Sixteen years have passed since the debut of the Esoteric VRDS-NEO, the SACD-compatible transport mechanism introduced in 2003. Taking what was already considered the industry’s highest standard and elevating it even further was a tremendous challenge.
However, by completely rethinking the design from the ground up, a brand-new platform was created—boasting exceptional mechanical precision and outstanding sound quality.
The Highest Rigidity and Heaviest Construction in VRDS History
With a steel mainframe as robust as the gods of Greece, the VRDS-ATLAS boasts the highest rigidity and mass ever seen in a VRDS mechanism. The side panels are made of SS400 steel, a material that combines rigidity with powerful tonal character. The bridge has been enlarged, resulting in a heavy-duty construction weighing 6.6 kg for the mechanism alone and 13.5 kg including the base—a 127% increase compared to previous models. This design effectively suppresses any vibrations that could negatively impact sound quality.
The turntable is crafted from duralumin, a material renowned for its excellent acoustic properties. For smooth rotation, a newly designed point-contact thrust bearing using a steel ball has been adopted for the spindle support. This minimizes friction and rotational noise to the absolute limit.
Wide and Low-Profile Design Enables Optimal Vibration Control
While drawing rich, colorful sound from the system, the VRDS-ATLAS itself remains remarkably silent. It is this deep background quietness that enhances the vivid brilliance of the music. The key to achieving the quietest mechanism in VRDS history lies in its mechanical grounding technology, which effectively dissipates vibrations.
The wide and low-profile design of the mechanism lowers the overall center of gravity, contributing to greater stability. At the same time, the turntable’s drive system was re-engineered, relocating the motor from the top of the bridge to beneath the turntable. This significantly shortens the path for vibrations to be grounded, further reducing mechanical noise and ensuring a purer listening experience.