The Grandioso’s patented “MagneDrive System” spins records through induction, removing direct contact with the turntable like traditional ones.
With the Grandioso, Japanese high-end audio manufacturer Esoteric says to cover the “demand for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ bond between music and listener.” Priced at 700,000 yen ($52,000), their first-ever analog turntable, made in Tokyo, uses magnetic technology.
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As a result, its patented “MagneDrive System” spins records through induction, removing direct contact with the turntable like traditional ones. The design was created to ensure leveled and non-distorted rotation. Thick aluminum slabs were used to develop such features—making the audio machine almost 100 pounds.
Aiming to innovate
Hiroshi Oshima, Esoteric’s president, told Bloomberg that there had been little innovation in the turntable market for a century. To create some transformation, Esoteric, which was founded in 1953, used medical instrument technology and semiconductor production equipment to develop the Grandioso.
But who would shell out $52,000 for a turntable when its average cost goes from $250 to $500? Oshima admits the product will only appeal to bonafide lovers of sound. “Even wealthy people wouldn’t buy something like this unless they’re audiophiles,” Oshima told the publication. “Then there are some that will buy it even if they don’t have the money—they’ll take out a loan.”
Images from Esoteric’s Instagram page.
