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Esoteric K-05X

0% – 3 Year Financing Available!!

Esoteric K-05X Super Audio CD Player

Pursuing Radical Evolution, Not Nominal Improvements.

Reborn with a new ‘X’ designation, the K-05X and K-07X command central roles in Esoteric’s superb lineup of Super Audio CD players,  and should really be considered ‘all-new,’ having been infused with the very essence of our flagship Grandioso models. These new players achieve the very tenets of Esoteric’s design philosophy, conveying to the listener all the emotional expression of music without a hint of stress. With totally revamped audio electronic circuitry, these two new ‘X’ models eschew all compromise, and renew the lineage of the K Series.

Product Description

0% – 3 Year Financing Available!!

Esoteric K-05X Super Audio CD Player

Pursuing Radical Evolution, Not Nominal Improvements.

Reborn with a new ‘X’ designation, the K-05X and K-07X command central roles in Esoteric’s superb lineup of Super Audio CD players,  and should really be considered ‘all-new,’ having been infused with the very essence of our flagship Grandioso models. These new players achieve the very tenets of Esoteric’s design philosophy, conveying to the listener all the emotional expression of music without a hint of stress. With totally revamped audio electronic circuitry, these two new ‘X’ models eschew all compromise, and renew the lineage of the K Series.

The Features

VRDS-NEO “VMK-5” Transport Mechanism Improves Reading Accuracy

 The unique VRDS-NEO VMK-5 transport mechanism featured in this new player incorporates high-precision turntable that greatly improves reading accuracy by mechanically correcting for disc surface run-out. It’s hybrid construction integrates precision-machined aluminum with polycarbonate to help minimize rotational inertia.
Formed of high-rigidity BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) and steel, the hybrid turntable bridge also makes a significant contribution to the suppression of rotational vibration and run-out. The transport’s spindle motor realizes further improvements in reading accuracy with an advanced servo control that uses rotation detection circuitry.
Mechanical operations such as opening and closing the tray and clamping the disc are performed by a unique differential gear system. This proprietary* Esoteric technology ensures exceptionally smooth disc loading operation.

Refined Dual Mono D/A Converters Derived From Top-of-the-Line Components

 The D/A converter’s analog output circuitry features both excellent high-end resolution and natural musical texturing that only high-end components such as  Esoteric’s K Series SACD players can offer. Centered around Asahi Kasei’s high-end AK4490* 32-bit DAC, this circuitry accentuates the expressive power of these players with 4 parallel/differential circuits and 8 outputs driving each channel—twice that of conventional players in terms of circuit scale—to further enhance sound quality with excellent linearity and low distortion.
Arranged in a discreet dual mono configuration, the D/A converters and analog output circuitry are laid out in parallel on either side of the board, and are completely isolated from the digital signal processing circuitry, achieving superb channel separation.
Technology developed for the Grandioso C1 Linestage Preamplifier is also employed in the power supply, which features EDLC (Electronic Double-Layer Capacitors). This regulated power supply boasts an astounding total capacity of 500,000μF per channel for exceptional low-frequency sound reproduction.

34-Bit D/A Processing Achieves Outstanding Powers of Musical Expression

Employing a 34-bit D/A processing algorithm with an encoding resolution that is an astounding 1,024 times greater than that of 24-bit encoding, multiple 32-bit DAC devices were combined to convert the high-resolution 34-bit PCM signal to analog. 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 with even extremely small music signals.

Proprietary Esoteric-HCLD* Type 2 Current -Enhancing Output Buffer Circuit

 Playing a critical role in the superb sound quality achieved by these new ‘X’ version SACD players, further improvements were also made to their analog output circuitry. Providing excellent current transmission capability as well as a strong drive output, both players now employ Esoteric-HCLD* Type 2 buffer amplifier circuitry like that first used in such high-end models as our C1 Linestage Preamplifier. Two of these buffer circuits are installed per channel and configured differentially to drive the XLR outputs, and in parallel to drive the RCA outputs. By transmitting the wide dynamic range of the musical signal in its entirety and providing a strong drive to connected equipment, the full dynamism of music is recreated with a sense of realism that will take your breath away.

High-Speed, Large-Capacity Power Supply

 The K-05X is equipped with a large, high-efficiency, high-powered toroidal transformer, while the K-07X uses a full-sized EI-core transformer. Each is custom-designed to ensure excellent sound quality. High-output power supply circuitry further combines with an array of large capacitors to provide clean and steady power to all circuit blocks.

High-Precision VCXO Clock

 A high-precision VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) supplies a highly accurate reference clock signal to the digital circuitry. The K-05X’s large, custom-designed VCXO was jointly developed with Nihon Dempa Kogyo (NDK), a leading manufacturer of crystal oscillators. Incorporating an unusually large crystal element, this VCXO realizes both excellent center accuracy (±0.5ppm*) and extremely low levels of phase noise to ensure exceptional sound playback quality.

External Clock Sync Function

Connecting the unit to a high-precision master clock generator (G-01, G-02) allows synchronization of the unit’s operation with an external clock signal, thereby enabling an upgrade of system sound quality. Compatible with 44.1/88.2/176.4kHz input frequencies, both 10MHz and 22MHz direct master clock linkage* and external clock synchronization are also supported for both digital optical and digital coaxial inputs, as well as when the USB input is used.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible disc types (playback)Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW)
Analog audio
outputs
ConnectorsXLR connector (2ch) x 1
RCA connector (2ch) x 1
Output impedanceXLR: 20 Ω
RCA: 20 Ω
Maximum output level (1 kHz, full-scale, into 10 kΩ)RCA: 2.5 Vrms
XLR (set to 0dB): 5 Vrms
Frequency response5 Hz to 70 kHz (- 3 dB)
S/N ratio117dB
Total harmonic distortion0.007% (1 kHz)
Digital audio outputRCA connector x 10.5 Vp-p (into 75 Ω)
Optical digital connector x 1-21 to -15 dBm peak x 1
USB-B portUSB 2.0 standard
Digital audio inputRCA connector x 1 (input impedance 75 Ω)0.5 Vp-p
Optical digital connector x 1-24.0 to -14.5 dBm peak
USB-B connectorUSB 2.0 standard
Clock sync input formatConnectorBNC
Supported input frequencies (±15 ppm)CD/SACD:
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, kHz, 10/22.5792/24.576 MHz
Input impedance75 Ω
Input levelRectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels,
Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms (50 to 75 Ω)
GeneralPower supplyAC 230 V, 50 Hz
AC 120 V, 60 Hz
AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption23W
External dimensions (W x H x D, including protrusions)445 mm x 131 mm x 355 mm
(17 5/8″ x 5 1/4″ x 14″)
Weightapprox. 14 kg (30 7/8 lb)
Included accessoriesPower cord set x 1
Remote control (RC-1251) x 1
Batteries for remote control (AA) x 2
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.
– The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Esoteric K-05X Super Audio CD Player

COMPATIBLE DISC TYPES: Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW)

ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
Connectors XLR connector (2ch) x 1 / RCA connector (2ch) x 1

Output impedance XLR: 20 Ω / RCA: 20 Ω

Maximum output level (1 kHz, full-scale, into 10 kΩ)  
RCA: 2.5 Vrms / XLR (set to 0dB): 5 Vrms
 
Frequency response 5 Hz to 70 kHz (- 3 dB)
S/N ratio 117dB
Total harmonic distortion 0.007% (1 kHz)

DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT
RCA connector x 1 0.5 Vp-p (into 75 Ω)
Optical digital connector x 1 -21 to -15 dBm peak x 1
USB-B port USB 2.0 standard

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT
RCA connector x 1 (input impedance 75 Ω) 0.5 Vp-p
Optical digital connector x 1 -24.0 to -14.5 dBm peak
USB-B connector USB 2.0 standard

CLOCK SYNC INPUT FORMAT
Connector BNC
Supported input frequencies (±15 ppm) CD/SACD:  44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, kHz, – 10/22.5792/24.576 MHz
Input impedance 75 Ω
Input level
Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels, / Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms (50 to 75 Ω)

GENERAL
Power supply AC 230 V, 50 Hz / AC 120 V, 60 Hz / AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption 23W
External dimensions (W x H x D, including protrusions)
445 mm x 131 mm x 355 mm (17 5/8″ x 5 1/4″ x 14″)
Weight: approx. 14 kg (30 7/8 lb)

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Power cord set x 1
Remote control (RC-1251) x 1 
Batteries for remote control (AA) x 2
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.
– The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

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