Raising Playback to an Art Form
The K-07Xs captures the essence of the Grandioso K1, with revolutionary innovations throughout the design.
The Xs lets nothing get in the way of the music, providing an emotionally involving playback experience.
A new chapter has been written in the history book of digital players.
The third generation of the K Series Super Audio CD Player, the K-07Xs condenses all of the best technology from the
Grandioso K1.
It has all of the users' favorite construction features, such as the
VOSP Super Audio CD transport mechanism and high-rigidity aluminum
chassis, along with a range of new ones such as the latest digital
circuitry, a D/A converter based on the latest K1 platform, high current
output buffer amplifiers and a high-stability, low-noise power supply.
Esoteric's unique VOSP* mechanism employs the same pick-up assembly used
in our Grandioso line of high-end SACD players. As the pickup moves,
the laser beam maintains a precise perpendicular optical axis
orientation relative to the disc surface, ensuring highly accurate data
reading. The mechanism is held by a robust steel plate and an 8mm-thick
large steel stabilizer for superior anti-resonance properties.
* VOSP = Vertically-Aligned Optical Stability Platform
Following in the Footsteps of the Grandioso K1:
The New Dual Mono D/A Converter
The digital-analog converter section has been fully redesigned based on the latest platform used in the
Grandioso K1.
An AK4493 32-bit DAC from Asahi Kasei Electronics has been combined
with premium components and the latest design technology to provide an
exceptional level of sound quality. Four converters are used in each
channel in a parallel differential configuration, to provide
class-leading linearity and extremely low distortion. Like the
K-01Xs and
K-03Xs,
additional buffer amplifiers are placed immediately after the DAC
outputs and this gives a more powerful bass and better reproduction of
low-level signals. The layout of the DAC power section has been revised
to provide further improvements to the noise performance and stability.
34-bit D/A Processing for Outstanding Powers of Musical Expression
The K-07Xs combines multiple 32-bit DAC chipsets and utilizes a 34-bit
D/A processing algorithm to convert the PCM signal to analog at a high
resolution of 34 bits. 34-bit processing achieves an astounding
resolution that is fully 1,024 times that of 24-bit processing. In the
digital range, full advantage is taken of high-bit data gradation to
minimize calculation errors and provide faithful conversion to analog,
thereby attaining outstanding powers of expression even with extremely
small music signals.
Esoteric-HCLD: A Unique Output Buffer Circuit that Optimizes Current Transmission
For an output stage to faithfully convey the wide dynamic range of a
musical performance to the next component in the system, it needs to be
able to deliver high currents at high speed. To achieve this, the K-07Xs
uses the same Esoteric-HCLD (High Current Line Driver) output buffer as
our top-of-the-line-models. This buffer uses high-speed output devices
to provide an exceptionally high slew rate of 2,000V/μs. Each channel
uses two buffer circuits. These are configured differentially for the
XLR output and in parallel for the RCA output to provide outstanding
linearity and dynamics.
ES-Link Analog: A High Sound Quality Current Transmission Analog Interface
As well as the standard XLR and RCA analog inter faces, Esoteric's
proprietary "ES-Link Analog" analog interface is also fitted and this is
incorporated into the XLR output circuit. This takes advantage of the
high current drive capability of the HCLD buffer circuit, making it less
susceptible to the effects of the impedance of the signal path and
enabling the audio signal to be transmitted with improved clarity and
dynamics. The maximum potential of this system is obtained when it is
used with compatible equipment such as Esoteric's F Series integrated
amplifiers*.
* Optional
OP-ESLA1 input board is required.
Generously Rated High-Speed Power Supply
Together with the D/A converter and output buffer amplifier, the quality
of the power supply is also a key factor in achieving high sound
quality. In the K-07Xs, this has been re-engineered to provide greater
stability and lower noise, combining a large EI core power transformer
with new capacitors and a set of super EDLC capacitors.* This set has an
extremely large capacity of 330,000μF, enabling the power supply to
provide each section with a clean and stable power source.
* EDLC = Electric Double-Layer Capacitor
Wide Range of Upsampling Options
In addition to playing back a digital audio source at the original
sample rate, the K-07Xs can upsample PCM signals to 2x, 4x, 8x and 16x
(maximum 768kHz). It can also convert a PCM source to DSD 512 (22.5MHz).
A DSD filter may be switched in according to preference.
Digital Inputs
Three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) enable connection to a
wide range of systems. Coaxial and optical inputs support DSD 2.8 MHz
(DoP) input and PCM of up to 192 kHz/24-bit.
USB Audio Interface with DSD22.5MHz and PCM768kHz/32-Bit Asynchronous Transmission
The K-07Xs is equipped with a USB interface to allow it to receive digital data from a computer or an Esoteric
N-03T Network Transport. The
USB driver and
Esoteric HR Audio Player
playback software may be downloaded free from our website. The
interface supports DSD rates up to DSD512 (22.5MHz) and PCM data up to
768 kHz / 32 bits. The USB interface also supports the Bulk Pet protocol
to allow studio-quality playback.
High-precision VCXO clock and clock synchronization function
The heart of any digital player is the clock circuit, and the K-07Xs's
has been designed for quality with a high-accuracy VCXO
(voltage-controlled crystal oscillator). It can also be connected to a
high-precision master clock generator such as the
G-02X for even higher sound quality.
Output Modes
The analog audio output can be switched between ES-LINK Analog, RCA, and
XLR. Hot 2 or Hot 3 XLR pin assignments can also be selected. Loss in
audio quality is eliminated with a non-contact system by performing
phase inversion in the digital domain.
Chassis Construction
The heavy aluminum chassis is supported by three of Esoteric's unique
precision-machined steel insulators to provide maximum vibration
suppression. The elegant styling of the chassis is the same as our
top-end models and employs round forms and heavy aluminum panels with
the minimum use of screws. These features are combined with an
attractive organic EL display to form an extremely attractive design
worthy of a leading product like the K-07Xs and enhance the pleasure of
using and owning this Super Audio CD player.
Remote Controller: RC-1301

Playable disc types
Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW)
Analog audio outputs
XLR/ESL-A connector
1pair (L/R)
RCA connector
1pair (L/R)
Output impedance
XLR: 40Ω
RCA: 15Ω
Maximum output level (at 1kHz, 10kΩ load)
XLR: 5.0Vrms
RCA: 2.5Vrms
Frequency response*
5Hz to 55kHz (-3dB)
S/N ratio*
119dB(A-Weight)
Distortion*
0.0013% (1kHz)
* Super Audio CD, XLR output
Digital audio outputs
COAXIAL
1
OPTICAL
1
Digital audio inputs
COAXIAL
1
OPTICAL
1
USB-B port (USB2.0 standard)
1
Clock input
BNC connector
1
Input impedance
50Ω
Frequencies that can be input (±15ppm)
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz,10, 22.5792, 24.576MHz
Input level
Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels
Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms
General
Power supply
AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz; AC 120V, 60Hz; AC 220V, 60Hz
Power consumption
26W
External dimensions
(W x H x D, including protrusions)
445 - 131 - 357mm (17 5/8"³ - 5 1/4"³ - 14 1/8"³)
Weight
14.2kg (31 3/8 lb)
Included accessories
Power cord set x 1
Remote control (RC-1301) x 1
Batteries for remote control (AAA) x 2
Felt pads x 3
Owner's manual x 1
Warranty card x 1
- This product is
available in three different power supply variations shown in the chart
above. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC
line voltage in your area.