Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. This product is available in four 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.
PRINTEDINJAPAN0319O05・TECD-0282
Page 2
e Greek god Atlas held the skies on his shoulders
as he stood at the center of the heavens.
is peerless new Esoteric system has been designed from
the ground up to showcase two unique innovations;
a completely new VRDS-ATLAS transport and new
in-house designed discreet DAC circuitry.
ese unparalleled agship products, the latest to carry
the ‘Grandioso’ * name, now stands at the center of
future exaltation in the audio experience.
* Grandioso (music): Grand or noble.
Page 3
An unprecedented transport mechanism that invites you to the furthest reaches of sound.
VRDS Technology
VRDS (
Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System
s Esoteric’s unique CD/Super Audio CD transport
i
technology, which has been specially designed
to clamp the disc to a same-diameter turntable
in order to eliminate the disc’s rotational vibration,
as well as any extraneous vibration emanating
from the mechanism itself. It also corrects any
warpage of the disc dramatically improving the
accuracy of both the optical pickup and the
disc pit layer’s corresponding optical axis while
also minimizing servo current. This all adds up
to dramatically reduced disc read error for
exceptional audio quality.
From NEO to ATLAS
It has been 16 years since the VRDS-NEO Super
Audio CD transport mechanism first debuted in
2003. Improving on the NEO transport posed a
difficult challenge, as it had long been praised
as offering the highest audio reproduction
performance in the industry. However, the design
was totally reengineered from the ground up,
resulting in a completely new platform that
boasts unparalleled levels of structural
refinement and audio fidelity.
The Highest Rigidity and Heaviest
Construction in the History of VRDS
)
ATLAS boasts the highest rigidity and weight in
the history of VRDS mechanisms. With its
larger new SS400 steel side panels and
bridge, the ATLAS is 27% heavier (6.6kg
mechanism unit, 13.5kg including base) than
the NEO, achieving both exceptional rigidity
and impressive tone. It also dampens any and
all vibration that might adversely affect audio
quality. The turntable is machined from solid
duralumin for excellent audio quality, and its
spindle features a newly designed thrust
bearing system. This friction-free one-point
spindle support system ensures smooth,
noiseless turntable rotation.
Wide & Low Center-of-Gravity Design
One of the keys to achieving the quietest
mechanism in VRDS history is mechanical
grounding technology that efficiently dampens
vibration. By adopting a wide and low profile for
the mechanism’s design, the entire construction
now features a low center of gravity. The
turntable’s drive system has also been refined
and its motor moved to below the turntable
from its previous position above the bridge,
thus shortening the route for grounding
vibration and greatly reducing mechanical
noise.
Elegant Tray Mechanism Operation
The tray’s form has been designed for the least
possible resonance by minimizing hollowing,
and boasts exceptionally smooth opening and
closing operation with very little play. The use of
special vibration-damping elastomer resin also
further minimizes tray resonance during music
playback.
SS400 STEEL
TURNTABLE BRIDGE
(T: 20mm/1.8kg)
VIBRATION DAMPING
ELASTOMER
SS400 STEEL SIDE PANELS
(T: 12mm)
TRAY GUIDE SHAFT
ONE · POINT SUPPORT
THRUST BEARING
DURALUMIN TURNTABLE
ALUMINUM TRAY
ALUMINUM CENTER
BLOCK (T: 12mm)
BRUSHLESS
TURNTABLE MOTOR
Page 4
Esoteric’s premier transport, with separate power supply unit
ES-LINK5 Digital Transmission
Esoteric’s own ES-LINK digital interface utilizes
HDMI cables for signal transmission. With the
introduction of the P1X/D1X, ES-LINK has been
further upgraded to Ver. 5 and supports an even
wider range of superior sound quality formats
(Max. 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/48-bit PCM).
HDMI’s multi-conductor structure permits full
balance transmission of audio data and LR
clock and bit clock signals.
This differs from regular digital
signal modulation is not required
side and demodulation processing is not
required on the receiver side, thus dramatically
reducing digital processing loads on the DAC
side and enabling ideal digital transmission.
(P1X/D1X)
transmission as
on the sender
Dual-Chassis Construction with
Separate Power Supply
The P1X’s power supply, as a fundamental source
of vibration, has from its very first iteration been
designed and constructed as a separate yet
integral unit in order to achieve the quietest
possible disc read characteristics and higher
audio quality.
Four Independent Toroidal Power
Supply Transformers
The power supply incorporates a total of four
independent toroidal transformers, which
provide each circuit with a clean and powerful
supply of electricity.
Low-Feedback DC Regulators
Both the P1X and D1X feature low-feedback
discrete DC regulators. The reduction in feedback
level helps achieve a vibrantly energetic sound
that seemingly overflows with a sensation of
openness.
EDLC Super Capacitors
Both the P1X and D1X include EDLC* super
capacitors throughout their power supply
circuitry. The P1X utilizes a total of 38 EDLCs
(with a combined capacity of 1,400,00μF or
1.4F), while the D1X features a total of 50 EDLCs
(for a combined capacity of 1,300,000μF/1.3F)
for the pair. Through this maximization of power
supply capacity, remarkable improvements in
low-range resolution and audio quality have
been achieved.
* EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): Developed as next generation power devices for the electric vehicle industry,
these capacitors are attracting wider attention as cutting-edge
technology due to their exceptionally high capacitance.
(P1X/D1X)
(P1X/D1X)
Multilayer Chassis
Special attention has also been paid to chassis
construction as a way of thoroughly controlling
vibration. The lower chassis, where the main
components are secured, features a multilayer
structure formed of multiple steel plates.
supply transformers and other components
secured to separate layers in a three-dimensional
layout that minimizes reciprocal interference
between the various components. The enclosure’s
thick, heavyweight aluminum panels and
Esoteric’s unique pinpoint feet (Patent No. 4075477
and 3778108) further impede the transfer of
low-level vibration.
Semi Floating Top Panel
The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless
semi-floating structure that further contributes
to an open and expansive sound.
(P1X/D1X)
Power
are
(P1X/D1X)
Power supply interior
Includes high-quality
remote control with thick
aluminum panel.
(RC-1315)
Page 5
Brings out all the vibrancy and energy of the original master recordings
Master Sound Discrete DAC
The Master Sound Discrete DAC features a
totally original design that represents the
culmination of Esoteric’s quest for an original
master sound. Its high 64-bit resolution
provides vast improvements over our earlier
DAC’s 36-bit resolution, and enables support
for the latest technologies such as playback of
22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz PCM audio. All
processing is handled by Esoteric’s own FPGA
algorithm, and a discrete circuit design forgoes
the use of generic DAC ICs in order to actualize
Esoteric’s vision down to the finest detail.
High 64-Bit Resolution
How close can digital come to analog? With
Esoteric’s Master Sound Discrete DAC, this
question becomes a thing of the past. The
Master Sound Discrete DAC’s 64-bit resolution
is the highest in Esoteric history, reducing
digital rounding error to an absolute minimum
in order to enable the faithful reproduction of
the subtlest of textures.
Support for DSD 22.5 MHz DSD
and 768 kHz PCM
The Master Sound Discrete DAC easily
supports a broad range of formats, and can
provide native playback of the highest
resolution DSD master files. This impressive
performance is merely one of its superlative
attractions.
Our Aim Was to Faithfully
Reproduce All the Vibrancy and
Energy of Music.
64-bit resolution and overwhelming performance.
However, the true essence of This DAC cannot
be discussed merely in terms of its specifications.
The fundamental goal in the development of
the Master Sound Discrete DAC was to achieve
an accurate, full-bodied reproduction of all the
vibrancy and energy of music. Music is infused
with all the passion that a performer brings to a
passage, with instantaneous and
energy. We wondered if it was possible to use
higher-grade parts than integrated chips, as well
as more luxurious materials,
powerful DAC that could deliver a superlative
analog signal. This idea led us to the discrete DAC.
Esoteric’s top engineering team painstakingly
invested their very pride into realizing this
complete, full-bodied sound.
explosive
to create a more
Luxurious Materials and Powerful
Electrical Current Output
Featuring four DAC circuits per channel, their
eight circuit elements are arranged in a
semi-circle for equidistant signal transmission
within each DAC. This total of 32 circuit elements
are
arranged in two circles that present a luxurious
structure with all constituent components,
ncluding resistors, logic ICs, and power supplies,
i
separated for all 32 of the circuits. Since each
of these 32 circuits utilizes an independent
power supply circuit, the music’s full burst of
energy can be output in its purest form.
Furthermore, by selecting the same sort of
ultra-high precision resistors used in measuring
instruments, the DAC can
perform high-speed
digital arithmetic processing with greater
accuracy.
Advanced Quality Control
With a discrete DAC, where component
tolerances are directly linked to arithmetic
precision, highly advanced quality control is
also required for the manufacture of electronic
circuit boards. Esoteric’s own in-house factory
boasts some of the world’s leading board
mounting technologies, such as soldering
performed in an oxygen-free furnace, which is
located in a clean room featuring the same
level of cleanliness found in a hospital operating
Technologies cultivated in the production
room.
of electronic circuit boards for audio, medical,
aerospace, and defense industries
high production quality of the Master Sound
Discrete DAC.
support the
CLOCK PCB
PLL
Clock In
Generator / Divider / Selector
Clock
Grandioso
Custom
VCXO ll
Master
Clock
Master
Clock
DIGITAL PCB
L-R Link
ES-Link 2
ES-Link 1
XLR
RCA 2
RCA 1
Optical
USB
LVDS
Transmitter
LVDS
Receiver
LVDS
Receiver
RS-422
Receiver
DSD 22.5MHz
USB Audio I/ F
Digital
Audio
I /F
Receiver
PC/Digital
Isolator
PCM/DoP
Audio Data
Master Clock
PCM/DSD
Audio Data
Master Clock
FPGA
Audio Selector
ES-LINK Decoder
DoP Decoder
PCM Up Converter
(RDOT 2x/4x/8x/16x)
PCM to DSD Converter
(DSD512)
USB PCB
Grandioso D1X ( L ch.) Signal Block Diagram
8 Element
Discrete DAC 1
PCM
DSD
Digital /Analog
Isolator
8 Element
Discrete DAC 4
D/A
Data /Clock
FPGA
Master Sound
Discrete DAC
Modulator
D/A
Data/Clock
8 Element
Discrete DAC 2
8 Element
Discrete DAC 3
LPF
LPF
LPF
LPF
DAC PCB
+
-
+
-
2x HCLD
Selector
2x HCLD
ANALOG PCB
ESL-A
XLR
RCA
ESL-A
XLR
RCA
Page 6
e ultimate Esoteric Monoblock DAC for the ultimate in stereo playback.
Monoblock DAC
Setting its sights on achieving the highest levels
of D/A conversion capability, Esoteric created
the world’s first monoblock D/A converter
with the D-01. The latest in this lineage of
flagship D/A converters is the Grandioso D1X.
Brushed up and liberally infused with new
technologies, the D1X lets you fully enjoy the
excellent channel separation of a dual monaural
configuration coupled with truly stereophonic
sound.
in 2004
Esoteric-HCLD Output Buffer*
A fundamental element of audio quality, the
Esoteric-HCLD output buffer amp is mounted
on a separate board from the D/A converter,
and its circuits have been upgraded to double
the scale of the previous model. As an indicator
of its response speed, the buffer amp’s main
components boast an astoundingly high slew
rate of 2,000V/μs. This buffer amp also features
a four circuit parallel configuration for RCA
output, and an extravagant configuration of
two hot and cold circuits each for balanced
XLR output. This enables the D1X to approach
the very limits of powerful current-mode
transmission and speed, which are the most
important elements of an analog output circuit,
and help reproduce the full reality of music with
breathtaking dynamic range and clarity.
* HCLD: High Current Line Driver
Equipped with ES-LINK Analog for
Current Transmission of the Highest
Audio Quality
In addition to its XLR and RCA line connections
to the amplifier, the D1X has also been newly
equipped with Esoteric’s own ES-LINK Analog
transmission system. Current-mode signal
transmission is less susceptible to the effects
of signal route impedance, thus enabling more
powerful signal transmission. When
connected to supported devices, ES-LINK
Analog offers an ideal transmission system for
maximizing system potential.
Complete Isolation of Digital Circuits
and Analog Circuits
All analog circuits are electrically isolated from
the digital circuits, and separate power supplies
are used for the digital and analog circuits.
Each channel features two large and powerful
toroidal power supply transformers, which
provide a steady supply of clean power to each
corresponding circuit block.
D/D Conversion
The D1X features the ability to upconvert a
PCM digital signal up to 2, 4, 8 or 16 times
higher sampling frequency (Max.768kHz).
It also features a PCM-to-DSD conversion
function
(up to 22.5MHz), and a DSD digital filter
that can be freely switched ON or OFF.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) *
MQA is an award-winning technology that
delivers master quality audio in a file that's small
enough to stream or download. Using pioneering
scientific research into how people hear, MQA
captures and authenticates the sound of the
original studio performance. Visit mqa.co.uk
for more information.
* As of February 2019, MQA certification is currently being processed.
Support will be added via a software update as soon as certification is
complete.
USB Audio Interface Supports
22.5MHz
DSD, 768kHz/32-Bit PCM,
and Asynchronous Transmission
The D1X also includes a USB terminal for
connection to a computer or network transport,
enabling playback of studio master quality
audio sources.
Equipped with Grandioso Custom
VCXO II
The clock circuit lies at the heart of any highend digital player. Both the P1X and D1X are
equipped with newly-developed Grandioso
Custom VCXO* II clocks that incorporate a
(P1X/D1X)
large piece of crystal which features
exceedingly low phase noise characteristics
and excellent centering precision (±0.5ppm),
making it eminently suitable for such high-end
models. Additionally, improvements made to
the internal components and circuit patterns of
this custom VCXO component resulted in
further enhancements to audio quality.
Both the P1X and D1X can be connected to
the Grandioso G1 Master Clock Generator
(sold separately) for a further upgrade of
sound quality via playback synchronized to a
10MHz atomic clock.
Top view of interiorUnderside view of interior
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