The ubiquity of turntables has inspired manufacturers to push the boundaries of design. Modern options now include form factors that appear to be more than just the audio playback platform they appear to be. Instead, some flaunt a premium construction alongside a sculptural profile owners would be proud to show off. Case in point, we have the T-01 by Esoteric.
Apart from its striking looks, the T-01 is shipping with leading-edge technologies. With the money you’re spending on this bad boy, substandard acoustic fidelity is not acceptable. Analog music enthusiasts know full well that vibrations from external sources and those from the unit’s own mechanical components can affect performance.
Therefore, the Japanese manufacturer is incorporating the patented Esoteric MagneDrive System — a so-called “contact-free drive technology.” This groundbreaking alternative to direct-drive and belt-drive configurations made its debut on the Grandioso T1. Moreover, the flagship SKU already boasts four years of stellar vinyl record playback.
Craftsmanship is likewise on another level as the plinth uses aluminum and wood. The metal on the top and bottom exudes a muted matte finish, while its middle chassis gets a high-gloss piano lacquer. Meanwhile, underneath are special isolation feet in a spike + spike pad + damper layout for “maximum vibration suppression and anti-feedback performance.”
Speed adjustments supported are 33⅓ rpm and 45 rpm. The T-01 tonearm does not ship with a cartridge, but should be compatible with most headshells. Esoteric ships the turntable with a separate slim-type power supply. The latter measures 146 mm × 128 mm × 353 mm, while the main unit is 539 mm × 206 mm × 432 mm.
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Images courtesy of Esoteric
