Michell Apollo Phono Stage, Powered by Muse: A New Benchmark in Vinyl Playback

For over half a century, Michell Audio has been synonymous with precision engineering, cutting-edge innovation, and a deep love for music. Known for producing some of the world’s most iconic turntables, the British manufacturer continues to push the boundaries of analogue sound reproduction. Their latest offering, the Michell Apollo phono stage preamplifier, accompanied by the Muse power supply, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to audiophile excellence.

With distribution in Canada through Audionation, the Apollo and Muse duo is set to redefine the listening experience for vinyl lovers. Designed from the ground up with meticulous attention to detail, this phono stage promises exceptional audio fidelity, capturing the essence, atmosphere, and soul of every performance.

A Masterpiece of Engineering: The Apollo Phono Stage

At the heart of the Apollo phono stage lies a philosophy that prioritizes musical purity. Designed and manufactured in the UK, every aspect of its construction has been carefully considered to extract the finest details from vinyl records. The Apollo is more than just an audio component; it is an instrument of sonic refinement that preserves and amplifies the subtle nuances of analogue playback.

One of the key innovations of the Apollo is its two-box design, which separates the power supply from the preamplification stage. This decision was driven by the understanding that noise is the enemy of high-fidelity sound reproduction. By isolating these components, Michell has ensured that unwanted RF noise is kept to an absolute minimum, allowing the Apollo to perform at its peak.

Jonathan Nye, Michell’s managing director, sums it up best: “Noise is the enemy of phono stages, and so we’ve taken every step possible to eradicate it, such as the separated power supply and preamplifier stages, the enclosures machined from solid aluminium, and the specially developed linking cable.”

The Muse Power Supply: The Silent Force Behind Apollo’s Brilliance

A great phono stage requires a clean and stable power source, and the Muse power supply delivers just that. It is engineered to provide ultra-low noise power, using a high-quality toroidal transformer, advanced capacitance multiplier technology, and high-precision voltage regulators. The result? A smooth, ripple-free DC output that ensures optimal performance for the Apollo phono stage.

What sets the Muse apart is its secondary power regulation stage, housed within the Apollo itself. This additional filtering and refinement further stabilizes the power supply, ensuring that the amplification circuits receive the cleanest possible energy. The result is a dramatic reduction in unwanted interference, preserving the integrity of the delicate phono signals.

Class A Preamplification for Audiophile-Grade Sound

The Apollo features Class A preamplification, a choice that highlights Michell’s dedication to premium audio performance. Class A amplifiers are renowned for their low distortion and high linearity, making them ideal for amplifying the minute signals generated by turntable cartridges. Michell’s engineers have taken inspiration from professional microphone preamplifiers, where the need for clean and accurate amplification is just as crucial.

To complement this high-end design, the Apollo employs a finely tuned passive RIAA equalization circuit. This ensures that the frequency response of the amplified signal adheres to the industry standard RIAA curve, preserving the balance and tonal accuracy of the original recording. Regulation and feedback circuits throughout the signal path work in harmony to maintain a consistent and stable performance.

Customizable Settings for Maximum Compatibility

Understanding that audiophiles use a variety of cartridges, the Apollo offers extensive customization options for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Users can adjust the gain and load settings via a bank of DIP switches conveniently located on the underside of the enclosure. This level of flexibility ensures that the Apollo can be fine-tuned to match a wide range of cartridges, providing an optimized listening experience for every setup.

The Apollo-Muse Connection: A Cable Designed for Purity

A crucial component in the Apollo-Muse system is the specially developed link cable that connects the power supply to the phono stage. This cable is far from ordinary—it is designed to reject external noise and maintain signal integrity. Featuring high-quality silver-plated OFC copper conductors, FEP insulation, and AL-foil Mylar separators, it effectively prevents unwanted interference from degrading the signal.

This level of attention to detail underscores Michell’s commitment to achieving absolute transparency in sound reproduction. Every design choice, from the internal circuit layout to the external connectivity, has been meticulously engineered to eliminate any potential sources of distortion or interference.

The Aluminium Enclosure: A Fortress Against Noise

Noise reduction is not just about internal electronics—it also involves shielding components from external interference. The Apollo and Muse enclosures are machined from solid aluminium, creating a tight-fitting clam-shell design. This design functions as a Faraday cage, preventing electrical noise from penetrating the sensitive circuits within the Apollo, while also keeping any residual noise within the Muse PSU contained.

The result is an environment where the only thing left to hear is the pure, unadulterated beauty of vinyl playback.

A Legacy of Excellence: Michell’s Dedication to Vinyl Reproduction

Michell Audio has long been a leader in turntable innovation, and the Apollo phono stage is a natural extension of their philosophy. As Jonathan Nye explains:

“For over 50 years, we’ve been at the forefront of vinyl playback innovation, designing industry-leading turntables, cartridges, and electronics. And, as audiophiles know, the true allure of vinyl lies in the richness and warmth of analogue sound. To fully appreciate every detail and nuance, the right equipment is essential, such as a premium turntable, tonearm, and cartridge. But it is the quality of the phono stage that ensures the integrity of the music. With Apollo and Muse, we have something very special that will satisfy the most demanding and discerning of audiophiles.”

This dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of the Apollo and Muse. From the selection of premium components to the meticulous construction of low-noise circuitry, Michell Audio has created a phono stage that stands among the very best in the industry.

Final Thoughts: A New Standard for Vinyl Lovers

The Michell Apollo phono stage and its Muse power supply are a dream come true for vinyl enthusiasts who demand absolute sonic perfection. Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile with an extensive vinyl collection or a newcomer seeking to experience the true warmth of analogue music, this duo delivers a level of clarity and realism that is tangibly real.

By addressing the challenges of noise reduction, power stability, and precision amplification, Michell has created a phono stage that allows music to be heard exactly as the artist intended. The Apollo and Muse don’t just amplify sound—they bring music to life, capturing every note, every emotion, and every moment in exquisite detail.

Available from March 2025 through Michell retailers, the Apollo and Muse represent a milestone in high-end analogue audio. For those who cherish the art of vinyl playback, this is an investment in sonic excellence that will elevate any system to new heights.