Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable

For vinyl record playback, which picks up vibrations from record grooves on the order of microns
and converts them into audio signals, the elimination of vibrations generated by motors
is essential for master sound reproduction.
The Esoteric MagneDrive System is free from motor vibration by making the power transmission
from the motor to the platter non-contact, thus obtaining a crystal clear sound.

The platter is a high-mass design of 19kg machined from aluminum block.
The Magne-Float system reduces the load on the bearing to approximately 4kg,
and contributes to quiet rotation by achieving both silky-smooth rotation
with high rotational inertia and reduced friction level in an ideal manner. In addition,
inverted bearings are employed to bring the fulcrum of the platter closer
to the surface of the vinyl disc and increase the stability of rotation.

The platter surface, which is focused on beautiful appearance,
is carefully finished one-by-one by skilled craftsmen in the final process
to increase surface smoothness and create a beautiful spin pattern that resembles craftwork.

Along with the non-contact vibration isolation, one of the greatest advantages
of the MagneDrive mechanism is the precise rotational accuracy of the platter.
Magnetic driver and platter, – these two components, like two gears of different sizes,
always rotate precisely in a constant ratio.

As long as magnetic synchronization is maintained, there are no speed fluctuations
and no factors that can cause speed deviations, such as belt stretch,
idler or pulley mechanical accuracy, and so on.

Since this mechanism follows the one and only law of physics "reduction ratio" (gear ratio in gears) of the two components, the platter maintains a constant and accurate speed of rotation in any conditions. To maxmize this beauty of the mechanism, the rotation speed is regulated by directly controlling the current waveform of the motor with a high-precision processor, instead of using a conventional servo to correct the platter rotation, resulting in a natural sound free from the fluctuation that is often associated with loop correction. 

The motor unit, which controls the precise rotation of the magnetic driver, is the culmination of Esoteric’s accumulated mechanical and circuit engineering expertise.
The motor unit is isolated from the main unit and thoroughly controlled by mounting on a heavyweight 6mm-thick brass bottom chassis. The motor driver circuit uses a high-precision 10MHz clock to accurately generate the drive waveforms that drive the motors. Furthermore, by supplying extremely pure DC from an independent
power supply unit, the transmission of unwanted vibrations to the motor unit is minimized.

The motor unit is equipped with an external 10MHz clock input. Sound quality can be
further upgraded by connecting the Grandioso G1X master clock generator (sold separately) to supply a higher precision clock to the motor driver.

Direct drive, idler drive, and belt drive... The MagneDrive system is the ideal drive mechanism that combines the advantages of direct/idler drive, with its powerful and accurate pitch, while maintains smooth rotation of belt drive, and flexibility
in tone adjustment on top of these advanteges.

By turning the micrometer dial on the front of the motor unit, the distance
between the motor driver and platter (transmission torque) can be changed to adjust
the sound to your preference, from powerful to soft tones, while listening to music.

Since magnetic force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, a very small change in distance can drastically change the transmission torque. When the driver and platter are farthest apart (+1.0mm), the torque is reduced to –57%, and the transmission torque can be changed precisely and freely while playing with the micrometer dial.

Unlike other turntable mechanisms, the MagneDrive system eliminates
replacement of a drive belt, and minimizes maintenance thanks to reduced wear-out parts, making ensure long-lasting high quality sound.