Merrill Replica ES Turntable ES-R1

[Manny1]

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?

[Mr Peabody]

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.