Esoteric Grandioso T1

**Mike** · May 17, 2022, 08:51 AM

ESOTERIC’s first-ever analog turntable celebrating its 35th anniversary, the “Grandioso T1” will be unveiled at the “HIGH END munich 2022”. | News Details | ESOTERIC:Japan high-end audio manufacturer | エソテリック

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**mxk116** · May 17, 2022, 12:41 PM

Quite a debut for Esoteric. To my eye it has a similar design ethos to the Acoustic Signature Montana Neo.

**brodricj** · May 17, 2022, 02:49 PM

A turntable with a 10 Mhz clock input. This must be why Esoteric did G1X with 5 clock outputs.

**Bobvin** · May 17, 2022, 04:58 PM

I don't know all the different ways mag-drive has been done in the past, but this looks very interesting. And a very sexy looking debut. I love the fact it can accept multiple arms.

**brodricj** · May 18, 2022, 12:49 AM

Why is rotational speed of a turntable so critical? If they are syncing the turntable speed to a master clock signal for nth degree precision of rotational speed, the playback gear speed is probably far more accurate than the recording master. So its purpose seems moot to me.

**Mike** · May 18, 2022, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

Why is rotational speed of a turntable so critical? If they are syncing the turntable speed to a master clock signal for nth degree precision of rotational speed, the playback gear speed is probably far more accurate than the recording master. So its purpose seems moot to me.

Perfect and consistently perfect turntable speed is critical to accurate music playback on vinyl. There are many tables (belt) which do not keep perfect speed.

In the store we use a device made by Sutherland (he doesn’t make them any more) to determine speed accuracy.

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**SCAudiophile** · May 20, 2022, 08:16 PM

Absolutely stunning & beautiful turntable and PSU.

Adding master clock input is a brilliant stroke IMO and it's about time (pun) someone did this :-) !

**brodricj** · May 20, 2022, 08:52 PM

I have no intention of ever owning a turntable, but if I did, this one would be it.

I'm pleased to see the production model has evolved its Grandioso shape from the initial pre-production rendering we saw last year.

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2021/1...turntable.html

**SCAudiophile** · May 20, 2022, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I have no intention of ever owning a turntable, but if I did, this one would be it.

I'm pleased to see the production model has evolved its Grandioso shape from the initial pre-production rendering we saw last year.

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2021/1...turntable.html

+1 on that....if I did vinyl ever again, this would be at or very near top of list from what I can see...

**brodricj** · May 20, 2022, 10:14 PM

I'd like to know if many Grandioso stack owners also own a turntable. I suspect many of the Grandioso digital crowd wouldn't have much interest in turntables. I can see Esoteric selling T1 to non-Grandioso owners, but not so much interest from existing customers.

**brodricj** · May 22, 2022, 04:17 AM

Turntable has just been added as a new product category on the Esoteric website.

TURNTABLE | ESOTERIC:Japan high-end audio manufacturer | エソテリック

**brodricj** · June 4, 2022, 08:18 AM

T1 price just announced.

$74,000.

**Mike** · June 4, 2022, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

T1 price just announced.

$74,000.

Do you have any info on the tonearm? I’ve been meaning to ask them.

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**brodricj** · June 4, 2022, 08:44 AM

It wasn't clear whether that price was with or without.

**audio.bill** · June 4, 2022, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Do you have any info on the tonearm? I’ve been meaning to ask them.

According to Michael Fremer's report: "Esoteric's $75,000 magnetic drive turntable with Ikeda tonearm"

**brodricj** · June 5, 2022, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Do you have any info on the tonearm?

The T1 brochure says TA-9D dynamic balance tonearm.

**brodricj** · August 5, 2022, 08:38 AM

Grandioso T1 shipping October 2022.

**Mike Lavigne** · March 15, 2023, 07:52 PM

i bought one, my Esoteric Grandioso T1 arrived yesterday, put it together last night and listened. very happy with what i'm hearing. very impressed by the build quality, the magnetic drive system is ingenious. i'm just getting to know it. the T1 replaces the Saskia model two idler that i sold.

my T1 has the TA-9D (Ikeda) tonearm. right now i have a Koetsu Azule Platinum cartridge on it.

i also bought the Esoteric Grandioso G1X clock which is being shipped to me, i'll have it in a few weeks. two arm boards for my other tone arms are being built and i'll have them in a month or so, my plan is for three tone arms on the T1.

i'll add some pictures when i get home tonight.

**brodricj** · March 15, 2023, 08:09 PM

I think the first T1 owner in the known universe that we know of, right? Looking forward to photos. I'm curious about how G1X and T1 play together.

**SCAudiophile** · March 15, 2023, 09:19 PM

Congratulations Mike!

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**Mike Lavigne** · March 15, 2023, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I think the first T1 owner in the known universe that we know of, right?

that could be right. would not surprise me.

Looking forward to photos.

i will do that in a few minutes.

I'm curious about how G1X and T1 play together.

makes sense the G1X clock would improve the performance of the clock inside the turntable power supply. but would the effect be easily audible as better?

here is a link to a post from the Seoul HiFi Show commenting on the effect of the G1X clock on the T1 turntable. they were able to turn the clock on and off by a remote to demonstrate the immediate effect.

Seoul Audio Show | What's Best Audio and Video Forum. The Best High End Audio Forum on the planet!

**Mike Lavigne** · March 15, 2023, 10:29 PM

here are a few pictures of my just arrived yesterday Esoteric Grandioso T1 turntable.

Eso 11 (1 of 1).jpg
Eso 12 (1 of 1).jpg
Eso 5 (1 of 1).jpg

**Mike Lavigne** · March 15, 2023, 10:31 PM

here are a few more.....

picture #1 shows the very serious power supply, plus the shelf above waiting for the G1X master clock to arrive.

picture #2 shows the T1 without the arm installed.

picture #3 shows the rear of the T1 with the power umbilical and the BNC connector for the 50 ohm clock cable to be installed.

Eso 9 (1 of 1).jpg
Eso 8 (1 of 1).jpg
Eso 10 (1 of 1).jpg

**u-sound** · March 16, 2023, 05:57 AM

impressive craftmanship, enjoy it ! can you elaborate on what materials are used?
alu-composite-alu sandwich for the bottom part?

what was the reason of purchase since you already got a couple of nice tt"s?

**brodricj** · March 16, 2023, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

..they were able to turn the clock on and off by a remote to demonstrate the immediate effect.

I find that very odd, I don't know any other Esoteric component that can do that. The component with an external clock input must be configured via the menu tree and the pushing of several buttons to turn the clock sync on or off. You can't just turn the clock on/off on the fly, unless they have built T1 fundamentally different to everything else.

**SCAudiophile** · March 16, 2023, 07:46 AM

That TT is beautiful!!!

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**brodricj** · March 16, 2023, 07:51 AM

The whole Grandioso line is beautiful, no exceptions.

**brodricj** · March 16, 2023, 08:10 AM

Does the motor drive unit attach to the TT chassis or does it sit on the shelf totally independent of the chassis? I don't understand how the motor drive unit connects electrically to the power supply and clock.

**Mike Lavigne** · March 16, 2023, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

Does the motor drive unit attach to the TT chassis or does it sit on the shelf totally independent of the chassis? I don't understand how the motor drive unit connects electrically to the power supply and clock.

scroll and read over this link to features of the T1 which has diagrams illustrating how the drive system works.

the motor unit sits underneath the plinth, not touching the plinth. the power supply chassis sits on another shelf and connects to the back of the motor chassis by an umbilical. the clock would be a whole separate chassis and would connect to the motor chassis with a BNC 50 ohm cable.

the drive unit is a rotating magnetized wheel that spins the platter by magnetism to teeth on the outside rim of the platter. so the motor spins the magnet wheel, but nothing electrical or mechanical connects the platter and plinth with the motor.

after you read the linked information, watch this video so you can visualize it.

Exclusive: $80,000 Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable! - YouTube

**mxk116** · March 16, 2023, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

scroll and read over this link to features of the T1 which has diagrams illustrating how the drive system works.

the motor unit sits underneath the plinth, not touching the plinth. the power supply chassis sits on another shelf and connects to the back of the motor chassis by an umbilical. the clock would be a whole separate chassis and would connect to the motor chassis with a BNC 50 ohm cable.

the drive unit is a rotating magnetized wheel that spins the platter by magnetism to teeth on the outside rim of the platter. so the motor spins the magnet wheel, but nothing electrical or mechanical connects the platter and plinth with the motor.

after you read the linked information, watch this video so you can visualize it.

Exclusive: $80,000 Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable! - YouTube

Brilliant drive strategy, thanks for sharing.

**Ritmo** · March 16, 2023, 01:36 PM

Congrats Mike! Fantastic looking table. Intrigued by the combo with the beautiful Koetsu Azule Platinum. Look forward to your impressions as the table, arm and cartridge break in.

**crwilli** · March 16, 2023, 03:21 PM

Looks like a great addition to a fantastic system!

**a.wayne** · March 16, 2023, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

scroll and read over this link to features of the T1 which has diagrams illustrating how the drive system works.

the motor unit sits underneath the plinth, not touching the plinth. the power supply chassis sits on another shelf and connects to the back of the motor chassis by an umbilical. the clock would be a whole separate chassis and would connect to the motor chassis with a BNC 50 ohm cable.

the drive unit is a rotating magnetized wheel that spins the platter by magnetism to teeth on the outside rim of the platter. so the motor spins the magnet wheel, but nothing electrical or mechanical connects the platter and plinth with the motor.

after you read the linked information, watch this video so you can visualize it.

Exclusive: $80,000 Esoteric Grandioso T1 Turntable! - YouTube

Congrats Mike , fantastic stuff can only imagine ..!

Regards

**brodricj** · April 1, 2023, 04:55 AM

This video shows how the motor fits to the T1 chassis.

Grandioso T1 ????????? ??? - YouTube

**Mike Lavigne** · April 1, 2023, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

This video shows how the motor fits to the T1 chassis.

Grandioso T1 ????????? ??? - YouTube

when i got my T1 i was sent the English speaking version of this YouTube video but i was strongly told not the post it on line. it's basically a set-up video for end users. the set-up process is very straightforward and well thought out. the manual also does a good job of explaining it.

the build quality and innovative tech of the T1 is remarkable. and so far after a few weeks i'm quite impressed with what i'm hearing.

i still don't have my custom arm boards for my reference tone arms, maybe in a few weeks. and the G1X master clock should arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday, and my Shunyata Sigma v2 clock 50 cable also should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday.

so soon should get the full measure of what the T1 can do.

**XV-1** · April 2, 2023, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I find that very odd, I don't know any other Esoteric component that can do that. The component with an external clock input must be configured via the menu tree and the pushing of several buttons to turn the clock sync on or off. You can't just turn the clock on/off on the fly, unless they have built T1 fundamentally different to everything else.

It's analog. digital rules do not apply

**Mike Lavigne** · April 2, 2023, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

I find that very odd, I don't know any other Esoteric component that can do that. The component with an external clock input must be configured via the menu tree and the pushing of several buttons to turn the clock sync on or off. You can't just turn the clock on/off on the fly, unless they have built T1 fundamentally different to everything else.

i did ask my dealer about this, to try and buy the remote to turn the clock on and off. the distributor is saying that what was said happened at the Seoul Audio Show turning the clock on and off was not accurate. there is no remote to do that. for the reasons you say. so maybe my information got mixed up in the translation somehow.

i guess i'll find out in a couple of days.

**Mike Lavigne** · April 4, 2023, 09:12 AM

The G1X master clock did arrive, but still waiting for the Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 50 cable to arrive. it shipped yesterday from 30 miles away, might arrive today or tomorrow.

I’d really like to hear what this thing can do.

clock.png

**crwilli** · April 4, 2023, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

i did ask my dealer about this, to try and buy the remote to turn the clock on and off. the distributor is saying that what was said happened at the Seoul Audio Show turning the clock on and off was not accurate. there is no remote to do that. for the reasons you say. so maybe my information got mixed up in the translation somehow.

i guess i'll find out in a couple of days.

In my experience, a master clock must be kept on in order to keep the oven temperature tightly controlled. Perhaps they rigged a way to simply unplug the cable. Unlikely they were turning it off and on.

**Mike Lavigne** · April 4, 2023, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by crwilli

In my experience, a master clock must be kept on in order to keep the oven temperature tightly controlled. Perhaps they rigged a way to simply unplug the cable. Unlikely they were turning it off and on.

the Esoteric Clock provides a switch on the back panel that allows it to maintain the thermal state of the clock even when the unit is turned off (assuming the unit stays plugged in). i would copy the clock website info and post it but it's too long. scroll down here and read about it. so it is reasonable to turn the clock itself on and off, but have the thermal state stay constant. i'll try it when i get the damn cable today or tomorrow and can listen.

thermal.png

**crwilli** · April 4, 2023, 09:55 AM

Ha! I should have known Esoteric would have thought about how to avoid the biggest potential impact to Clock performance! It’s called error proofing. Very cool Mike.

**SCAudiophile** · April 4, 2023, 10:45 AM

The OCXO assembly being kept at thermal equilibrium is important of course and "PreHeat" is a unique feature that I wish all master clocks had!

This does not take the distribution boards and full power supply into consideration, though.

I would suggest turning the clock entirely on now and leave it that way. I never turn my clocks off unless I am shutting the entire system down (storms in area, extended time away from home). You needn't have a cable attached.

When the cable arrives, attach to the G1X, then with the T1 table off, attach to the T1 and power it up.

One other suggestion,...use impedance-matched terminators on any unused clock outputs.

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**SCAudiophile** · April 4, 2023, 10:48 AM

Congratulations on receiving the G1X,....she is a beauty!!!

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**Mike Lavigne** · April 4, 2023, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

The OCXO assembly being kept at thermal equilibrium is important of course and "PreHeat" is a unique feature that I wish all master clocks had!

This does not take the distribution boards and full power supply into consideration, though.

I would suggest turning the clock entirely on now and leave it that way. I never turn my clocks off unless I am shutting the entire system down (storms in area, extended time away from home). You needn't have a cable attached.

When the cable arrives, attach to the G1X, then with the T1 table off, attach to the T1 and power it up.

One other suggestion,...use impedance-matched terminators on any unused clock outputs.

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great feedback, thanks. never had a separate clock before.

can you post a link to those "impedance matched terminators"? so can acquire them.

thank you.

**SCAudiophile** · April 4, 2023, 11:24 AM

Any of these will do just fine:

HD-BNC Terminator Pl 2 W 50 Ohm | APH-HDBNCP-T-50

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

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**Mike Lavigne** · April 4, 2023, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Any of these will do just fine:

HD-BNC Terminator Pl 2 W 50 Ohm | APH-HDBNCP-T-50

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

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done. thank you, sir!

**SCAudiophile** · April 4, 2023, 04:14 PM

You are welcome,...you have been such a tremendous help to 1000s of others and me on Agon, WBF, here and elsewhere going back 2+ decades,...I am glad to help in any way at all.

May you enjoy the T1 and G1X with that gorgeous system and room of yours for many years to come!

You are a class act, my friend!

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**Mike Lavigne** · April 6, 2023, 09:05 AM

got the Shunyata Sigma v2 Clock 50 cable last night. the clock had been on and stabilizing since Tuesday afternoon. the cable is directional. with the T1 off, connected the cable first to the clock. then to the T1. turned the T1 on and you press the speed button to bring up the menu, selected "CLK", toggled it from 'off' to 'on'. then hit the on/off button to exit the menu. 'CLK10M' now appears above the speed read out. took 60 seconds.

started listening about 5pm yesterday.

member @SCAudiophile has recommended i install impedance-matched terminators on any unused clock outputs. so i have some of those coming tomorrow i will put on the unused outputs.

**Mike Lavigne** · April 6, 2023, 09:06 AM

so how does the Esoteric T1 sound with the GIX master clock hooked up?

for 4 hours last night, i threw all my heavy artillery pressings at it. what can a clock do with turntable speed that is already very fine? my guess is that something like eliminating smear is taking place on a massive but molecular scale. logically if this clock is helping, it has to be causing the speed to be more steady. nano level stutters, fits and starts have to be being greatly reduced or eliminated, with only steady speed remaining....compared to without the clock when it was already world class drive, solidity and energy.

for a minute let's assume i'm right. which means on a nano level every grain of information in the groove is more accurately being read, and the resulting signal is more cohesive and coherent. more dynamic too. less wasted energy, less confused information. or at least significant degrees better than before.

i can see that this 'effect' could be along the lines of what an air bearing, very massive platter (200 pounds +) could do for speed steady-ness. more than one way to get the desired result. debatable which method goes further.

is the magnetic rim idler drive design essential to attain this clock effect result? no idea. might a belt get the same benefit? no idea.

i may be completely wrong about the how and why, those are dangerous places for me to go. but i'm trying to connect dots.

in any case, that is how my mind has rationalized, how every track i heard last night was a new reference for me. each track moved away from reproduced music toward realism, every track had more inner energy mostly more micro-dynamics, big music was bigger. the ambience and space was more real and defined. spookily so on many cuts. i heard venue info i have never heard before. the sense of musical intent was much stronger, the sense of the players playing together more evident.

the only thing that changed was adding the clock.

if someone is buying the T1, don't hear the clock unless you are prepared to buy it. you can't unhear it.

**brodricj** · April 7, 2023, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

..if someone is buying the T1, don't hear the clock unless you are prepared to buy it. you can't unhear it.

Same applies to the Esoteric digital sources, the clock levitates performance to the next level.

Regarding PRE-HEAT function. I don't bother with it. I turn my clock off when not in use. 20 minutes is all it takes from cold start power on for everything to be singing nicely. I only use the clock with the Grandioso transport which doesn't get much use.

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