contact area with the supporting surface, all in the interest of isolating the sensitive parts of the turntable from external vibration. Fine height adjustment of the subchassis is made via knurled adjusters beneath the tonearm and platter, allowing the gap between subchassis and base to be set correctly for optimal suspension behaviour.
At the centre of the design is an inverted, oil-pumping main bearing, in which oil is drawn from a reservoir at the base of the bearing housing up and around the bearing itself, a design intended to reduce friction and rumble at source rather than simply damping it after the fact. This example benefits from an upgraded platter over the standard specification, adding further mass and vibration-damping performance atop Michell’s already substantial standard platter design. Drive comes from a completely free-standing DC motor unit, physically separate from the turntable itself and connected only via the drive belt, so that motor noise and vibration cannot pass directly into the plinth. The motor is driven by Michell’s Orbe Controller power supply, which uses a substantial toroidal transformer along with the company’s “Never Connected” servo circuitry to continuously monitor and correct platter speed. As the name implies, the internal Never Connected circuitry should not be disconnected or interfered with in use; this is a normal characteristic of the design rather than a fault.
The fitted tonearm is a Jelco TS-550S, a 9″ S-shaped, statically balanced tonearm using a one-point cross suspension bearing system and oil damping, with a detachable headshell for straightforward cartridge changes. Jelco arms of this type are widely respected for their simple, well-engineered mechanism and genuinely excellent tracking performance relative to their price, and the TS-550S’s geometry follows the Baerwald (IEC recommended) alignment standard.
Technical Specifications
(Source: Michell Engineering official product information, via Doug Brady HiFi and Analogue Seduction; Hi-Fi Choice review; Vinyl Engine Jelco TS-550S manual library, cross-referenced with USA Hifi and Respect Phono specification sheets)
Turntable (Michell Orbe SE):
- Type: Belt-drive, suspended pendulum subchassis turntable
- Platter: 60mm thick acrylic/vinyl composite, high inertia (upgraded platter fitted to this example)
- Bearing: Inverted, oil-pumping main bearing
- Suspension: Three-point spring suspension, double acrylic chassis
- Motor: Free-standing DC motor, belt-driven, physically isolated from plinth
- Power Supply: Michell Orbe Controller, toroidal transformer, Never Connected™ servo circuitry
- Record Clamp: Screw-down, compatible with standard and 180g pressings
- Dimensions: 490 x 150 x 375mm
- Weight: 13.5kg
- Country of Origin: Made in England
- Original RRP (as tested by Hi-Fi Choice): £3,150
Tonearm (Jelco TS-550S):
- Type: 9″ S-shaped, statically balanced tonearm, detachable headshell
- Bearing: One-point cross suspension system, oil-damped
- Effective Length: 232mm
- Overhang: 18mm
- Cartridge/Headshell Weight Range: 17–35g
- Alignment Geometry: Baerwald (IEC recommended)
Important Owner’s Notes
The Orbe Controller’s internal circuitry is of a “Never Connected” design and should not be opened or interfered with; this is normal and expected, not a fault. This example has an upgraded platter fitted in place of the standard Orbe SE platter.
Collection & Shipping
Due to its size, weight, and the sensitive suspended subchassis, this turntable is offered for collection only from our showroom, where you’re welcome to view, hear, and inspect it before purchase. If you require delivery, we can arrange this via Shiply, a specialist transport marketplace matching your item with experienced operators suited to handling high-value, delicate hi-fi equipment — please get in touch for a quote to your postcode. We would not recommend standard parcel courier services for an item of this nature.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
A genuinely high-end British turntable, offered here in excellent condition with an upgraded platter and a well-regarded Jelco TS-550S tonearm fitted. A serious step up for anyone wanting reference-level vinyl replay without the size and cost of the full Orbe. This is a single-unit listing, sold with its dedicated outboard motor and controller. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
