ESOTERIC K-03XD

The Esoteric K-03XD Super Audio CD player represents an extraordinary evolution in digital playback, combining cutting-edge technologies that redefine the concept of sound quality. Released as the "XD" edition, this model incorporates two exclusive innovations derived from the flagship Grandioso K-1X: the VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism and the Master Sound Discrete DAC, both designed in-house by Esoteric to offer an even more faithful and detailed reproduction of digital music sources.

The VRDS-ATLAS, the heart of the transport system, is a disc clamping system that eliminates all rotational vibrations, improving the accuracy of the optical axis and reducing disc reading errors. The evolution of VRDS-ATLAS in the ATLAS 03 version features a design with superior rigidity and vibration attenuation, ensuring a distortion-free sound. The transport mechanism is supported by a duralumin base and a steel bridge, which minimize noise and friction.

The new power supply, integrating high-capacity toroidal transformers and a low-feedback DC regulator, ensures an even richer and livelier sound quality, with unparalleled resolution in the low frequencies. The 26 supercapacitors (650,000μF in total) and the dual-layer chassis structure, with separate planes for power and audio circuits, further isolate the signal from interference and vibrations, guaranteeing perfect, disturbance-free sound reproduction.

The true innovation of the K-03XD lies in the Master Sound Discrete DAC, a fully discrete DAC that uses 32 elements per channel, designed to provide incredible dynamic response and sound depth that seems to come from a live performance. This DAC, combined with a Delta-Sigma processor that supports next-generation digital audio formats (including DSD 22.5 MHz and PCM 768 kHz), is capable of reproducing every minute sound detail with unparalleled clarity.

The K-03XD is also equipped with a variety of digital inputs, including USB ports for DSD support and MQA decoding, allowing for PCM signal conversion to DSD for even higher listening quality. The HCLD analog output circuit and the ES-LINK Analog system ensure powerful signal transmission, minimizing impedance effects and improving audio quality.

Finally, the low-noise circuitry and precision of the VCXO II clock circuit, along with the possibility of connecting the K-03XD to a Master Clock Generator, ensure perfect synchronization and sound quality that reaches excellence. This Super Audio CD player has been designed to meet the highest quality standards, offering an unrivaled listening experience.

Technical specifications:

Playable disc types

• Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW)

Analog audio outputs

• XLR/ESL-A: 1 pair (L/R)
  • Output impedance: 114Ω
  • Maximum output level: 5.0Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ load)
• RCA: 1 pair (L/R)
  • Output impedance: 34Ω
  • Maximum output level: 2.5Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ load)

Digital audio outputs

• XLR: 1
  • Output impedance: 3Vp-p (110Ω load)
  • Output signal formats: Linear PCM (AES/EBU) 44.1kHz, 16-bit (CD)
• RCA: 1
  • Output impedance: 0.5Vp-p (75Ω load)
  • Output signal formats: Linear PCM (IEC60958) 44.1kHz, 16-bit (CD)

Digital audio inputs

• RCA: 1
  • Input signal formats:
    • Linear PCM: 32kHz to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958)
    • DSD: 2.8MHz (DoP)
• Optical: 1
  • Input signal formats:
    • Linear PCM: 32kHz to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958)
    • DSD: 2.8MHz (DoP)
• USB B: 1 (USB 2.0 supported)
  • Input signal formats:
    • Linear PCM: 44.1kHz to 384kHz, 16/24/32-bit (IEC60958)
    • DSD: 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz

Clock input

• BNC: 1
  • Input impedance: 50Ω
  • Frequencies that can be input (±10ppm): 10MHz
  • Input level: 0.5 to 1.0Vrms (sine wave)

External dimensions (W×H×D): 445 × 162 × 438mm (including protrusions)
Weight: 28kg