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In Reply to: Re: AR Pic of the Day posted by analogmaniac on August 27, 2003 at 08:51:00:
I couldn't agree more - I've heard all sorts of 'tables and while none can compete in the price-vs-performance area, there are very few that can compete in the overall performance regardless of price.Of course, with that last point, it's very likely I'm reaching the point of diminishing returns with my downstream gear too.
IIRC, the main functional differences between a full Merrill AR and the Heirloom are the outboard power supply and sliding weight on the subchassis to adjust spring tension, yes?
Follow Ups:
I wish I could say that, Grailer...while the AR Merrills are great tables, the Heirlooms ( the later versions ) are significantly better.
The motor is enclosed in an oil bath which dampens all vibrations & noise, the inner platter is made of a special resin that allows the screw-on clamp to work well, the plinth is so dense with lead that it effectively deals with acoustic feedback & the outboard power supply makes listening to 33s & 45s a breeze, etc, etc. The Heirloom is so dang quiet that half the time I can't tell if it's on. Let me add that the AR Merrills are great turntables. I have kept mine for my second system. I bought my Heirloom from Thom Mackris (great guy) who started the Redpoint & Galibier turntables. He thought very highly of the Merrills too.
Interesting stuff! Thanks for passing along the info - oddly (or perhaps not), I've stuffed my plinth with lead as well and am pleased with the result. I also updated the motor controller with something like a DIY 'geddon design (courtesy of AR Guy here). I'll end up with an SDS too some day - Thom recently sold his Merrill external power supply, but I had to pass because it's not made for the motor I have.On the inner platter side, I've a friend who's fabricating a thick acrylic inner platter with threaded spindle for a screw-down clamp. The inner platter works with Merrill's outer platter (and therefore periphery ring), so aside from the oil bath on the motor, I'm aiming to get close!
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