Merrill Replica ES Turntable ES-R1

Hi,
This is my first post to the audio review community. Have been looking at the new Merrill Replica ES Turntable ES-R1. Other than the sites selling the table, I haven't been able to find any meaningfull reviews.
We all know of George Merrille's great work on the AR turntable models
and his newest great table the Merrill-Williams REAL 101 which had a great review in the Absolute Sound but this new table the ES-R1 released summer of 2012 seems to be lacking media review. Has anyone out there bought this table or had the pleasure of hearing one?
From his legondary status I would expect it to be a terrific table at only $995.00 without arm or dust cover (both optional) a great bargain! Only $1595.00 with Jelco SA-250 tonearm and Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge! Can anyone let me know if they have listened to this table?
If so what other equipment can you compare it to?

Welcome to AR. Not familiar with the table you are asking about. Usually though if a company has a great product the technology and quality trickles down reduced by what it takes to meet the price point.