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J.A. Michell Prisma - Sell or Upgrade?

S

soundbob

New Member
I've had a J.A. Michell Prisma for many years and it has performed flawlessly. It is also beautiful to look at.

Having said that, I'm wondering whether I should sell it and buy something newer, or perhaps try to upgrade it. I don't beleive Michell offers many, if any upgrades, but I could swap the Rega arm for something better, get a good isolation stand, modify to accomodate a record clamp, etc.

Any thoughts? If I sell it, any idea what it might fetch?

thanks

SB
 
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Would be nice to see a photo

I had a Michell Focus (Platter version) some 10/12 years ago looked good but sound wasn't outstanding & the size needed its own room. I didn't have the internet resources available now to find out how to get the best out of it.

If you are happy with it I'd say hang onto it & contact Michell for advice
I guess lots would say upgrade the arm & cartridge.
But I would only sell on after I had a replacement TT & could do a direct comparison and then be aware you are on the upgrade spiral of pre-amp / amp etc etc
 
It's flawless and pretty -- and yet you want to trade it in. Seven year itch, perhaps? I agree with the previous post -- trade it in, and suddenly you are going to start thinking about how all your other equipment could be better also. And we know where that leads -- to having 30 pairs of speakers and constantly looking for more.
Save yourself.
 
I got my Prisma two years ago for$ 1200.00.It worked great and sounded even better.I had a SME type 3 arm put on with a Grado gold cartridge.Now sounds even better.Parts are extremely hard to find tho.Still looking for a spare motor and a spare spindle and ball bearing. ...but so far no luck.I am not planning on selling it anytime soon.I would like to put on a better cartridge at some point tho and I have been considering a better arm like an SME type 5 ?.I removed the original support legs as they were in rough shape....decide to build a wooden base and hand oiled it,also used threaded adjusters and some rubber pads.I am currently using a granite base plate and it seems to be working well.
 
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Just found an SME type 5 arm,new in the box for $ 600...think I have to go for it..Now to decide on a cartridge,and this is going to take some time....
 

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soundbob said:
I've had a J.A. Michell Prisma for many years and it has performed flawlessly. It is also beautiful to look at.

Having said that, I'm wondering whether I should sell it and buy something newer, or perhaps try to upgrade it. I don't beleive Michell offers many, if any upgrades, but I could swap the Rega arm for something better, get a good isolation stand, modify to accomodate a record clamp, etc.

Any thoughts? If I sell it, any idea what it might fetch?

thanks

SB
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Keep it,Keep it,Keep it...
 
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