Merrill-Scillia Research

Back in the 1980s, George Merrill pioneered several revolutionary innovations in analog equipment design. Among these are:

• First use of acrylics in turntables
• First turntable design focusing entirely on energy management utilizing periphery clamping and constant resonance tuning
• First purpose-designed energy management system for components (Stable Table)
• The concept of energy management in audio components

Now in 2007, Mr. Merrill has come out of retirement to apply the considerable knowledge on audio he has amassed in 35 years in designing the exceptional MS21, the 21st century turntable combining space age material and timeless design principles.

Here are some unique features of the new MS21:

• Plinth and sub chassis are made from performance mechanical resins for the best vibration control performance.
• Platter system and tone arm mounting boss are part of the suspended sub chassis enclosed by the plinth, shielding it from airborne acoustic vibration.
• Integrated two piece platter system dissipates vibration from the motor affecting the record and stylus.
• Proprietary bearing system using proprietary lubricating oil for the quietest performance possible.
• Proprietary synchronous motor drive system for the most stable speed control.
• Motor pod design to isolate noise and electro-magnetic interferences.
• Low noise belt and pulley design.
• Multi-option cable mounting system accommodates any tone arm design.
• Simple design with fewer parts that can lead to failures.

PRICING & SPECIFICATIONS

MS21 Turntable   Model Merrill/Scillia 21 (MS21) Price $24,000 Speed 33/45 rpm with Outboard Power Supply Drift < +.002% Wow/Flutter WTD. / DIN./3.15 KHZ <.1% Dimensions W: 20.375” (517.525mm), 19.500” (495.3mm) foot center to center. D: 16.250” (412.750mm), 19.000” (482.6mm) with Cable Strain, 12.500” (317.5mm) foot center to center. H: 6.500” (165.1mm) with leveling feet screwed half way out from plinth in parenthesis. 11.500” (292.1mm) total height with dustcover. Weight 70 lbs (31.751 kg) Turntable 10 lbs (4.536 kg) Power Supply

MSR MS2 Heirloom Classic

The MS2 or Heirloom Classic as it is referred to, is a resurrection and improvement in design of the classic Merrill Heirloom late model transcription table.

Today, the plinths are constructed using modern cabinetry techniques. All joints are bonded with special 3M 2 part epoxy vs. wood glue. The use of the 3M epoxy makes a far superior joint which resists separation over time as the wood swells and contracts. All internal bracing is Medium Density Fiberboard. All pieces prior to assembly are made to exact tolerances in a production environment with the use of jigs and fixtures for cutting and assembly.

The plinths are available in several variations of wood including – Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Maple and Bird’s Eye or Curly Maple. The Top Plate which is encapsulated within the wood is CNC machined from Corian and finished to a beautiful semi gloss satin finish using our 3M finishing system which we use to finish our Co Polymer (MS21) table with.

As with its big brother, the MS2 utilizes most of the same mechanical parts such as the Ter Polymer sub chassis assembly, Aluminum Resin drive platter and Co Polymer record support platter system, motor pod, spring suspension, center clamp, clamping ring, etc.

Motor power is controlled by a single speed transformer regulated external power supply that drives our low voltage motor at 300 rpm at 60 Hz. To change speeds, one must lift off the record support platter and change the drive belt position from the 33 to the 45 RPM crown of the pulley.

For countries with different power requirements, the power supply can be configured for any world voltage at the factory and the unit as well will be supplied with a 50 Hz pulley for those areas whose power grids operate on 50 cycles.

With the use of wood and Corian as a plinth material vs. the Co Polymer resin of the MS21 and a basic outboard power supply vs. the switch able 2 speed digital unit of the MS 21, we are able to offer this table to you at a substantial savings while still maintaining most of the outstanding MS sound characteristics with a classic look.

PRICING & SPECIFICATIONS

Merrill Heirloom Upgraded Parts, Restoration and Power Supply Repair Service Information

For more information on the Merrill-Scillia products, please visit Merrill-Scillia Research site.