Analog Gear News

Merrill-Williams Audio Announces The R.E.A.L. 101.3 Turntable

Michael Fremer  |  Feb 20, 2018

Merrill-Williams Audio LLC of Memphis, Tennesseejust introduced the latest version of its celebrated R.E.A.L. turntable, the model 101.3. The R.E.A.L. 101.3 retains the essential elements of the 101 and 101.2 models while adding fundamental improvements.

The most essential element retained in the 101.3 is a thoroughgoing approach to energy management design. The plinth consists of rubber elastomer sandwiched with phenolic (hence Rubber Elastomer Acoustic Laminate). All sources of vibration (motor, platter, bearing, and tonearm) are attached only to the elastomer, and each is isolated from the others in such a way that none is allowed to transmit vibration through the laminate.

Also retained are the 101.2's microprocessor-controlled motor drive with built-in speed strobe, its energy-rejecting elastomer feet, and its sophisticated record-clamping system, which consists of a center weight (also energy-rejecting) and periphery ring. The design of the R.E.A.L. turntable is the recipient of one of only two U.S. patents granted to a turntable (#8,406,122 B2), and the first since 1958.

The improvements in the model 101.3 consist of changes in the material of the platter and the construction of the center weight and feet, in addition to enhanced cosmetics.

The retail price of the R.E.A.L. 101.3 is $7995. This price includes the peripheral ring and the newly-designed record clamp.

U.S. distribution for Merrill-Williams is now being handled by E.A.R. U.S.A.

COMMENTS
ster4610's picture
Submitted by ster4610 on Wed, 2018-02-21 05:40

Review?

theboogeydown's picture
Submitted by theboogeydown on Wed, 2018-02-21 06:21

Who's the "Williams" half?

kewilson7's picture
Submitted by kewilson7 on Wed, 2018-02-28 12:50

Robert Williams, George's friend and collaborator on a few of his projects such as this turntable.

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on Wed, 2018-02-21 09:07

Reviewers laud it as a terrific sounding table, that said, I cannot wrap my eyes around the looks. It looks like it's ready to blast off and meet the Jensons. The lines and feet just don't work, a turntable should be a thing of beauty and this just isn't. I know the design is purposeful for resonance and such, but I wonder how many more would be gracing listening rooms if it was slightly more elegant.

vinyl listener's picture
Submitted by vinyl listener on Wed, 2018-02-21 13:31

imagine it un-enhanced !

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on Wed, 2018-02-21 13:40

I am 52 years old and my eyesight is not what it used to be, so I'll take your word. In defense of the Merrill, I used to think the Luxman turntable was ugly, but have since changed my mind, so there is still hope.

Tom L's picture
Submitted by Tom L on Wed, 2018-02-21 17:37

...a perfect example of Brutalist architecture, reduced to audio component size. Massive and blocky, with the rough streamlining and functionality of a Soviet T-72 tank, it would make quite a statement in the rec room of my dacha.

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on Wed, 2018-02-21 20:05

You have the kiss of Blarney Tom L. A perfect description.

volvic's picture
Submitted by volvic on Thu, 2018-02-22 10:23

Jetsons, not Jensons, typo.

gMRfk6LMHn's picture
Submitted by gMRfk6LMHn on Thu, 2018-02-22 06:57

''Bloody hell'' we forgot about the feet! ''Here, try these, they'll do!

What were they thinking about??!!!

James, Dublin, Ireland

pmoyjr's picture
Submitted by pmoyjr on Thu, 2018-02-22 11:14

The number for the Merrill U.S. patent is 8,406,112.

Trust Your Ears2's picture
Submitted by Trust Your Ears2 on Mon, 2018-04-16 11:09

Volvic, If you're going to correct somebody, would you kindly be accurate in your correction? It's the Jetson's.

Table looks fine to me; not necessarily a work of art, but it is in the price range of some other fine tables and I expect it will sound terrific. As always, trust your ears.

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