designboom · Kunst en ontwerp

Esoteric T-01 Turntable Uses Magnets for Belt-Free Platter Rotation

Japanese audio manufacturer Esoteric has launched the T-01 turntable, featuring its patented MagneDrive System that uses magnetic induction to spin the platter, eliminating the need for a belt or direct mechanical contact.

The MagneDrive System employs a Magnetic Driver with alternating magnetic poles that induce motion in a soft-iron wheel on the platter's edge, ensuring synchronized rotation without physical contact. This design aims to prevent motor vibration from reaching the record, combining high torque with stable speed for 33⅓ and 45 rpm playback.

Inheriting the Magne-Float platter technology from the Grandioso T1, the T-01's 13 kg aluminum platter has its effective load on the spindle bearing reduced to approximately 4 kg through magnetic force. This reduces friction and allows for freer rotation while maintaining inertia. An inverted bearing further stabilizes rotation.

The T-01 features a triple-layer chassis of aluminum and wood, with an integrated, vibration-absorbing motor within the chassis for easier installation. Newly developed isolation feet are designed to suppress external vibration and acoustic feedback.

Electronically, the T-01 uses Esoteric’s Master Sound Discrete Clock motor driver for platter rotation and can synchronize with an external 10MHz master clock. The turntable and its separate power supply are housed in distinct units, and rotational speed can be fine-tuned in 0.1% increments.

The standard T-01 includes the static-balanced TA-9S tonearm, with an optional T-01 AL model available without one. Additional arm bases allow for up to two tonearms. The main unit weighs 35 kg and measures 539 mm wide with the supplied tonearm. Worldwide shipping begins at the end of September 2026.

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