Esoteric K-01XS

K-01XS

SUPER AUDIO CD/CDPLAYER

Discontinued replaced by K-01XD

A NEW GOLD STANDARD IN DIGITAL PLAYERS

Eight years after the release of the K-01, the ultimate in integrated digital players, comes the birth of the K-01Xs, a condensed version of Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso model.

The K-01Xs features the K series’ classic construction with a high-rigidity chassis and a total of four power transformers in the power section, along with the high-precision VRDS-NEO[VMK-3.5-20S]turntable system used in the Grandioso P1/K1 and a pair of differential 8-circuit/channel monaural DACs following the latest DAC platform developed for the K1.

Its extensive specifications are the gold standard in digital players, including the latest DAC (IC AK4497), a 35-bit D/A processing algorithm developed with Esoteric’s patented proprietary technology; an HCLD buffer amplifier; DSD-compatible USB and a large custom low phase noise clock.

VRDS-NEO[VMK-3.5-20S]

Packed with Esoteric mechatronics, the VRDS uses a turntable to rotate CDs and Super Audio CDs, and mechanical correction of surface vibration is used to dramatically improve reading precision.

Featured in the K-01Xs, the VRDS-NEO [VMK-3.5-20S] uses a pair of specially selected high-precision ball bearings for the spindle bearing as well as a duralumin turntable accurate within microns and a 20mm-thick steel turntable bridge.

The weight of the mega-unit is 5.2kg (12kg including the rigid base). It features a range of classic mechanisms including the coreless three-phase brushless spindle motor driven by a strong magnet and the VS-DD (VRDS Spindle Discrete Driver).

These are combined with a quiet shutter mechanism* in the tray to provide the ultimate precision.
*A mechanism in which a shutter closes when the tray retracts and the shutter is mechanically locked into the front panel. This increases airtightness, reducing adverse effects from external sound pressure and vibration.

New Dual Mono D/A Converter

The D/A converter section was created based on the latest platform used in the Grandioso K1, with the very finest premium materials and circuit technology added to take it to the highest level of sound quality.

The AK4497 32-bit premium DAC device from Asahi Kasei Electronics is combined with a high-quality operational amplifier (MUSES 02 in the K-01Xs and MUSES 8820 in the K-03Xs). The K-01Xs has 8 circuits per channel while the K-03Xs has a 4-circuit parallel/differential circuit structure for powerful linearity with minimal distortion.

The circuit patterns of the DAC’ s power section have been further improved, with independent left and right power transformers in the K-01Xs to achieve a clean and highly stable power supply. Both the digital and analog circuits have more thorough isolation than previous models, achieving true-to-life playback with outstanding purity and superb sound stage depth.

High-Bit D/A Processing with Outstanding Powers of Musical Expression (PAT. JP6043052)
Both the K-01Xs and K-03Xs combine multiple 32-bit DAC chipsets and utilize a high-bit D/A processing algorithm to convert the PCM signal to analog at a high resolution in excess of 32 bits.

The K-01Xs supports 35-bit processing. 35-bit processing achieves an astounding resolution that is fully 2,048 times that of 24-bit processing (34-bit processing being 1,024 times that of 24-bit processing).

In the digital range, full advantage is taken of high-bit data gradation to minimise calculation errors and provide faithful conversion to analog, thereby attaining outstanding powers of expression with even extremely small music signals.

ESOTERIC-HCLD*: Esoteric’s Exclusive Output Buffer Delivers Powerful Direct Current Transmission

The ability to produce comparatively large currents and high slew rates are two of the most important factors that enable an analog output circuit to accurately transmit the wide dynamic range of a music signal without degradation.

The Esoteric K-01Xs offers the ultimate performance as a line driver by adopting high-performance elements with a high current output and exceptionally fast slew rate (2,000V/μs) for excellent response speed. Two of these buffer circuits are employed per channel. By configuring them differentially to drive the XLR outputs and in parallel to drive the RCA outputs, the available instantaneous output current is maximised.

By maximising instantaneous current output, the K-01Xs reproduces the full dynamics of music with breathtaking realism.
*HCLD=High Current Line Driver

 “ES-LINK Analog” Method for High Quality Current Transmission

In addition to regular line connections (XLR and RCA), the K-01Xs  features Esoteric’s new “ES-LINK Analog” transmission method.

This is a current transmission method that utilises the high performance of the HCLD buffer circuit and its enhanced ability to supply high-speed current.

This is the ideal analog audio transmission as it is free from signal route impedance, thus fully maximising the system’s potential when connected to a compatible device.*
*A standard balance cable (with an XLR terminal) is used for connections, but the “ES-LINK Analog” method is a proprietary transmission method which can only be used with compatible devices.

Wide Range of D/D Conversion According to Source

In addition to the original Fs playback, this series has a function for up-conversion of PCM digital signals by 2×, 4×, 8× or 16× (maximum 768kHz). It also features a PCM > DSD conversion function using a proprietary algorithm. DSD is up-converted to 22.5MHz. The unit also features a DSD digital filter that can be turned on or off as desired.

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 Compatible with DSD22.5MHz, PCM768kHz/32bit and Asynchronous Transmission

The unit is equipped with a USB port enabling connection to a computer. The driver and playback software (Esoteric HR Audio Player) can be downloaded from the Esoteric website. The unit supports asynchronous transmission and a high sampling playback of DSD22.5MHz and PCM768kHz/32bit, and even enables high-quality playback of studio master quality sources. In addition to conventional asynchronous transmission methods, it supports the new Bulk Pet method for an even wider range of tone selection.

High-Precision VCXO Clock

The clock circuit supplies a high-accuracy reference clock signal to the digital circuitry. The Grandioso Custom VCXO (voltage-controlled crystal oscillator) is a high-precision custom clock that utilizes a large crystal element to ensure exceptional sound quality with excellent center accuracy (±0.5ppm) and extremely low levels of phase noise.

Clock Sync Function for Synchronization with External Devices

Connecting the K-01Xs  to a high-precision master clock generator such as the G-01X or the G-02X allows synchronisation of the unit’s operation with an external clock signal, thereby enabling the quality of the system to be further upgraded. Synchronisation with an external clock is also available when USB input is used.

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.

Support for Future System Upgrades

RCA (S/PDIF) or XLR (AES/EBU) digital outputs are provided. These allow the player’s performance to be upgraded by the addition of a top-end Esoteric D/A converter.
*This circuit can be turned off when digital output is not in use.

Chassis Construction and Parts Layout

The VRDS-NEO transport mechanism is positioned in the center of the unit, directly attached to the 5 mm-thick steel chassis bottom, and is supported at three points by Esoteric’s proprietary pinpoint feet (Patent No. 4075477 and 3778108) to effectively suppress vibration.

The chassis interior features a double-deck construction. The audio boards are located on the upper layer of the chassis, being isolated from the power supply components on the lower layer, and the power supply wiring has been made as short as possible.

The K-01Xs features four large toroidal transformers: one for each of the two built-in monaural D/A converters, one for the audio circuitry, and one for the VS-DD spindle servo driver.

Specifications Esoteric K-01XS