Merrill-Scillia

Merrill-Scillia Origins

The origins of Merrill-Scillia Audio can be traced back to George Merrill, who began his career in the 1970s by modifying Acoustic Research (AR) turntables. He founded Underground Sound, a hi-fi and later AV store in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1974. This store became known for offering repairs and modifications to audio equipment, particularly for AR turntables. By the early 1980s, Merrill was offering a wide range of upgrades for AR turntables, from simple modifications like stiffer suspension springs to complete replacement plinths, motors, and sub-chassis.

In 1982, George Merrill introduced his own turntable, the Merrill Heirloom, which incorporated insights from a paper by Brüel & Kjær’s Paul Ladegaard on the effects of mechanical resonances on turntable sound quality. The Heirloom was a significant success, with thousands of units sold.

Anthony Scillia, a mechanical engineer, later joined George Merrill, and together they formed Merrill-Scillia Research. They refined the Heirloom design and introduced the MS21 turntable, which was priced at $24,000. The MS21 incorporated innovative materials and manufacturing methods, enhancing the original design. This partnership between Merrill and Scillia led to the creation of high-quality turntables that are still recognized for their superior sound quality.