Click image to open the What Hi-Fi? review article.

(Excerpt from the review)

"If you like an extrovert, end-of-the-seat presentation, then this or any other Esoteric product isn't for you. In our experience, the company's sonic signature is all about precision, refinement and delicacy. It is a cultured sound that's impressively clean, combining class-leading detail resolution with a degree of understatement that takes time to appreciate. Once you get used to it, most alternatives seem a little uncouth in comparison."
"The N-05XE's stereo imaging is excellent. The product's dual-mono configuration obviously pays dividends here, with a broad and spacious soundstage populated by crisply focused instruments. Everything is locked in position and doesn't blur as the music becomes more demanding. We're particularly pleased with the way that the N-05XE renders soundstage depth, giving the recording a wonderfully three-dimensional feel."
"Convenience and the high-end aren't usually comfortable bedfellows, but this Esoteric proves it is possible to combine the two in a neat, easy-to-use package. The N-05XE is a hugely capable product that compromises very little compared to more purist options. If you are looking for a top-class sound and don't want the clutter of conventional high-end separates, this Esoteric is a great place to start."