Michell TecnoDec Turntable / Rega RB250 Tonearm

Here we have a really nice example of the TecnoDec turntable from British specialist J.A. Michell. Inspired by the design of the GyroDec, it became the entry-level model from Michell. Here it is fitted with the King of Budget Tonearms – the RB250 from British vinyl experts Rega Research. Originally launched in 1984 this arm has graced many a turntable from budget to high-end and always been able to provide a good account of itself. The pairing are in very good condition with a couple of minor cosmetic blemishes – please see photographs. Supplied in original packaging with manual, power supply and our usual three month warranty.
Michell Say….
The TecnoDec is Michell’s entry-level turntable, and shares many features developed for its bigger sibling, the GyroDec, such as the vibration dampening, impedance-matched platter, inverted oil circulating main bearing and a free-standing motor unit.
TecnoDec is an unsuspended turntable that utilises materials and technologies not normally found in entry level turntables, allowing you hear much more from your music.
Pure Sorbothane feet inserts – Designed to isolate the turntable from structural vibration in the supporting surface.
Impedance-matched platter – The platter material was chosen for its vibration dampening characteristics and because sonically it is a very similar material to vinyl, so it has a very neutral sound characteristic.
Free standing motor unit – Machined from a solid billet of aircraft grade aluminium, the turntable motor unit is designed to minimise any transfer of tiny vibrations created when the motor is running, to the sensitive parts of the turntable. When in operation the only connection between the motor and the rest of the turntable, is the drive belt turning the platter. This innovation lifts the performance of the TecnoDec and sets it apart from the competition.
Inverted oil circulating main bearing – Contrary to traditional designs, our main bearing has the point of rotation at the top of the assembly, not at the bottom. This orientation allows us to fully lubricate the inside of the entire bearing while the platter is turning. We achieve this by way of a modified Archimedean screw that we machine into the inside bore of the bearing. The oil is drawn from a reservoir at the base of the main bearing up to the thrust ball at the top, fully lubricating as it goes, it then returns to the reservoir via a waste hole drilled into the bearing spindle. Lubricating the precision parts of the main bearing in this way means that any potential for noise or vibration created by the rotation of the platter is avoided.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 49 (W) x 310 (D) x 85 (H) mm
Weight: 4.6 kg
Rega Say….
The RB250 is one of the most popular tonearms in the World. It is fitted as standard to the famous Rega P2 turntable and is also the choice of many other turntable manufacturers on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis. You will see a photograph most months in nearly all hi-fi magazines globally of a Rega built tonearm.
The RB250 tonearm is a precision crafted product. To create the low friction levels and meet minimum mass requirements many parts of the arm are delicate and require careful handling. The arm should always be treated with respect and under no circumstances should any part be removed or tampered with.
Specifications:
Effective Length: 237 mm
Overhang: 15 mm
Offset: 22°
Mounting Distance: 222 mm
Mounting Hole: 23 mm
Effective Mass: 12 g
Cartridge Weight Range: 4 to 11 g

For a review of the TecnoDec from Analogue Planet please click here