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Super Audio CD / CD Player
K-01XD
K-03XD
K-01XD / K-03 XD
Specifications
Playable disc types
Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW)
Analog audio outputs
XLR /ESL-A 1 pair (L/R)
RCA 1 pair (L/R)
Output impedance XLR : 114Ω ,RCA : 34Ω
Maximum output level XLR : 5.0Vrms ,RCA: 2.5Vrms
Audio performance (when Super Audio CD at 0 dB, DSDF is F2, XLR output)
Frequency response 5 Hz -70 kHz（ -3dB）
S/N ratio 113 dB（A-Weight）
Distortion 0.0007%（1 kHz）
Digital audio outputs
XLR 1
Output level 3 Vp-p (into 110Ω)
Output signal formats
RCA 1
Output level 0.5 Vp-p (into 75Ω)
Output signal formats
Digital audio inputs
RCA 1
Input signal formats Linear PCM (IEC 60958)32 - 192 kHz,16 bit,24 bit
DSD (DoP) 2.8MHz
OPTICAL
1
Input signal formats Linear PCM (IEC 60958)32 - 192 kHz,16 bit,24 bit
DSD (DoP) 2.8MHz
USB-B(
USB 2.0 standard)
Input signal formats Linear PCM (IEC 60958) 44.1-384 kHz/16 bit,24 bit,32 bit
DSD 2.8 MHz,5.6 MHz,11.2 MHz,22.5 MHz
Clock input
BNC 1
Frequencies that can be input(±10ppm)
10MHz
Input impedance 50Ω
Input level Sine wave (0.5 to 1.0 Vrms)
External control interface
RS-232C 1
TRIG 1(3.5mm monoral mini jack)
Model for Europe AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz
Model for USA/Canada
Model for Korea AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Model for Hong Kong
Power supply
Linear PCM (AES/EBU) 44.1kHz,16bit（CD）
Linear PCM (IEC 60958)44.1kHz,16bit（CD）
1(Type-B)
AC 120 V, 60 Hz
AC 230 V, 50 Hz
PROUDLY MADE IN TOKYO
ESOTERIC COMPANY
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan
www.esoteric.jp
Power consumption K-01XD:26W,K-03XD:25W
External dimensions (W x H x D, including protrusions)
445 ×162 × 438mm (17 5/8˝ × 6 1/2˝ × 17 1/4 ˝)
Weight K-01Xs: 31kg (68 3/8 lb) ; K-03Xs: 28kg (61 3/4 lb)
Included accessories
Power cord × 1, Remote control ×1
Please note that Esoteric products are available at limited distributors in respective countries.
“ESOTERIC”and “VRDS” are trademarks of TEAC Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
“Grandioso” is a trademark of TEAC Corporation.
©2020 TEAC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. All text, images, graphics and other materials on this catalogue are subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of TEAC Corporation. These materials shall not directly or indirectly be published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium.
“Super Audio CD” and “DSD” are registered trademarks. Bulk Pet is a registered trademark of Interface Co.,Ltd.
Other company names and product names in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
PRINTED IN JAPAN 0220O02• TECD -0299
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Traditional Esoteric Performance and
Advanced Features
VRDS-ATLAS, a superlative transport mechanism.
Esoteric’s own, in-house designed Master Sound Discrete DAC.
Since the first debut of our K-01 and K-03 Super Audio CD Players, Esoteric’s
integrated digital players have captivated listeners with their unrivaled playback of
musical sources. They have also gone on to win numerous awards as they have come
to be regarded as the gold standard of digital players around the world. This new
“XD” edition boasts even more advanced features, combining two innovative
technologies originally developed for Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso K1X model:
VRDS-ATLAS, the superlative Super Audio CD transport mechanism, and Master
Two innovative technologies,
originally developed for our flagship Grandioso models,
now combined into two new “XD” edition K series models that
deliver unrivaled performance.
Super Audio CD/CD Player
K-01XD
Sound Discrete DAC, designed completely in-house by Esoteric to provide even more
enhanced playback from digital musical sources.
The incredible dynamic range and resolution achieved by these two technologies
deliver thrilling reproduction of symphonic crescendos while reproducing an
expansive spectrum of tones and faithfully rendering the subtle details of music with
breathtaking depth and vivid realism. This broad versatility enables anyone to
confidently enjoy an endless array of musical genres, from silky-smooth arias to
pounding rock tunes. Now you too can fully experience a sound brought to life in a
new pedigree of components from the name that has captured the hearts of music
enthusiasts the world over: Esoteric.
Super Audio CD/CD Player
K-03XD
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SS400 STEEL
TURNTABLE BRIDGE
ONE POINT SUPPORT
THRUST BEARING
ALUMINUM TRAY
MECHANISM HOUSING
STEEL
VRDS Technology
VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) is a core technology of Esoteric’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms that has
been a key point of focus since the brand’s founding. The system firmly
clamps the disc onto a turntable of the same diameter, thus eliminating
both the rotational vibration of the disc itself and the effects of any
extraneous mechanical vibration. Any latent disc warpage is also
corrected by the turntable to significantly improve the relative optical
axis accuracy of the optical pickup and the disc pit surface, while also
minimizing servo current. This all combines to significantly reduce disc
read error and further enable breathtaking sound quality.
Adding VRDS-ATLAS to
the K-01/K-03 Series
The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and
improvements for over 30 years. Throughout its long, illustrious history,
one prominent highlight has been the debut of the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which offers the pinnacle of per fection and sound quality. Both
the K-01XD and K-03XD are equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms
that have been specifically customized for each model in order to carry
on the full qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in
our flagship models, the Grandioso P1X an d K1X.
Two New Versions of VRDS-ATLAS:
ATLAS 01 and ATLAS 03
Th e K- 01X D’s new ATLAS 01 disk transport features a 20mm-thick
SS400 steel bridge that is identical to that used in our high-end Grandioso models. The K-03XD’s ATLAS 03 system employs a simpler
18mm-thick bridge that requires far less machining. Both mechanisms
boast ultra-high rigidity and a weight y design to damp out any vibration
that could affect sound quality. The transport’s duralumin turntable also
has a well-earned reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid
steel bridge is larger than that for the VRDS-NEO, using a one-point
spindle bearing design that minimizes friction and rotational noise
through its point-contact thrust bearing, which utilizes the same steel
ball featured in the high-end models.
Wide, Low Center-of-Gravity Design
As the quietest and most elegant transport in VRDS history, Esoteric’s
impressive VRDS-ATLAS epitomizes the company’s resolute focus on
mechanical grounding technology in order to more effectively reduce
vibration.
Adopting a wide, low-profile design for the entire transpor t mechanism
helped achieve a lower center-of-gravity, while the relocation of the
DURALUMIN TURNTABLE
BRUSHLESS TURNTABLE
MOTOR
turntable motor to below the turntable from its previous position above
the bridge dramatically shortened the route for grounding vibration and
reducing mechanical noise. Tray hollowing has also been minimized for
increased rigidity, and special stoppers made from vibration-absorbing
elastomer cancel out resonance when the tray is in its closed position.
High-Performance Power Supply—
The Key to Sound Quality
The key to the powerful and deeply luxurious sound quality of the K
series has always been their high-performance power supplies. This
new XD edition features a significantly enhanced power supply design
that delivers even richer, more lifelike sound. The K-01XD is equipped
with a total of four high-capacity toroidal power transformers that
provide more than ample power by dedicating separate transformers to
the D/A converter’s Left and Right channels, the transport mechanism,
and the digital circuitry. The K-03XD features a total of two highcapacity toroidal power transformers with independent power supplies
for the digital and analog circuitry.
New Low-Feedback DC Regulator and
Super Capacitors
The higher capacity design of the K-01XD and K-03XD power supplies
enables remarkable improvements in sound quality with enhanced
resolution in the lower ranges. Their low-feedback DC power regulators
minimize feedback in a discrete configuration that does away with integrated circuits by utilizing technology originally developed for the Grandioso P1X/D1X, resulting in a powerful, expansive sound. A total of 71
high-capacitance super capacitors are used in the K-01XD (total
capacitance: 1,850,000μF), while the K-03XD uses 26 super capacitors
(total capacitance: 650,000 μF).
Chassis Construction and Parts Layout
The VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism is centrally located within the
chassis, where it is fixed to a 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and supported by three proprietary pinpoint feet (patent no. 4075477 and
3778108). This effectively isolates the rotational mechanism from vibration. The internal structure of the chassis features a double deck
design, with the audio boards on the upper level and power supply
circuits and transformers on the lower level to minimize magnetic flux
leakage and vibration, while also shortening power supply wiring.
Semi -Floating Top Panel
The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating structure
that further contributes to an open and expansive sound.
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Bringing out all the dynamics and energy of the original master recordings.
Top (K-01XD) Bottom (K-01XD)
K-01XD Dual-mono D / A converter based on the latest platform
K-01XD/ K-03XD Signal Block Diagram
VRDS-ATLAS
Mechanism
CD / SACD
RCA
XLR
CLOCK
USB
OPTICAL
RCA
TRIG
CD / SACD
Playback
Circuit
Digita l
Audio I/F
Transmitter
Clock Sync
Circuit
VCXO
USB Audio I/F
MQA Decoder
Digital
Audio I/F
Receiver
RS-232C
PCM/DSD
Master Clock
PCM
Master Clock
PCM/DoP
PCM
Master Clock
PCM/DoP
REMOTE PCB
DIGITAL PCB
Digital FPGA
PCM Upconverter
PCM
DSD
Converter
DoP Decoder
Rch PCM/DSD
Master Clock
Lch PCM/DSD
Master Clock
DAC FPGA
Master Sound
Discrete DAC
Modulator
DAC FPGA
Master Sound
Discrete DAC
Modulator
D/A
Data/Clock
Data/Clock
Data/Clock
Data/Clock
Data/Clock
Master Sound Discrete DAC
Bringing out all the dynamics
and energy of music.
Our goal was to assemble a carefully chosen selection of rigorously
tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly
reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music —something simply
unattainable using ordinary integrated chips. Our top engineering teams
put their pride on the line to design and produce a quality of sound that
can only be found in our Master Sound Discrete DAC discrete D/A con-
with Enhanced Current Transmission
The ESOTERIC-HCLD output buffer amplifier boasts an astonishing
high-speed slew rate (response speed) of 2,000V/µs. Current transmission and speed—the most important factors in the design of any analog
output circuit—have been pushed to the limits to reproduce the reality
of music with a dynamic range that is truly breath
*
HCLD: High Current Line Driver
Unique ESOTERIC-HCLD*
Output Buffer Circuit
taking.
verter.
High-Quality ES-LINK Analog Super Current
Luxurious Materials for
Powerful Electrical Current Output
The Master Sound Discrete DAC was first introduced in the Grandioso
D1X as the most innovative DAC in Esoteric history, and its astoundingly
realistic sound quality has consistently drawn rave reviews for causing
listeners to feel as if they were at an actual live performance. The
versions featured in the K-01XD and K-03XD both use a simpler circuit
configuration that incorporates the ver y essence of that found in the K1X
to carry these 01 and 03 series models to new heights. Consisting of 32
elements per channel, each DAC element includes clock drivers, logic
ANALOG RCH PCB
ANALOG LCH PCB
D/A
HCLDLPF
D/A
ESL- A
XLR
RCA
D/A
Selector
ESL-A
XLR
RCA
circuits, capacitors, resistors, and other component parts, while each
group of 32 elements is kept isolated from the main parts. In keeping
with D1X design philosophy, these DACs are packed with a luxurious
selection of state-of-the-art components to ensure the pure, effor tless
output of boundless musical energy. Only select, premium-grade highsound-quality parts are used in the K-01XD, for an uncompromising
sound that is one step above.
Advanced Digital Processing
Th e K1X’s independently developed Delta-Sigma(ΔΣ) modulator
supports 64-bit/512Fs and the latest high-end digital formats, including
of 22.5MHz DSD signals. The FPGA’s* dedicated digital processing
algorithm was developed exclusively for the Master Sound Discrete
DAC, and has been fully optimized for outstanding playback of both
DSD and PCM digital audio data. *
FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array
In addition to their XLR and RCA amplifier line connections, the K-01XD
and K-03XD also feature Esoteric’s the ES-LINK Analog method of
current transmission. Taking full advantage of the HCLD buffer circuit’s
powerful current supply ensures that both models are less susceptible
to the detrimental effects of impedance on the signal route. It also
enables a more powerful signal transmission, fully driving connected
compatible devices.
Grandioso Custom VCXO* II
A high-accuracy clock circuit is the key to achieving superlative sound
quality in digital audio playback, making it truly the hear t of any highend digital player. The K-01XD and /K-03XD both features the superb
Grandioso Custom VCXO II clock originally developed for the Grandioso
P1X/D1X. This clock was developed with carefully considered modifications made to the internal circuitry and components of other earlier
models to more vividly emphasize each player’s ultimate audio quality
while further boasting remarkably low phase noise and excellent center
precision (±0.5ppm).
Both models can also be connected to a Master Clock Generator
(G-01X or G-02X ) for playback, with internal circuits synchronized to a
10MHz clock that features the same high precision as an atomic clock,
enabling further pursuit of the highest sound quality.
*
VCXO: Voltage Control-type Crystal Oscillator
Transmission
External Input D/A Conversion,
HCLDLPF
With a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked to
D/A
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 room. Technologies cultivated in the
Advanced Quality Control
Both models offer a wide range of digital inputs, including USB ports
that support 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission, enabling
use as a D/A converter. Functions to upconvert a PCM digital signal to
2, 4, 8, and 16 times higher bitrates (Max. 768kHz) and to convert PCM
to DSD are also included. Both models are also compatible with
MQA-CD decode playback and full MQA decoding for playback of various digital inputs including USB.
production of electronic circuit boards for audio, medical, aerospace,
and defense industries support the high production quality of the
Master Sound Discrete DAC.
USB Ports, Multiple D/D
Conversion Options, MQA Support
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