Merrill Heirloom, Ortofon RS-212 Tonearm, Complete M-S Upgrades, $2995 plus shipping
Why buy a restored vintage turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen. The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Merrill, Linn, and AR for over a decade. I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible. In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens.
Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary. It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided. When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting. If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.
As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them. Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory. Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source. For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty. Likewise, when something is custom painted or powdercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England. Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.
Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables. I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident. I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99%. In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal. A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life.
See our testimonial page.
Merrill Heirloom with Ortofon RS-212 Arm
This early 90s Merrill Heirloom was completely refurbished by Anthony Scillia using the latest refinements from Merrill-Scillia The included pictures show the result…from the outside, but it’s so much of what’s NOT visible that makes it amazing: the new subchassis is made from the best terpolymer on the market and machined to much tighter tolerances; the bearing well is vastly improved; the spring system for the subchassis features the “machined springs” offered by no other turntable company; and the power supply has been completely re-designed. Of course, it comes with the Merrill platter system: resin drive platter, acrylic platter, lead-cork mat, and, in this case, a VPI threaded clamp. The outer periphery clamp is the very rare chromed version. I’ve had a few of these chromed ones pass through my hands…this one is the nicest.
There is a wonderful Gingko dust cover included. It does have small swirl marks from dusting and usage. It is set-on style.
Merrill Heirlooms rarely appear on these pages, especially one of the few that Anthony Scillia himself refurbished with the very latest of the mods as re-designed/re-imagined for the late 2000s.
The Ortofon RS-212D Tonearm
The new version of the classic Ortofon 212 series was installed at the time of the MS-upgrades in 2009. Today, the arm retails for over $3K. The original box and paperwork will be included. You can read much more about the RS-212D here. (Note: The cartridge in the pictures is not included, however, if the new owner chooses, I would be happy to sell them one.) I am a dealer for Ortofon, Dynavector, and Grado. If I install the cartridge, it is much easier for set-up in the home.
The Details
I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer UPS. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.
Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new parts are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana.
Email me if you are interested in purchasing this turntable or another one I have slated for restoration.