Esoteric has introduced its new T-01 turntable, featuring the patented contactless Esoteric MagneDrive drive system. It will be available internationally from the end of September this year.
The revolutionary and patented (JP6501130) MagneDrive System used in the new Esoteric T-01 turntable was first introduced in the Grandioso T1. According to the manufacturer, this ‘unique contactless technology redefined the foundations of analogue playback’. Now that the same MagneDrive System has been integrated into the T-01, Esoteric says it provides ‘exceptionally silent and stable rotation and high performance. As a result, music should be reproduced with uncompromising precision, energy and realism. Four years after the introduction of the Grandioso T1, the “Esoteric Analog Revolution” continues.’
According to Esoteric, the T-01 was ‘developed from the same engineering philosophy as the Grandioso T1 and incorporates several important technologies inherited from Esoteric’s flagship analogue platform. These include synchronisation with an external 10 MHz clock, a sophisticated triple-layer aluminium and MDF cabinet construction, and a newly developed, silent MagneDrive motor system. All of this is housed in a chassis that is easier to install. At the intersection of precision mechanical engineering and advanced electronic design, the T-01 has one important objective: to reproduce the original master sound with breathtaking realism, musical energy and emotional depth.’
The T-01 is available in a version with tonearm but without cartridge for €48,000, or without either for €45,000, so informs Dutch importer Terrason Audio:
T-01 — Key Features
For convenience, here are the main specifications at a glance, in the manufacturer’s own words:
- Esoteric MagneDrive System: revolutionary, patented (JP6501130) contactless drive system.
- High torque: provides superior pitch stability and dynamic bass performance.
- Magne-Float Platter Technology: reduces the effective mass of the 13 kg platter to approximately 5.5 kg, thereby reducing friction in the spindle bearing.
- MagneDrive Motor Integrated Chassis Design: enables easier installation and improved usability.
- Silent motor operation: achieved through the ‘Vibration Absorber Case’ construction.
- High-end separate-unit design: consisting of the main unit and a compact separate power supply for improved operational efficiency and better acoustic isolation.
- High-quality ‘Master Sound Discrete Clock’ motor driver: ensures exceptionally accurate platter rotation.
- Clock Sync compatibility: supports 10 MHz clock synchronisation with the G-01XD/G-05 master clock for seamless integration.
- Inverted Bearing System: ensures smooth and stable platter rotation.
- Triple-layer chassis: combines aluminium and wood to effectively control vibration. Meanwhile, the mid-chassis is finished in luxurious high-gloss piano lacquer.
- Specialised isolation feet: a fully integrated design combining spike, spike pad and damper, developed specifically for maximum vibration suppression and protection against acoustic feedback.
Technical Highlights
- Silent, rumble-free platter rotation.
- High torque for superior pitch stability and dynamic bass performance.
- Precise platter rotation without speed irregularities.
- No drive belts that need replacing over time.
MagneDrive System
The Esoteric MagneDrive System (patent JP6501130) is a contactless, magnetically induced turntable drive system. In its pursuit of master-quality sound from vinyl playback, Esoteric says it spent more than five years developing the technology, obtaining the patent and bringing the MagneDrive System to market.
A ‘Magnetic Driver’ is mounted on top of the drive motor. Its side consists of a dome-shaped magnet with alternating north and south poles. The platter itself, meanwhile, is made from non-magnetic aluminium. However, a soft-iron ‘Induction Wheel’ surrounds the lower section of the platter and is positioned extremely close to the Magnetic Driver mounted on the motor assembly.
When the Magnetic Driver rotates, the resulting magnetic force acting on the Induction Wheel causes the platter to rotate synchronously. Crucially, because this induction-based drive system operates without direct physical contact, the platter remains isolated from motor-induced vibration and rumble.