Merrill-Scillia Research MS21

The Merrill-Scillia Research MS21 turntable is a high-performance analog playback system designed by George Merrill and Scillia, combining innovative materials and design principles to achieve exceptional sound quality. 

Design and Build

• Base and Plinth: The MS21 features a robust base with a subchassis made from a Ter-polymer composite, a material known for its non-resonant properties, which helps in absorbing and dissipating energy within the audio frequency range.

• Platter: The turntable includes a two-piece platter system. The inner drive platter is made from a proprietary aluminum resin compound, which is stable across a wide temperature range, while the outer record-bearing platter is designed to absorb and dissipate energy effectively.

• Dimensions and Weight: The MS21 measures 20.375 inches (517.525 mm) in width, 16.250 inches (412.75 mm) in depth, and 6.5 inches (165.1 mm) in height without the dust cover. It weighs approximately 70 lbs (31.751 kg), with the power supply adding an additional 10 lbs (4.536 kg).

Motor and Drive System

• Motor Type: The MS21 uses a high-quality synchronous motor, which provides stable and precise speed control.

• Drive Type: Belt-driven system with a flat crown pulley for smooth operation and reduced motor vibrations.

• Speed Control: The turntable supports playback speeds of 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, controlled by an outboard power supply.

Tonearm and Cartridge

• Tonearm Compatibility: The MS21 is designed to accommodate high-quality tonearms, though specific models are not detailed. It features a rigidly coupled arm mount as part of the subchassis to eliminate energy transfer.

• 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.

• Record Clamping: The MS21 uses both an outer periphery clamping ring and an inner screw-down clamp to ensure even record clamping and energy dissipation.

• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.1% WRMS, indicating low speed variation and stable playback.

Additional Features

• Energy Absorption: The design focuses on absorbing and dissipating energy from the tonearm, record resonance, airborne acoustic energy, and low self-generation of noise.

• Upgradeability: The MS21 is designed to be fully upgradeable, ensuring it remains relevant over time1.

• Sound Quality: Renowned for delivering precise and detailed sound reproduction with minimal noise and resonance