Merrill Heirloom

The Merrill Heirloom turntable is a high-performance analog playback system designed by George Merrill, known for its innovative features and sound quality. 

Design and Build

• Base and Plinth: The turntable features a sturdy base with a one-piece acrylic subchassis, which helps in reducing vibrations and resonances.

• Platter: The Heirloom includes a platter made from acrylic, which was a pioneering use of this material in turntable design at the time.

• Dimensions and Weight: Specific dimensions and weight are not widely documented, but it is known for its robust construction.

Motor and Drive System

• Motor Type: The Merrill Heirloom uses an AC synchronous motor, which provides stable and quiet operation.

• Drive Type: Belt-driven system for smooth operation and reduced motor vibrations.

• Motor Controller: Features a dedicated motor controller for precise speed accuracy, a rare feature at the time of its release. The controller allows for adjustment of motor phase to minimize vibrations.

Tonearm and Cartridge

• Tonearm Compatibility: The Heirloom is designed to accommodate various high-quality tonearms, though specific models are not detailed.

• Cartridge: While specific cartridge details are not provided, it is compatible with a range of moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.

Connectivity and Features

• Outputs: Unbalanced RCA output for connection to a phono preamplifier.

• Periphery Ring: Includes a periphery clamping ring for even record clamping and energy dissipation6.

• Speed Control: Precise speed control with adjustments for optimal performance.

Additional Features

• Resonance Control: Features a constant resonance tuning system to manage and dissipate mechanical energy effectively.

• Sound Quality: Renowned for delivering lifelike sound with transparency and open midrange5.

• Production History: Production began around 1980, with several versions released over the years, including variations in the base construction and motor drive systems