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Since the first debut of Esoteric's K-01 and K-03 Super Audio CD Players,
Esoteric’s integrated digital players have captivated listeners with
their unrivaled playback of musical sources. They have also gone on to
win numerous awards as they have come to be regarded as the gold
standard of digital players around the world. This new “XD” edition
boasts even more advanced features, combining two innovative
technologies originally developed for Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso K-1X
model: VRDS-ATLAS, the superlative Super Audio CD transport mechanism,
and Master Sound Discrete DAC, designed completely in-house by ESOTERIC
to provide even more enhanced playback from digital musical sources.
The incredible dynamic range and resolution achieved by these two
technologies deliver thrilling reproduction of symphonic crescendos
while reproducing an expansive spectrum of tones and faithfully
rendering the subtle details of music with breathtaking depth and vivid
realism. This broad versatility enables anyone to confidently enjoy an
endless array of musical genres, from silky-smooth arias to pounding
rock tunes. Now you too can fully experience a sound brought to life in a
new pedigree of components from the name that has captured the hearts
of music enthusiasts the world over: ESOTERIC.
VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) is a core technology
of ESOTERIC’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms that has been a
key point of focus since the brand’s founding. The system firmly clamps
the disc onto a turntable of the same diameter, thus eliminating both
the rotational vibration of the disc itself and the effects of any
extraneous mechanical vibration. Any latent disc warpage is also
corrected by the turntable to significantly improve the relative optical
axis accuracy of the optical pickup and the disc pit surface, while
also minimizing servo current. This all combines to significantly reduce
disc read error and further enable breathtaking sound quality.
Adding VRDS-ATLAS to the K-03 series
The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and
improvements for over 30 years. Throughout its long, illustrious
history, one prominent highlight has been the debut of the VRDS-ATLAS
platform, which offers the pinnacle of perfection and sound quality. The
K-01XD is equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms that have been
specifically customized for each model in order to carry on the full
qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in our flagship
models, the Grandioso P1X and K1X.
New Version of VRDS-ATLAS: ATLAS 03
The K-03XD’s ATLAS 03 system employs a simpler 18mm-thick bridge that
requires far less machining. The mechanism boasts ultra-high rigidity
and a weighty design to damp out any vibration that could affect sound
quality. The transport’s duralumin turntable also has a well-earned
reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid steel bridge is
larger than that for the VRDS-NEO, using a one-point spindle bearing
design that minimizes friction and rotational noise through its
point-contact thrust bearing, which utilizes the same steel ball
featured in the high-end models.
Wide, Low Center-of-Gravity Design
As the quietest and most elegant transport in VRDS history,
ESOTERIC’s impressive VRDS-ATLAS epitomizes the company’s resolute focus
on mechanical grounding technology in order to more effectively reduce
vibration.
Adopting a wide, low-profile design for the entire transport mechanism
helped achieve a lower center-of-gravity, while the relocation of the
turntable motor to below the turntable from its previous position above
the bridge dramatically shortened the route for grounding vibration and
reducing mechanical noise. Tray hollowing has also been minimized for
increased rigidity, and special stoppers made from vibration-absorbing
elastomer cancel out resonance when the tray is in its closed position.
High-Performance Power Supply – The Key to Sound Quality
The key to the powerful and deeply luxurious sound quality of the K
series has always been their high-performance power supplies. This new
XD edition features a significantly enhanced power supply design that
delivers even richer, more lifelike sound. The K-03XD features a total
of two high-capacity toroidal power transformers with independent power
supplies for the digital and analog circuitry.
New Low-Feedback DC Regulator and Super Capacitors
The higher capacity design of the K-01XD and K-03XD power supplies
enables remarkable improvements in sound quality with enhanced
resolution in the lower ranges. Their low-feedback DC power regulators
minimize feedback in a discrete configuration that does away with
integrated circuits by utilizing technology originally developed for the
Grandioso P1X/D1X, resulting in a powerful, expansive sound. The K-03XD
uses 26 super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF).
Chassis Construction and Parts Layout
The VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism is centrally located within the
chassis, where it is fixed to a 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and
supported by three proprietary pinpoint feet (patent no. 4075477 and
3778108). This effectively isolates the rotational mechanism from
vibration. The internal structure of the chassis features a double deck
design, with the audio boards on the upper level and power supply
circuits and transformers on the lower level to minimize magnetic flux
leakage and vibration, while also shortening power supply wiring.
Semi-Floating Top Panel
The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating structure that further contributes to an open and expansive sound.
Bringing out all the dynamics and energy of music Our goal was to assemble a carefully chosen selection of rigorously
tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly
reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music – something simply
unattainable using ordinary integrated chips. Our top engineering teams
put their pride on the line to design and produce a quality of sound
that can only be found in our Master Sound Discrete DAC discrete D/A
converter.
Luxurious Materials for Powerful Electrical Current Output
The Master Sound Discrete DAC was first introduced in the Grandioso
D1X as the most innovative DAC in Esoteric history, and its astoundingly
realistic sound quality has consistently drawn rave reviews for causing
listeners to feel as if they were at an actual live performance. The
version featured in the K-03XD uses a simpler circuit configuration that
incorporates the very essence of that found in the K1X to carry the 03
series models to new heights. Consisting of 32 elements per channel,
each DAC element includes clock drivers, logic circuits, capacitors,
resistors, and other component parts, while each group of 32 elements is
kept isolated from the main parts. In keeping with D1X design
philosophy, these DACs are packed with a luxurious selection of
state-of-the-art components to ensure the pure, effortless output of
boundless musical energy.
Advanced Digital Processing
The K-03XD’s independently developed Delta-Sigma (Δ∑) modulator
supports 64-bit/512Fs and the latest high-end digital formats, including
22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz PCM signals. The FPGA’s dedicated digital
processing algorithm was developed exclusively for the Master Sound
Discrete DAC, and has been fully optimized for outstanding playback of
both DSD and PCM digital audio data.
Advanced Quality Control
With a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked
to arithmetic precision, highly advanced quality control is also
required for the manufacture of electronic circuit boards. ESOTERIC’s
own in-house factory boasts some of the world’s leading board mounting
technologies, such as soldering performed in an oxygen-free furnace,
which is located in a clean room featuring the same level of cleanliness
found in a hospital operating room. Technologies cultivated in the
production of electronic circuit boards for audio, medical, aerospace,
and defense industries support the high production quality of the Master
Sound Discrete DAC.
Unique ESOTERIC-HCLD Output Buffer Circuit with Enhanced Current Transmission
he ESOTERIC-HCLD* output buffer amplifier boasts an astonishing
high-speed slew rate (response speed) of 2,000V/µs. Current transmission
and speed – the most important factors in the design of any analog
output circuit – have been pushed to the limits to reproduce the reality
of music with a dynamic range that is truly breathtaking.
* HCLD: High Current Line Drive
High-Quality ES-LINK Analog Current Transmission
In addition to their XLR and RCA amplifier line connections, the
K-03XD also features ESOTERIC’s ES-LINK Analog method of current
transmission. Taking full advantage of the HCLD buffer circuit’s
powerful current supply ensures that the K-03XD is less susceptible to
the detrimental effects of impedance on the signal route. It also
enables a more powerful signal transmission, fully driving connected
compatible devices.
Grandioso Custom VCXO II
A high-accuracy clock circuit is the key to achieving superlative
sound quality in digital audio playback, making it truly the heart of
any high-end digital player. The K-03XD features the superb Grandioso
Custom VCXO II clock originally developed for the Grandioso P1X/D1X.
This clock was developed with carefully considered modifications made to
the internal circuitry and components of other earlier models to more
vividly emphasize each player’s ultimate audio quality while further
boasting remarkably low phase noise and excellent center precision
(±0.5ppm).
The K-03XD can also be connected to a Master Clock Generator (G-01X or
G-02X) for playback, with internal circuits synchronized to a 10MHz
clock that features the same high precision as an atomic clock, enabling
further pursuit of the highest sound quality.
* VCXO: Voltage Control-type Crystal Oscillato
External Input D/A Conversion, USB Ports, Multiple D/D Conversion Options, MQA Support
The K-03XD offers a wide range of digital inputs, including USB ports
that support 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission, enabling use as
a D/A converter. Functions to upconvert a PCM digital signal to 2, 4,
8, and 16 times higher bitrates (Max. 768kHz) and to convert PCM to DSD
are also included. The K-03XD is also compatible with MQA-CD decode
playback and full MQA decoding for playback of various digital inputs
including USB.
Spec description
| Playable disc types |
Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW) |
| Anaog audio outputs |
|
| XLR/ESL-A |
1 pair (L/R) |
| Output impedance |
114Ω |
| Maximum output level |
5.0Vrms (1kHz, 10kHz loaded) |
| RCA |
1 pair (L/R) |
| Output impedance |
34Ω |
| Maximum output level |
2.5Vrms (1kHz, 10kHz loaded) |
| Digital audio outputs |
|
| XLR |
1 |
| Output impedance |
3Vp-p (110Ω loaded) |
| Output signal formats |
Linear PCM (AES/EBU) 44.1kHz,16-bit（CD） |
| RCA |
1 |
| Output impedance |
0.5Vp-p (75Ω loaded) |
| Output signal formats |
Linear PCM (IEC60958) 44.1kHz,16-bit（CD） |
| Digital audio inputs |
|
| RCA |
1 |
| Input signal formats |
|
| Linear PCM |
32k to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD |
2.8MHz (DoP) |
| OPTICAL |
1 |
| Input signal formats |
|
| Linear PCM |
32k to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD |
2.8MHz (DoP) |
| USB B |
1 (USB2.0 supported) |
| Input signal formats |
|
| Linear PCM |
44.1k to 384kHz, 16/24/32-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD |
2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz |
| Clock input |
|
| BNC |
1 |
| Input impedance |
50Ω |
| Frequencies that can be input (±10ppm) |
10MHz |
| Input level |
0.5 to 1.0Vrms (Sine wave) |
| External control interface |
|
| RS-232C |
1 |
| Trigger |
1 (3.5mm Monaural mini jack) |
| General |
|
| Power supply |
|
| Model for Europe |
AC 220 to 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Model for US/Canada |
AC 120V, 60Hz |
| Model for Korea |
AC 220V, 60Hz |
| Model for Hong Kong |
AC 230V, 50Hz |
| Power consumption |
25W |
| External dimensions (W×H×D) |
445 × 162 × 438mm
17-⅝" × 6-½" × 17-¼" (including protrusions) |
| Weight |
28kg / 61-¾ lb |
| Included accessories |
Power cord set × 1
Remote control (RC-1315) × 1
AAA batteries × 2
Felt pads × 3
Owner's manual × 1
Warranty card × 1 |
Audio performance
Frequency response
5Hz to 70kHz (–3dB, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output)
S/N ratio
113dB (A-weight, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output)
Distortions
0.0007% (1kHz, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output)
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