Merrill tables

Nah he was absolutely serious - he's talking about one of those newfangled TT's - no belt drive - no direct drive - you know with the latest crystal clocker - dilithium crystals to be precise - the latest warp drive TT!

I hear there are even new turntables that do-away with vinyl and encode the music stream in 0s and 1s. This has the huge advantages of no noise, huge dynamic range, and media that never wears out. And they're smaller discs too. Truly, perfect sound forever.

ooooo's and 111111's dang

I owned a Merrill Heirloom before I moved to the dark side and began manufacturing turntables.

Other than the following possible exceptions, it is the only American turntable in current production which conveys the essence of music to this listener ... :

1. The Rockport Sirius which I have never heard.

2. The Saskia - another 'table I've yet to hear. Unfortunately, I was nailed down to my room at the Rocky Mountain Audiofest, but people who's ears I trust tell me that the Saskia falls in to this rarefied air as well.

3. My rigs and the other members of the Galibier Family Tree (http://www.galibierdesign.com/family_tree.html) ... doh! You thought this was an unbiased post? They don't exist, and we collectively vet each other in this dialog.

With these exceptions (most of them at a significantly higher cost), I consider all other American turntables to be crude appliances in comparison with the Merrill. Others will certainly differ with my opinion.

I was very excited for Anthony and George when I learned that the Merrill flame would continue to burn. I'd love to hear how Anthony has built on George's work.

Now, Anthony ... if you'd just rid the design of springs completely ;-)

Cheers,
Thom

i believe all the 'new' turntable companies survive,thrive, and will continue to offer up the essence of music that is lightyears ahead....even if we have to settle for justslightlywarm stampers.