VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism + the Master Sound Discrete DAC. The K-03XD has now evolved into the latest SE model with advanced sound quality.
Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high quality sound reproduction. The Esoteric brand is known for its outstanding acoustic engineering that has sustained its reputation and prestige, its massive investment without regard to cost, its “museum quality” craftsmanship, and its beautiful designs worthy of music reproduction.
History & Technology
Esoteric has brought a number of highly original innovations to the world of high-end audio, including the legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits; it is no exaggeration to say that Esoteric’s history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.
Finally, the SE versions of the K-01XD and K-03XD are now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analog circuitry in the DAC. We are proud of our brand and always strive for the best sound. The SE models we are releasing this time reflect every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
Key Features
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- “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 03)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 18 mm turntable bridge
- “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
- Up-graded DAC board with premium grade parts
- Super high slew-rate, “Esoteric-HCLD” high current line driver (2,000V/μs)
- “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
- “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
- Clock sync function
- Two independent toroidal power supply transformers (for digital and analog circuits)
- Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
- 26 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF＝0.65F)
- Up-sampling function (x2/x4/x8/x16, max. 768kHz), PCM to DSD (22.5MHz) convert function
- USB Type-B port supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission
- RC-1333 double-face remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.
