Super Audio CD/CD Player
Reborn with a new 'X' designation
Super Audio CD/CD Player
FEATURES
This model has been discontinued.
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 transports 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.
he D/A converters analog output circuitry features both excellent high-end resolution and natural musical texturing that only high-end components such as Esoterics K Series SACD players can offer. Centered around Asahi Kaseis 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
*AK4490 is a branded product of Audio4pro™ and of Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, and designed for professional studio and digital audio applications. | ![]() |
*EDLC = Electric Double-layer Capacitor |
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.
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.
*HCLD = High Current Line Drive
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.
A high-precision VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) supplies a highly accurate reference clock signal to the digital circuitry. The K-05Xs 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.
*at time of shipping
Connecting the unit to a high-precision master clock generator (G-01, G-02) allows synchronization of the units 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.
*When an external clock generator is connected, its signal is also used to clock the D/A converter, bypassing the internal PLL circuit and providing straight, higher accuracy D/A conversion.
In addition to playback at the original sampling frequency, 2X, 4X and 8X up-conversion of the PCM digital signal is also provided. A range of D/D conversion modes are also available for the PCM format, such as PCM-to-DSD conversion.
Four types of digital filter are available for PCM signal processing. Besides two FIR (Finite Impulse Response) digital filters, which have an established reputation for outstanding sound quality, two types of short delay digital filters are also included for a more precise and natural sound. A Digital Filter OFF mode permits both PCM and DSD digital filters to be bypassed if desired. 。
Three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) enable connection to a wide range of systems. These inputs support 2.8MHz DSD and up to 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution PCM.
In addition to playback at the original sampling frequency, 2X, 4X and 8X up-conversion of the PCM digital signal is also provided. A range of D/D conversion modes are also available for the PCM format, such as PCM-to-DSD conversion.
The Esoteric HR Audio Player, for both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, is a high-quality audio playback application that ably handles high-resolution audio sources when used in combination with Esoteric SACD players and DACs. Superb audio quality playback of high-resolution audio sources, including DSD, can be enjoyed without complicated setup.
Supported file formats | |
DSF | DSD 2.8 / 5.6 / 11.2MHz |
DIFF | DSD 2.8 / 5.6 / 11.2MHz |
PCM(wav) | 44.1k~384kHz、16~32bit |
FLAC | 44.1k~384kHz、16~32bit |
MP3 | 32k~320kbps |
フFeaturing the same short-scratch hairline finish used on the player's front panel, the remote control's thick aluminum panel exudes a high-quality feel.(RC-1301)