Merrill-Williams R.E.A.L. 101.3 turntable Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Sources: Garrard 301, Thorens TD 124 turntables; Audio-Creative GrooveMaster II, EMT 997 tonearms; EMT TSD 15, Shindo Laboratory SPU pickup heads; Miyajima Laboratory Saboten L cartridge.
Digital Sources: Sony SCD-777 SACD/CD player; HoloAudio Spring "Kitsuné Tuned Edition" Level 3 DAC.
Preamplification: Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 & T2 step-up transformers; Sentec EQ11 phono preamplifier; Shindo Laboratory Monbrison (2017) preamplifier.
Integrated Amplifier: ASR Emitter II Exclusive.
Power Amplifier: Shindo Laboratory Haut-Brion.
Loudspeakers: DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/93, Quad ESL.
Cables: Interconnect: Audio Note AN-Vx, Luna Red, Shindo Laboratory. Speaker: Auditorium 23, Luna Red. AC: manufacturers' stock.
Accessories: Box Furniture Company D3S rack (source & amplification components), Audiodesksysteme Gläss Vinyl Cleaner Pro.—Art Dudley

COMPANY INFO
Merrill-Williams Audio LLC
820 Herbert Road, Suite 109
Cordova, TN 38019
(901) 751-3337
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Anton's picture

This caught my eye: I found that records were difficult to lift off of the platter, partly because the spindle seems very slightly larger than usual in diameter, and partly because my fingers found it difficult to get a purchase on the edge of the disc—this would be greatly eased by the platter's being a little smaller or a little larger in diameter."

Thanks for mentioning something like that, I fear it would disgruntle me over time.

dalethorn's picture

I'd almost be disappointed if there weren't a few quirks with this device, given the reasonable price for all that you get. Lots of folk will be interested in this, and when their dealers have the workarounds for those quirks in the bag, fait accompli...

Anton's picture

That platter spindle thing is my own idiosyncratic pet peeve. You are more right than I was.

I've always admired Merrill's work!

(Side note, my over under is 5 1/2, will explain later.)

Ortofan's picture

... (not to mention the additional cost for a tonearm) I'd instead be looking at the Luxman PD-171A - only $7K, including the tonearm.
http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=25

In his review, AD called the Luxman 'table "an unassailably beautiful product that has joined the small, select group of record players I could live with quite happily."
https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-pd-171-record-player

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