Esoteric K-01XD SE

Esoteric K-01XD SE

VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism + the Master Sound Discrete DAC

Esoteric’s most iconic digital player, the K-01XD, has evolved into the latest SE model.

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.

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.

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.

Icon of the brand

The quality and attention to detail of Esoteric products reflect their respect for all music lovers and the pride of Japanese craftsmen who are passionate about high quality sound reproduction.

Ultimately, Esoteric products should be the final destination that all audiophiles and music lovers aspire to.

For Esoteric, the word “tradition” means purifying the essence through constant innovation.

In this sense, the K Series is their most “traditional” product.

The ultimate in precision engineering, epitomised by the VRDS technology.

Unique discrete circuits that express the richness of musical texture.

A powerful power supply that is the key to dynamic sound reproduction.

A remarkably massive chassis that has no regard for cost, and a cool, elegant finish that combines a variety of machining processes.

With all these features, the K Series is the icon of the Esoteric brand and continues the line of digital disc players that Esoteric has been updating and producing since its inception.

Since its introduction in 2010, the K Series has been acclaimed for its exceptional music reproduction capabilities and has established itself as the reference digital player in the world. Enjoy our signature sound that has captivated music lovers around the world.

K-01XD SE key features  (New features of the SE model are shown with icon)

• “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 01)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 20 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 specially selected premium grade parts including IDM-01
• 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
• Four independent toroidal power supply transformers (incl. two for left and right DACs)
• Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
• 71 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 1,850,000μF＝85F)
• 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.

VRDS Technology

VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) is a core technology of Esoteric’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms that has been a focus of the brand since its inception.

The system firmly clamps the disc to a platter of the same diameter, 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 minimising servo current.

This all combines to significantly reduce disc read errors and further enable breathtaking sound quality.

VRDS-ATLAS

The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and improvement for over 30 years.

During its long and illustrious history, one of the most important highlights was the introduction of the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which represents the pinnacle of perfection and sound quality.

The Esoteric K-01XD SE is equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms that have been specially adapted for this model, in order to inherit all the qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in their flagship models, the Grandioso P1X SE and the K1X SE.

ATLAS 01

The Esoteric K-01XD SE’s new ATLAS 01 disc transport features a 20mm SS400 steel bridge, identical to that used in their high-end Grandioso models.

The mechanism features ultra-high rigidity and a heavy-duty design to dampen any vibrations that could affect sound quality.

The transport’s duralumin platter also has a well-deserved reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid steel bridge is larger than that of the VRDS-NEO, and it uses a single-point spindle bearing design that minimises friction and rotational noise through its point-contact thrust bearing system, the same design as the high-end models.

Wide Design with a Low Centre of Gravity

As the quietest and most elegant transport in VRDS history, Esoteric’s impressive VRDS-ATLAS epitomises the company’s resolute focus on mechanical grounding technology to more effectively reduce vibration.

The adoption of a wide, low-profile design for the entire transport mechanism helped achieve a lower centre of gravity, while the relocation of the turntable motor from its previous position above the bridge to below the turntable dramatically shortened the path for grounding vibration and reduced mechanical noise.

Tray cavities have also been minimised for increased rigidity, and special vibration-absorbing elastomer stoppers cancel out resonance when the tray is in the closed position.

Large-Scale Power Circuitry, the Key to Sound Quality

The key to the sound quality of the K Series, which boasts a powerful, sculpted, three-dimensional sound, lies in its powerful power supply.

In the SE model, the power supply section has also been brushed up, adding even more depth to the tone.

The Esoteric K-01XD SE is equipped with a total of four large toroidal transformers, with the L/R of the D/A converter section, the mechanism, and the digital circuits each powered by its own power transformer.

Low-Feedback DC Regulator and Super Capacitors

The power supply uses a low-feedback design for a powerful, open sound in a discrete configuration with no integrated circuitry.

A total of 71 super capacitors (total capacitance 1,850,000μF = 1.85F) are installed to improve low-frequency resolution and achieve a remarkable improvement in sound quality.

Chassis Construction and Layout of the Circuit Blocks

The VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism is centrally located within the chassis.

It is mounted on a 5mm thick steel base plate and supported by three proprietary Pinpoint Feet (Patent #4075477 and #3778108).

Pinpoint Feet integrate a spike and saucer to provide effective mechanical grounding of vibrations.

These feet are not bolted to the baseplate, but are held in place by the weight of the chassis when installed.

By avoiding the stress concentration caused by screwing the Pinpoint Foot body into the large surface area of the baseplate, a more open sound is created.

The internal structure of the chassis features a double-deck design, with the audio circuit boards on the upper level and the power supply circuits and transformers on the lower level to minimise magnetic flux leakage and vibration, while also shortening the power supply wiring.

Semi-Floating Top Panel

The top panel of the chassis uses a screwless semi-floating structure, which further contributes to an open and dynamic sound.

Bringing out all the dynamics and energy of music

Their goal was to assemble a carefully selected set of rigorously tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music – something simply unattainable with ordinary integrated chips.

Their 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 – our in-house developed DAC architecture.

Luxurious Materials for Pure Performance

The Master Sound Discrete DAC was first introduced in the Grandioso D1X as the most innovative DAC in Esoteric’s history, and its stunningly realistic sound quality has consistently garnered rave reviews for making listeners feel as if they are actually at a live performance.

The version found in the The Esoteric K-01XD SE is equipped with a total of four large toroidal transformers, with the L/R of the D/A converter section, the mechanism, and the digital circuits each powered by its own power transformer. uses a simpler circuit configuration that captures the essence of the K1X SE to take the 01 Series to new heights.

Consisting of 32 elements per channel, each DAC element contains a clock driver, logic circuit, capacitor, resistor, etc., and all 32 elements are kept isolated from each other to maintain maximum processing precision.

In keeping with the D1X SE 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 The Esoteric K-01XD SE is equipped with a total of four large toroidal transformers, with the L/R of the D/A converter section, the mechanism, and the digital circuits each powered by its own power transformer. 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 has been developed exclusively for the Master Sound Discrete DAC and is fully optimised for superior reproduction of both DSD and PCM digital audio data.

Upgraded with IDM-01 and Other Quality Parts

In the new SE model, the discrete parts of the analogue circuitry on the DAC board have been refreshed for even better sound quality.

The amplifier element is the original “Integrated Discrete-Amplifier Module IDM-01”.

The materials, circuit patterns, and layout have been carefully studied by Esoteric’s engineers as if designing an amplifier with a discrete configuration, and the extremely short signal path that takes advantage of integrated circuits amplifies the vibrancy of music in a dynamic and subtle way.

The IDM-01 and other analogue parts, such as analogue filter resistors and capacitors, have been carefully selected to achieve a more vivid live sound, improved audible dynamics, and a more organic texture.

Advanced Quality Control

With a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked to arithmetic precision, advanced quality control is also required for the manufacture of electronic circuit boards.

Esoteric’s in-house factory incorporates some of the world’s leading PCB manufacturing technologies, such as soldering in an oxygen-free oven located in a clean room with the same level of cleanliness as a hospital operating room.

Technologies cultivated in the production of electronic circuit boards for the audio, medical, aerospace, and defence industries support the high production quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC.

Unique Esoteric-HCLD* Output Buffer Circuit with Enhanced Current Transmission

The Esoteric HCLD Output Buffer Amplifier features an astonishingly fast slew rate of 2,000V/µs.

Current transfer and speed-the most important factors for an analogue output circuit-have been pushed to the limit to reproduce the reality of music with a truly breathtaking dynamics.
※ HCLD：High Current Line Driver

ES-Link Analogue – Esoteric’s Proprietary Current Transmission

In addition to line connections (XLR, RCA), ES-Link Analogue, Esoteric’s proprietary current transmission system, is employed for connection to an amplifier.

ES-Link Analogue is the ideal method for audio signal transmission.

Compared to the conventional voltage transmission, it transmits approximately 100 times more current, making it less susceptible to noise and sending the full energy of the music to the amplifier.

Also, it is not affected by the impedance of the interconnects running between the source device and amplifier, so it maintains a perfect integrity between the output signal of the source and the input signal to the amplifier.

External Input, D/D Conversion & USB Input

In addition to the coaxial and optical inputs, the model also features a USB type-B port that is compatible with 22.5MHz DSD asynchronous signal transmission, allowing it to be used as a stand-alone D/A converter.

Functions for up-sampling a digital PCM signal to 2/4/8/16× (max. 768kHz) and converting PCM to DSD are provided.

The Esoteric K-01XD SE is more than just a CD player

Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player

It is no exaggeration to say that the clock circuitry is the biggest key to high sound quality in digital music reproduction.

For its flagship master clock generator Grandioso G1X, Esoteric has perfected its own in-house manufactured OCXO clock module, the Master Sound Discrete Clock.

The G1X’s unique discrete circuitry has been highly acclaimed for its superior musical expressiveness, creating a buzz in the world of high-end audio that has traditionally been described only in terms of technical specifications.

The “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” used in the new SE model applies the basic design concept of G1X’s in-house manufactured OCXO module to the internal clock of the digital player models.

The unique circuit design using carefully selected discrete components, such as a large crystal oscillator, achieves high sound quality that reflects Esoteric’s philosophy in every detail, which cannot be achieved with an off-the-shelf clock module.

The new SE model can also be connected to the Esoteric G series external master clock generator to improve sound quality by synchronising the internal SE clock circuitry to an even more accurate 10 MHz clock.

Specifications Esoteric K-01XD-Se

Audio performance