Esoteric D-03 User Manual
D/A Converter
Owner’s Manual
D-03
2
CAUTION
<
DO NOT REMOVE THE EXTERNAL CASES OR CABINETS TO
EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
ARE WITHIN!
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IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PRODUCT,
CONTACT TEAC FOR A SERVICE REFERRAL. DO NOT USE THE
PRODUCT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12)Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.
<
Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
< Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.
<
Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book
case or similar unit.
<
The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC
outlet with its POWER switch in the off position.
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The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet
so that you can easily grasp the power cord plug at any time.
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An apparatus with Class !construction shall be connected to an
AC outlet with a protective grounding connection.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the equipment and/or the receiving
antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipments not expressly
approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance will void the
user’s warranty.
For U.S.A.
CAUTION
Ensure this product is not exposed to dripping or splashing
and that no object filled with liquids, such as vases, is placed
on the product.
Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit. Allow adequate air circulation
around this product.
3
Contents
Thank you for choosing Esoteric. Read this manual
carefully to get the best performance from this unit.
For European customers
Disposal of your old appliance
1.When this crossed-out wheeled bin
symbol is attached to a product it means
the product is covered by the European
Directive 2002/96/EC.
2. All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of
separately from the municipal waste stream via designated
collection facilities appointed by the government or the
local authorities.
3. The correct disposal of your old appliance will help prevent
potential negative consequences for the environment and
human health.
4. For more detailed information about disposal of your old
appliance, please contact your city office, waste disposal
service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Before Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connection examples (connecting three D-03) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
i.LINK (IEEE 1394) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front panel features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Basic Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Display dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Word sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Changing settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Major settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4
Features
This independent D/A converter explores new musical
frontiers in a manner only possible to Esoteric, the
acknowledged leader in Super Audio CD/CD playback.
The D-03 delivers high-quality reproduction of DSD stream
signals, 192 kHz/24-bit high-sampling PCM signals and other
data-rich formats without data loss.
It has been specifically developed to reproduce the ambience
and resonance that is found on Super Audio CDs.
DAC “AD1955” with DSD input
The DAC device features “AD1955” supporting DSD and
PCM signal input in a differential configuration.
It can fully express the presence and smooth frequency
response that the Super Audio CD format delivers and can
elicit superior performance also from regular CDs.
The D-03 inherits the monaural specifications and
strengths of the D-01
D-01 know-how is used throughout.
• Right and left analog power transformers, analog power
supplies and analog audio circuits are completely independent
while using the exact same components and the same layout
pattern.
• The analog output units employ discrete circuits with highvoltage power.
• The power transformers comprise a total of three highefficiency audio R core transformers: one digital and two
analog transformers.
The analog power supply uses discrete power stability circuits.
• A digital filter OFF function is provided.
Straight signal transmission
A straightforward PCB layout of both the digital and analog
circuitry prevents loss of tonal clarity.
A RAM-link without data processing capability eliminates
jitter. The provided digital filter has an off setting.
The usual analog filter in the Fs/2 region has been dispensed
with and there are no switching or adjusting circuits. Filtering
elements and transmission circuits in the power supply and
elsewhere have been optimized.
Versatile interface that handles a variety of input formats
In addition to S/PDIF, AES, i.LINK and other formats, the D-03
can be connected to CD, Super Audio CD as well as DVD
audio devices.
• All input terminals can handle 192 kHz/24-bit input.
• DSD signals from Super Audio CD are input either via ESLINK, a proprietary Esoteric format, or i.LINK.
• Two XLR terminals handle Dual AES and ES-LINK format
inputs in which case left and right channels are independently
transferred.
• CH_SEL selects audio channel when multi-channel signals are
input via i.LINK.
Word sync for synchronizing with external equipment
The Word sync feature provides an OUT mode for outputting
a word clock and an IN mode for allowing the unit to lock to
an external clock.
The large and highly accurate VCXO crystal oscillator has
been specially designed for the D-03. This stable and highprecision clock provides the audio clock signal used for D/A
conversion as well as the highly accurate synchronization for
the transport unit.
Further, the Word sync input is optimized to input the ultraprecise G-0s master clock generator. The D-03 can thus
handle 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192 and 100 kHz word
clock input and output specifications.
RAM-Link upgraded to process DSD data
RAM-Link (Refined Asynchronous Memory Link) circuit, now
RAM-Link III, has been upgraded to also process DSD data.
The Word sync mode automatically engages RAM-Link to
eliminate jitter up to the previous stage before inputting the
signal to a DAC device.
6N pure copper for internal wiring to realize higher quality
sound
• An essential link in high-quality sound reproduction, the main
internal wiring in the D-03 uses 6N pure copper cable for
greater purity of sound and better resolution.
• RCA jacks use the very best materials such as pure copper and
gold plating. The D-03 has WBT nextgen sockets for 75 ohm
digital inputs and WBT-0201 sockets for analog outputs.
• Our high-end power inlets made with rhodium plated pure
copper go through a super cryogenic process.
Highly rigid chassis completely eliminates internal and
external vibrations preventing sound and quality
deterioration
Thick aluminum is used in the top, side and front panels as
well as in the corner sections while a solid 5 mm thick steel
plate with quenched steel pinpoint legs (patent pending)
support the entire structure. For greater strength, the internal
chassis has a compartmentalized design that adds rigidity,
suppresses vibration and effectively removes all electrical
interference. The top panel features an 8 mm thick aluminum
plate to obliterate any concern for the impact of speaker
sound pressure that normally affects conventional designs.
The solid aluminum front and side panels with their brushed
finish, the top panel with its beautifully crafted logo and the
curved corner design that increases rigidity and reduces
vibration all contribute to the sense of quality found only in 2channel D/A converters designed for the ultimate Super Audio
CD/CD system.
The output jacks are not mounted on the PCBs but on the
rear panel to protect analog PCBs and the jacks from physical
stress and complex vibration modes. Securing the analog
PCBs to the internal chassis and the output jacks to the rear
panel prevents impairment of sound quality from a failure in
the mechanism.
5
Maintenance
If the surface of the unit gets dirty, wipe with a soft cloth or
use diluted neutral cleaning liquid. Be sure to remove any
fluid completely. Do not use thinner, benzine or alcohol as
they may damage the surface of the unit.
“Super Audio CD” is a registered trademark.
“DSD” is a registered trademark.
The i.LINK logo is a trademark of Sony Corporation, registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Pin-point foot
Bottom plate
of the unit
Steel foot
Cover foot retaining screws
Cover foot
Frame
Before Use
Read this before operation
< As the unit may become warm during operation, always leave
sufficient space around the unit for ventilation.
< The voltage supplied to the unit should match the voltage as
printed on the rear panel. If you are in any doubt regarding
this matter, consult an electrician.
<
Choose the installation location of your unit carefully. Avoid
placing it in direct sunlight or close to a source of heat. Also
avoid locations subject to vibrations and excessive dust, heat,
cold or moisture.
<
Do not place the unit on the amplifier/receiver.
<
Do not open the cabinet as this might result in damage to the
circuitry or electrical shock. If a foreign object should get into
the unit, contact your dealer or service company.
<
When removing the power plug from the wall outlet, always
pull directly on the plug, never yank the cord.
< Do not attempt to clean the unit with chemical solvents as
this might damage the finish. Use a clean, dry cloth. A soft
cloth moistened with a diluted amount of household or
window cleaner can be used to remove more stubborn dirt.
<
Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
What’s in the box
Please confirm that the following accessories are in the box
when you open it.
Power cord x 1
Felt pads x 3
Owner’s manual x 1
Warranty card x 1
Placement of the unit
High-quality hardened tool steel is used for the pin-point feet
attached to the bottom of the player. Although the outer feet
may appear loose, the weight of the unit causes them to
become firm and secure. The design effectively damps and
reduces vibration.
<
WARNING: Be careful to avoid injury when moving the unit.
This unit weighs about 27 kg. Seek assistance when moving
or placing this product.
<
To protect the supporting furniture surface, you may stick the
felt pads supplied with the unit to the bottom of the metal
feet.
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