Esoteric

Het Japanse merk Esoteric is een internationaal geroemde naam, zowel bij de high-end audio enthousiast als de echte muziekliefhebber. De ontwerpers achter Esoteric hebben het juiste recept gevonden om hun audioproducten echt én mooi te laten klinken. Sinds de oprichting in 1953 door TEAC Corporation hebben ze zich als doel gesteld “State of The Art” producten te maken die garant staan voor pure muziek en niets anders dan dat. 
 
Na de start van Esoteric hebben ze een muzikale ontwikkeling doorlopen met analoge technieken zoals platenspelers, bandrecorders tot high-end CD en Super Audio CD spelers. Hun loopwerk technieken mogen zich scharen onder de exclusieve en meest begerenswaardige. Maar daar stopt het uiteraard niet, heden ten dage ontwikkelen ze niet alleen superieure CD spelers en een platenspeler maar ook high-end versterkers netwerkspelers en DAC’s. 
Zo bestaat hun productlijnen uit maar liefst 22 producten, onderverdeeld in de series: Grandioso, 01&02, 03 en 05. 
 

https://www.esoteric.jp/en/

Grandioso serie

Analog turntable

Key Features
  • Esoteric’s patented contact-free drive system “Esoteric MagneDrive System”
  • Magne-Float platter greatly reduces spindle bearing friction by reducing platter’s effective mass from 19kg down to approx. 4kg.
  • Consists of 3 separated units: main unit, motor unit, and power supply unit.
  • High quality VCXO motor driver ensures precise platter rotation.
  • 10MHz Clock Sync capability with the Grandioso G1X Master Clock.
  • Inverted bearing system supports smooth rotation of the platter.
  • The Micrometer knob on the front panel provides fine-tuning capability of sonic characteristics, by adjusting the strength of magnetic force being applied from the magnetic driver to the platter.
  • Triple layer chassis made of Aluminum and wood, effectively controls vibration.
  • The mid-chassis is applied with beautiful high gross piano lacquer.
  • The isolation feet have a special damping mechanism that eliminates external vibration.
  • Two speed control (33/45 rpm), adjustable with 0.1% order.
  • The T1 is offered with TA-9D dynamic balance tonearm, or without tonearm configuration.
  • Optional arm-board allows the T1 accommodates up to 3 tonearms.

Super Audio CD Transport

Key features
  • “VRDS-ATLAS” Super Audio CD transport mechanism
  • “ES-Link5” ultra-wide range digital transmission
  • Two chassis configuration (main unit + power supply unit)
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
  • Clock sync function
  • Low-feedback discrete DC regulators*
  • Four independent toroidal power supply transformers
  • Semi-floating top panel
  • Redesigned pinpoint foot
  • Double-faced Remote Control with thick aluminum fascia (RC-1333)
  • Version up service from the Grandioso P1X to the P1X SE is available.

Monoblock D/A converter

Key features
  • “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
  • Up-graded DAC board with specially selected quality parts including IDM-01
  • “ES-Link5” ultra-wide range digital transimission (DSD 22.5MHz, PCM 768kHz/48bit)
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
  • “Esoteric-HCLD” output buffer amplifier (slew rate: 2,000V/μs)
  • “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
  • Clock sync function
  • Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
  • Two independent toroidal power supply transformers/ch
  • MQA decorder / up-convert function
  • USB input (DSD 22.5MHz, PCM 768kHz/32bit, asynchronous transmission)
  • Semi-floating top panel
  • Redesigned pinpoint foot 
  • Version up service from the Grandioso D1X to the D1X SE is available.

Super Audio CD Player

Key features
  • “VRDS-ATLAS” Super Audio CD transport mechanism
  • “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
  • Up-graded DAC board with specially selected quality parts including IDM-01
  • “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
  • Clock sync function
  • Four independent toroidal power supply transformers
  • Low-feedback discrete discrete DC regulators
  • 76 × EDLC super capacitors (total capacitance: 2,050,000μF=2.05F)
  • Semi-floating top panel
  • Redesigned pinpoint foot
  • Version up service from the Grandioso K1X to K1X SE is available.

External Power Supply for the Grandioso K1X

Linestage Preamplifier with separate power supply

Key Features
  • Full dual monoblock configuration in a one-piece chassis
  • Dual-balanced configuration with 4 circuits per channel for thorough low noise
  • “Ultra-Fidelity Attenuator System” with 1,120 steps @ 0.1dB intervals
  • Discrete amplifier module “IDM-01”
  • 3 inputs and 2 outputs of ES-Link Analog, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
  • 2,000V/µs slew rate current transmission enhanced output buffer circuit
  • Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver)
  • 2 XLR outputs and 2 ES-Link Analog outputs for a multi-power amplifier system
  • 5 transformers: 4 large toroidal transformers for audio system and 1 R-core transformer for control system
  • Input switching circuit with FET elements ensure great sound and long life
  • Smooth feeling control knob with high precision ball bearings
  • Gain adjustment per input: ±18dB (0.1dB step), and L/R balance adjustment: ±6dB (0.1dB step)
  • AV-thru function that allows the coexistence of AV surround and pure 2-channel (selectable input terminals)
  • Editable source device names on the readout
  • Various functions such as dimmer function, mute function, automatic display off setting, etc.
  • Large volume font for better visibility
  • RS-232C terminal for external control
  • DC trigger input/output for system power on/off
  • Double-face remote control to operate Esoteric source devices (RC-1334)

 

Linestage Preamplifier

Key Features
  • Full dual monoblock configuration in a one-piece chassis
  • Dual-balanced configuration with 4 circuits per channel for thorough low noise
  • “Ultra-Fidelity Attenuator System” with 1,120 steps @ 0.1dB intervals
  • Discrete amplifier module “IDM-01”
  • 3 inputs and 2 outputs of ES-Link Analog, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
  • 2,000V/µs slew rate current transmission enhanced output buffer circuit
  • Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver)
  • 2 XLR outputs and 2 ES-Link Analog outputs for a multi-power amplifier system
  • 5 transformers: 4 large toroidal transformers for audio system and 1 R-core transformer for control system
  • Input switching circuit with FET elements ensure great sound and long life
  • Smooth feeling control knob with high precision ball bearings
  • Gain adjustment per input: ±18dB (0.1dB step), and L/R balance adjustment: ±6dB (0.1dB step)
  • AV-thru function that allows the coexistence of AV surround and pure 2-channel (selectable input terminals)
  • Editable source device names on the readout
  • Various functions such as dimmer function, mute function, automatic display off setting, etc.
  • Large volume font for better visibility
  • RS-232C terminal for external control
  • DC trigger input/output for system power on/off
  • Double-face remote control to operate Esoteric source devices (RC-1334)

 

Monoblock Amplifier

Speaker output  
Rated output power 300W (8Ω)
600W (4Ω)
Analog audio inputs  
ESL-A 1 (Monaural)
XLR 1 (Monaural)
Input impedance 100kΩ
RCA 1 (Monaural)
Input impedance 10kΩ
General  
Power supply  
Model for Europe/Hong Kong AC 230V, 50Hz
Model for US/Canada AC 120V, 60Hz
Power consumption 400W (55W when no signal)
External dimensions (W×H×D) 491 × 221.5 × 536mm
19-⅜” × 8-¾” × 21-⅛” (including protrusions)
Weight 62kg / 136-¾ lb
Included accessories Power cord × 1
Felt pads × 4
Screws for power cord support bracket × 2
Owner’s manual × 1
Warranty card × 1

Stereo Power Amplifier

Key Features
  • Newly designed drive stage with 5-parallel push-pull drive by large bipolar transistors
  • Pure Class-A operating range of 50W/8ohm provides a full musical expression that combines precision and dynamism
  • “ES-Link Analog” transmission pushes the limits of fidelity between preamp and amplifier
  • Superior power linearity for unparalleled dynamics (50W/8Ω to 100W/4Ω)
  • Large toroidal-core power transformer that is extremely responsive to dynamic current supply changes
  • 3-transformer configuration with independent power transformers for the pre-drive stage, main drive stage, and control system
  • Channel independent high-capacitance Grandioso custom capacitors (10,000μF × 6/ch)
  • Pure copper busbars, ultra-thick wiring, and shortest pattern connections significantly reduce internal impedance
  • Balanced audio connections in each circuit block to ensure low noise
  • High quality parts such as FET switch for input switching, discrete amplifier module IDM-01, etc.
  • Stereo mode and bi-amp mode for further system upgradability with multiple units
  • Enlarged chassis to M1X size with newly designed Class-A construction
  • Chassis design optimizes internal vibration control by thoroughly pursuing a balance between “rigidity” and “flexibility”
  • Dual honeycomb grille and semi-floating top panel for heat dissipation and open sound characteristics
  • Pinpoint isolation foot with unique structure to reduce mechanical stress
  • Unique wave-shaped heat sink to reduce peak resonance
  • DC trigger input for power on/off

Master Clock Generator

Clock Output  
Output Frequency 10MHz
Frequency Accuracy Within ±0.01ppm (as shipped)
Clock Stabilization Time Approx. 10 min.
BNC Terminals 5
Output Level Sine wave; 0.5 ±0.1Vrms / 50Ω

 

01 & 02 serie

Class A Integrated Amp

Key Features

[Preamplifier Section]

  • A fully balanced dual mono preamp in the direct line of the Grandioso C1X
  • “Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System”, a stepped attenuator circuit developed by Esoteric
  • Volume can be adjusted in 0.1dB/1,120* steps with our proprietary attenuator module “UFA-1792” *Preamp gain setting: at +12dB
  • 3 inputs of “ES-Link Analog”, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
  • Two headphone outputs (balanced 4-pin XLR / unbalanced 6.3mm) with built-in fully balanced dual mono headphone amplifier
  • Dual mono phonostage preamp (RCA x 1, MM/MC)
  • 3-band balanced tone control, independently adjustable for each input source
  • ES-Link Analog(x1) /XLR (x1) pre-out for connecting the S-05 as an external power amplifier
  • Dedicated DC power connector for connecting the PS-01F external power supply dedicated to the built-in preamp
  • Preamp gain can be adjusted in 4 steps (0/+6/+12/+18dB) to match the connected power amplifier

[Amplifier Section]

  • Simple and straightforward circuit design concept based on Grandioso S1X
  • Class A 30 WPC/8Ω
  • Excellent power linearity and driving power (60 WPC/4Ω)
  • All stages of the power rectification and smoothing circuit are configured with dual monaural design
  • Powerful bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull configuration
  • Huge 940VA EI core power transformer
  • Channel-independent Grandioso grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)
  • Custom wave-shaped heat sinks to reduce peak resonance

[Other Features]

  • Independently adjustable input gains (±18dB; 0.1dB steps)
  • L/R channel balance (0.1dB steps)
  • AV through output (volume bypass) ensures seamless coexistence with AV systems
  • Aluminum body remote controller (RC-1339) can also be used to operate Esoteric’s SACD players and network players
  • Displayed source device names can be programed
  • Mute, dimmer and automatic display-off functions
  • Control functions (RS-232C, trigger input / output)

Integrated Amplifier

Key Features

[Preamplifier Section]

  • A fully balanced dual mono preamp in the direct line of the Grandioso C1X
  • “Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System”, a stepped attenuator circuit developed by Esoteric
  • Volume can be adjusted in 0.1dB/1,120* steps with our proprietary attenuator module “UFA-1792” *Preamp gain setting: at +12dB
  • 3 inputs of “ES-Link Analog”, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
  • Two headphone outputs (balanced 4-pin XLR / unbalanced 6.3mm) with built-in fully balanced dual mono headphone amplifier
  • Dual mono phonostage preamp (RCA x 1, MM/MC)
  • 3-band balanced tone control, independently adjustable for each input source
  • ES-Link Analog(x1) /XLR (x1) pre-out for connecting the S-05 as an external power amplifier
  • Dedicated DC power connector for connecting the PS-01F external power supply dedicated to the built-in preamp
  • Preamp gain can be adjusted in 4 steps (0/+6/+12/+18dB) to match the connected power amplifier

[Amplifier Section]

  • Simple and straightforward circuit design concept based on Grandioso M1X
  • 120 WPC/8Ω
  • Excellent power linearity and driving power (240 WPC/4Ω)
  • All stages of the power rectification and smoothing circuit are configured with dual monaural design
  • Powerful bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull configuration
  • Huge 940VA EI core power transformer
  • Channel-independent Grandioso grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)
  • Custom wave-shaped heat sinks to reduce peak resonance

[Other Features]

  • Independently adjustable input gains (±18dB; 0.1dB steps)
  • L/R channel balance (0.1dB steps)
  • AV through output (volume bypass) ensures seamless coexistence with AV systems
  • Aluminum body remote controller (RC-1339) can also be used to operate Esoteric’s SACD players and network players
  • Displayed source device names can be programed
  • Mute, dimmer and automatic display-off functions
  • Control functions (RS-232C, trigger input / output)

Super Audio CD / CD Player

VRDS-ATLAS, a superlative transport mechanism. ESOTERIC’s own, in-house designed Master Sound Discrete DAC. Two innovative technologies, originally developed for our flagship Grandioso models, now combined into new “XD” edition K series model that delivers unrivaled performance.

Network DAC

The N-01XD is equipped with a Master Sound Discrete DAC, developed entirely in-house to achieve the original master sound, and a high quality network module that delivers a three-dimensional sound as if you were listening to a vinyl recording.

De Esoteric N-01XD SE is Roon Ready

External Power Supply for F-01 and F-02

The PS-01F improves the sound quality of the F-01/F-02 integrated amplifier
by implementing the same power supply design philosophy as the Grandioso C1X preamplifier.

 

03 serie

Super Audio CD / CD Player

VRDS-ATLAS, a superlative transport mechanism. ESOTERIC’s own, in-house designed Master Sound Discrete DAC. Two innovative technologies, originally developed for our flagship Grandioso models, now combined into new “XD” edition K series model that delivers unrivaled performance.

 

05 serie

Network DAC / Preamplifier

As Esoteric’s first-ever network DAC/preamp, the N-05XD was specifically designed to deliver superior sound quality from the smallest system configurations combining your favorite power amplifier, speakers, and headphones. Integrating fully balanced circuitry directly derived from Esoteric’s flagship series, the N-05XD’s network engine is equipped with a pure, dedicated linear power supply and an in-house designed discrete DAC that ensures that its preamplifier and headphone amplifier are capable of clearly reproducing the full sound of a recording’s original master.

A seamless integration of the most Esoteric-like essences, the N-05XD has been thoroughly refined under the guiding principles of ultimate sound quality. Just a touch of its volume knob clearly reveals this quality in its most exquisite form, and promises the fullest and most satisfying enjoyment of Esoteric’s pure signature sound. No longer must superior sound quality be sacrificed in the pursuit of a simplified high-end audio system.

De Esoteric N-05XD is Roon Ready

Super Audio CD / CD Player

Key Features
  • Newly designed VRDS-ATLAS “ATLAS 05” Super Audio CD Transport mechanism
  • “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house discrete clock module
  • Our proprietary “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
  • “Esoteric-HCLD” output buffer amplifier (slew rate: 2,000V/μs)
  • 3 power supply transformers (two toroids for analog, digital and one EI for control)
  • Low-feedback DC regulator
  • 10MHz external clock input
  • Equipped with MQA decoder
  • USB DAC function (DSD 22.5MHz / Asynchronous transmission capability)
  • Various in/out terminals;
     - Digital inputs: coaxial, optical (192kHz & DoP)
     - Digital outputs: XLR, coaxial
  • Selectable digital filter options for PCM, analog FIR filter on/off function for DSD
  • RS-232C port, trigger on/off control
  • RC-1333 remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.

Stereo Power Amplifier

Key Features
  • Lavish material employment, simple and straight circuit design concept borrowed from the Grandioso M1X
  • Finely detailed Class-A sound with super dynamics – an Esoteric’s signature tone
  • Dual monaural construction in all stages including current smoothing circuit for better channel separation
  • Esoteric’s proprietary current signal transmission, “ES-Link Analog” delivers music signal with exceptional high power and fidelity.
  • High capacity bi-polar 3 parallel push/pull circuit that instantaneously responds to the music signal
  • 940VA large EI-core power transformer that responds to dynamic current supply changes with high speed
  • Large “Grandioso grade” custom capacitors on each channel (10,000μF × 4/ch)
  • Balanced input amplifier for stable, noise-free signal transmission
  • BTL / Bi-amp mode switch for dual amplifier configuration
  • DC Trigger for sequential power ON/OFF with the N-05XD
  • Esoteric’s unique isolation feet and semi-floating top panel
  • Unique shaped heat-sink to minimize its own peak resonance

Master Clock Generator

Key Features
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock”, which can make the sound quality of the connected digital player more musical.
  • The G-05 can be used with Esoteric K-series, N-series and various other digital players that have a 10MHz clock input.
  • The Esoteric SXT-03, a large custom crystal oscillator with ideal electro-physical characteristics.
  • Master Sound TC, a unique total temperature control system.
  • Multi-stage heater control with 128 steps to maintain a uniform oven temperature.
  • Three independent power supplies that directly supply the optimum voltage to each circuit block for high-quality sound.
  • Esoteric-HCLD buffer circuit that can output a pure 10MHz sine wave with its powerful current transfer capability.
  • Four 10MHz sine wave clock output terminals.

Brochures: