Ultimate Turntable search...OMA K5 or ?

When it comes to experience, Fremer got rid of his Caliburn and now owns a K3. He didnt buy the SAT (which I have crossed of my list since it is basically a modified SP-10 motor) or TechDas or even the Esoteric (which is magnetic and not direct drive). And since Fremer used to have the Caliburn in his system, I am quite interested in his preferences. But as I mentioned in my original post, I am very curious if anyone has real life experience with the K3/K5? Or any tables with similar tech?

 

@mattdrummer

i think he would have bought the Esoteric had he not already bought the K3 prototype. as it’s character is more middle ground in terms of sound signature (felt it split the difference between the K3 and TechDAS Zero), but much more flexible platform (three arms with reasonable mounting options) for his purposes. he loved the build quality, tech innovation and elegance, and a much smaller footprint too. just my take on his review and other off line feedback on it.

carefully read the review comments on his serious respect for the design innovation. he was very impressed by the whole thinking behind the Esoteric.

the K3 is a magnificent extreme turntable, but a poor review tool. and even if he had the space for the TD Zero, he could not (or would not) afford it even at the accommodation price.

Performance notwithstanding, I find it interesting that some would reject the K5 based on its looks alone.  In my eyes, at least, it is a relatively bling-less design. Do we want "some" bling, but not too much, for our megabucks?  I see it as an homage to Art Deco, and I like Art Deco.

If one reads the 'T1 sales speil' , the reader is steered by the author, to take on board  the notion, that the creation of other Competitors Companies TT's are born from an inferior foundation supporting the process through to the items production.

The T1 has made an entry to the Market Place with a stand that isn't 'taking any prisoners' , especially seems to suggest ones most expensive options are for the Buyers best if it is overlooked. 

As for the T1, shortly before Covid, I was demo'd a TT, that the Owner of Long Dog Audio had been commissioned to design the Electronics.

From recollection this has been a TT, that is driven with no coupling to the massive Platter. I do believe I have heard a TT with an SME V/12, sharing a propulsion for a Platter similar to how the T1 works. The Prototype I had been demo'd may be a Production Model in today's market. 

i like the K3 and K5. think they are works of art and legit. some time back i honestly did try to buy a K3 but could not work it out, so there is that. 

Mike, I finally found a good diagram or anatomical drawing of the workings of the Esoteric, on your thread on WBF.  That drawing is worth a thousand words.  Now I see how it works.  It is a rim drive where nothing touches the rim, which is probably what you were trying to say.  Until now, I envisioned that the motor was situated directly well below the platter such that the rotating magnets were concentric with the platter itself, as is the case for the Transrotor TMD and the EAR Disc Master, where in both of those cases the rotating magnet structure is driven by a belt from an outboard motor. In shorthand, the Esoteric is a contact-less rim drive.