We are offering here the superb Acoustic Signature Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary turntable in a black finish, paired with the MCX-1 low output MC cartridge. This combination brings together performance and musicality at an unbeatable price.
This "bundle" delivers dynamic, transparent sound, with an organic midrange and powerful, articulate bass.
It favours realism and neutrality while offering remarkable musicality.
Find out more:
Acoustic Signature Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary turntable
Acoustic Signature MCX-1 MC cartridge
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Acoustic Signature Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary Black + MCX-1 Bundle
What does the black Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary bundle include?
The bundle brings together the belt-driven Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary turntable in a black finish, with its separate motor and 9-inch TA-500 tonearm, the MCX-1 low output MC cartridge, the Platter Mat Carbon and an Audioquest Golden Gate phono cable. Like all our turntables, whether sold on their own or in a bundle, it is assembled, aligned and tested in our workshop before shipping.
Do I need a phono preamplifier for the MCX-1 cartridge?
Yes. The MCX-1 is a low output moving coil cartridge delivering 0.55 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s), so it must be connected to an MC-compatible phono preamplifier. Its impedance is 7 Ω and the recommended load is 100 Ω. The Acoustic Signature Tango Mk3, Aurorasound Vida Prima and Gold Note PH-5.2 preamps are offered alongside this bundle. To learn more, read our practical guide to phono preamps.
What are the recommended cartridge settings and playback speeds?
The recommended tracking force is 2.3 g, within a range of 2.1 to 2.5 g. The MCX-1 weighs 12.2 g, has a compliance of 15 m/mN and is fitted with an elliptical stylus. The turntable plays records at 33.3 and 45 rpm, with Level 1 AVC (Automatic Vibration Control) and an external 24 V DC power supply. Our practical guide to cartridges explains how moving coil models work.
How should I set up the black Merlin Neo for the best results?
The turntable stands on 3 height-adjustable aluminium feet with gel dampers, so it can be perfectly levelled. Weighing 15 kg and measuring 474 x 318 x 140 mm, it needs a stable support: the SSC Solidbase platform and the Acoustic Signature Load LP Clamp are among the accessories offered with this bundle. Our advice on how to place your hi-fi devices will help you find the ideal spot.
FranckAcoustic Signature Merlin Neo 30th Anniversary turntable
Motor: 1 AC motor
Drive system: Belt drive
Automatic Vibration Control: AVC Level 1
Speeds: 33.3 and 45 rpm
Power supply: External 24 V DC
Bearing: Dura Turn Diamond® high-precision bearing
Tonearm compatibility: 9-inch tonearms
Maximum number of tonearms: 1
Standard tonearm: TA-500 / 9 inches
Platter: Anodised aluminium, 300 x 34 mm, 5.8 kg
Chassis: Solid aluminium chassis, 300 x 50 mm thick
Feet: 3 height-adjustable aluminium feet with gel dampers
Dimensions (W x D x H): 474 x 318 x 140 mm
Weight: 15 kg
Acoustic Signature MCX-1 MC cartridge
Type: Moving coil (low output MC)
Stylus: Elliptical
Coils: Copper
Body: Aluminium, optimised to reduce resonances
Output voltage (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.55 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz: < 1.5 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz: > 21 dB
Frequency response at -3 dB: 20 - 25,000 Hz
Frequency response (20 - 20,000 Hz): ± 2.5 dB
Compliance: 15 m/mN
Tracking force: 2.1 to 2.5 g
Recommended tracking force: 2.3 g (23 mN)
Impedance: 7 Ω
Recommended load: 100 Ω
Cartridge weight: 12.2 g
Total bundle weight: 20 kg
