ESOTERIC N-01XD Esoteric N-01XD.pdf

USB Audio Interface Supports 22.5MHz DSD
and Asynchronous Transmission

The N-01XD is further equipped with USB-B port for connecting to
a computer. The driver and Esoteric HR Audio Player (music player
application) can be downloaded for free from the Esoteric website.
The audio interface supports high sampling playback at 22.5MHz
DSD and asynchronous transmission for enabling high-fidelity
playback from even studio master quality sources. In addition to its
USB ports, three types of digital input ports (XLR ×1, coaxial × 2,
optical × 1) have also been provided for connection to a wide range
of digital devices.

High-Rigidity Chassis Design

The N-01XD features a highly rigid chassis design incorporating
thick, dual layer aluminum and steel panels and a double-deck
interior structure that both suppresses interference between
circuits and drastically shor tens power supply wiring to achieve the
ultimate in sound quality. Additionally, every slot and groove in the
chassis has been precisely laser-machined to effectively reduce
vibration. The chassis’ entire 5mm-thick steel bottom panel is
supported by our own Esoteric pinpoint feet (Patent No:J P 4 075 4 7 7,
JP377810 8) to ensure complete mechanical grounding that further
protects the unit against the effects of vibration.

Semi Floating Top Panel

The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating
structure that further contributes to the N-01XD’s open and
expansive sound.

N-01XD Network DAC

Specifications

Digital audio inputs

ES-LINK……………………………………………………………………………………… 1 pair(L/R)

Input signal formats………………………… Linear PCM (ES-LINK5) 44.1–768kHz, 48bit
DSD (ES-LINK5) 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz

XLR

………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Input signal formats……………………… Linear PCM (AES/EBU) 32 –192 kHz, 16-bit, 24-bit
DSD (ES-LINK1,ES -LINK2, DoP) 2.8 MHz

RCA ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Input signal formats…………………… Linear PCM (IEC 60958) 32 –192 kHz, 16-bit, 24-bit
DSD (DoP) 2.8MHz

Optical digital ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Input signal formats…………………… Linear PCM (IEC 60958) 32 –192 kHz, 16-bit, 24-bit

DSD (DoP) 2.8MHz

USB 2.0 or higher recommended

USB

（

Input signal formats …………………… L inear P CM 44.1 –384 kHz / 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit

DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz

Ethernet(1000BASE -T)

Input signal formats ……………Linear PCM 4 4.1 – 384kHz(ster eo) / 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit

DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11. 2M Hz, 22.5M Hz(ste reo)

Supported file formats……PCM lo ssle ss … FLAC, Ap ple Los sless ( ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MQA

DSD lossless … DSF, DSDIFF (DFF ), DoP

Compresse d audio … MP3, AAC (m4a container )

USB DRIVE ports(USB 2.0 or higher recommended)

Su pp o rt ed fil e s ys te m s…………………………………………………FAT32, exFAT and NTFS
Single partition,
USB 2.0 or higher recommended

Maximum current supply…………………………………………………………………… 0.5A

Input signal formats ……………Linear PCM 4 4.1 – 384kHz(ster eo) / 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit

DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11. 2M Hz, 22.5M Hz(ste reo)

Supported file formats……PCM lo ssle ss … FLAC, Ap ple Los sless ( ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD lossless … DSF, DSDIFF (DFF ), DoP
Compresse d audio … MP3, AAC (m4a container )

Clock input

BNC ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Freque ncies th at can be i nput (±10 ppm)……………………………………………… 10 MH z

Input impedance ……………………………………………………………………………… 50Ω

Input le vel …………………………………………… Rectangle wave: TTL level equivalent
S ine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms

Clock output

BNC ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Output level…………………………………………………… TT L level eq uivale nt (into 75 Ω)

Output frequencies…………………………………………………………… 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz

Output frequency precision………………………±0.5 p pm (when s hippe d from th e factor y)

Analog audio outputs

X L R/ ES L-A …………………………………………………………………………………… 1 pair (L/R)

RC A …………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 pair (L/R)

Output impedance ………………………………………………………… XLR: 40Ω, RCA: 15Ω

Maxi mum outp ut leve l (at 1kHz ,

Frequency response …………………………………………………… 5Hz to 75 kHz (−3 dB)

S/ N r at io ……………………………………………………………………………………… 113 d B

Di st or t io n ………………………………………………………………………… 0.0007% (1 kHz)

General

Power supply ………………………………… Model for Europe……AC 220 –240 V, 50/60 Hz
Model fo r USA/C anada……… AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Model fo r Korea……………… AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Model fo r Hong Kon g……… AC 230 V, 50 Hz
Power consumption …………………………………………………………………………… 33W

Exte rnal di mensi ons (W × H × D, in cludi ng protru sions)
445 × 162 × 438 mm (17 5/8" × 6 1/2" × 17 1 /4" )
We ig ht ……………………………………………………………………………… 26.3 kg (58 lb)

Included accessories

HDMI ca ble × 1  Power c ord × 1

Only fil es with in teger fo rmats c an be play ed.

………………………………………………………………………………… 1

…………………………………………………… 1 (Typ e B)

）

……………………………………… 2 (Type A)

10k Ω load) ……………… XLR: 5.0Vrms, R CA: 2.5Vrms

1

Network DAC

N-01XD

PROUDLY MADE IN TOKYO

ESOTERIC COMPANY

1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

www.esoteric.jp

- This product is available in three 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.

Please note that Esoteric products are only available from approved distributors in overseas territories.
“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 in this catalog are subject to copyright and other intellectual
property rights of TEAC Corporation. These materials may not be directly or indirectly published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium.
“Super Audio CD” and “DSD” are registered trademarks. "MQA" is a trademark of MQA Limited.
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-0293

We begin with the New Master Sound Discrete DAC, a system

Story of Innovation

designed completely in-house by Esoteric for lifelike reproduction
of the original performance in an ultimate network DAC
system that only Esoteric could provide.

Then introduce a Superior Sound Quality Network Module
That’s Even Further Evolved.
Combine the Ultimate Cutting-Edge Network Player and D/A
Converter Based on These Two Technologies.
The N-01XD is born.

The N-01XD is another flagship Esoteric product that combines a network

player with a stereo D/A converter to enable full enjoyment of the world of

master sound playback from various media sources, ranging from network

playback to disc playback using our Master Sound Discrete DAC.

In 2019, Esoteric launched the

second-generation of its flagship

Grandioso series (Grandioso P1X, D1X,

and K1X). The two major innovations of

its VRDS-ATLAS, an unrivaled

high-accuracy SACD transport

mechanism, and Master Sound

Discrete DAC both introduced in the “X”

edition, have firmly established Esoteric

as an industry leader.

The Master Sound Discrete DAC

features 64-bit resolution in the first

discrete DAC module designed

specifically for 22.5MHz DSD, and

completely in-house by Esoteric. An

original FPGA algorithm and large-scale

discrete circuit design were also

developed with the ultimate goal of

delivering original master-quality sound.

The new N-01XD features Esoteric’s latest network module, which

supports native playback of 22.5MHz DSD and ES-LINK digital

transmission for high-quality sound playback of SACDs when used as a

DAC in combination with an SACD transport. This makes the N-01XD more

than simply the latest model in the N series of network players, it also

represents the latest in Esoteric’s D series of highly acclaimed D/A

converters.

Mono-block Edition For D1X

PROUDLY MADE IN TOKYO

Our goal was to assemble a careful selection of rigorously tested discrete components into

a complete circuit that could perfectly reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music,

which is 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 converter.

N-01XD Signal Block Diagram

ES-LINK

L

R

CLK OUT

10MHz IN

USB

ETHERNET

USB DRIVE

Network PCB

XLR

OPTICAL

RCA 1

RCA 2

S/PDIF PCB

PCM/DSD

PCM/DSD

Clock Sync

Circuit

Grandioso

VCXOⅡ

USB

Audio I/F

MQA Decoder

Network

Player

Engine

Digital

Audio I/F

Receiver

44.1kHz/48kHz

Master Clock

PCM/ DSD

PCM

Master Clock

Master Clock

PCM/ DoP

Digital PCB

USB DRIVE

FR-USB PCB

Digital FPGA

PCM Upconverter

PCM

DSD

Converter

DoP Decoder

Rch PCM/DSD

Master Clock

Lch PCM/DSD

Master Clock

Isolator

Isolator

DAC FPGA

Master Sound
Discrete DAC

Modulator

D/A

Data/Clock

D/A

Data/Clock

D/A

Data/Clock

D/A

Data/Clock

D/A

Data/Clock

BOTTOM

Luxurious Materials and

TOP

Super Audio CD Transport P-05X

+

N-01XD

Powerful Current Output

The N-01XD’s Master Sound Discrete DAC
is the most revolutionary two-channel stereo
DAC circuit in Esoteric’s history, and is
based on the original circuit developed for

Analog Rch PCB

Analog Lch PCB

HCLDLPF

ESL-A

XLR
RCA

Selector

HCLDLPF

ESL-A

XLR

RCA

the Grandioso D1X Monoblock D/A
Converter. As an extension of the D1X’s
design philosophy, an abundance of
luxurious materials have been invested in the
construction of N-01XD’s Master Sound
Discrete DAC, including 32 separate
elements for each channel. Each of these 32
elements, including such key components
as a clock driver, logic circuitry, capacitors
and resistors, are kept independent to
ensure the purest output with virtually no
loss of musical energy.

Advanced Digital Processing
Capability

The N-01XD includes Esoteric’s exclusive ΔΣ
modulator supporting 64-bit/512Fs audio
frequency sampling. To perform D/A
conversion on par with its excellent DSD
and PCM characteristics, separate FPGA*
digital processing algorithms were
developed for each conversion process.
This enables the N-01XD to extract the
optimum sound quality from CDs, Super
Audio CDs, and networks.

*FPGA = Field-Programmable Gate Array

Unique ESOTERIC-HCLD*
Output Buffer Circuit with
Enhanced Current Transmission

The N-01XD’s 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, while the array of
EDLC** super capacitors used in the buf fer
circuit’s power supply provide a staggering
capacitance of 250,000μF per channel for
solid bass support and exceptional
reproduction of all the dynamism of music
coupled with a sense of realism that is truly
breathtaking.

*HCLD: High Current Line Driver
**EDLC: Electric Double-Layer Capacitor

High-Quality ES-LINK Analog
Current Transmission

In addition to its standard XLR and RCA line
connections, the N-01XD is also equipped
with Esoteric’s own ES-LINK Analog current
transmission system. Taking full advantage
of the robust stream of current supplied by
its HCLD buf fer circuitry makes the N-01XD
less susceptible to the detrimental effects of
signal path impedance, ensuring more pure
and powerful signal transmission that
maximizes system potential to deliver
outstanding analogue audio transmission
when connected to comparable components.

Transport Connections for
Super Audio CD Playback

The N-01XD supports Esoteric’s proprietary
ES-LINK digital wideband transmission
standard. An Esoteric transport can also be
connected using either two HDMI cables or
a single XLR cable to enable playback of
Super Audio CDs.

*ES-LINK is an ultra-wideband digital interface developed
exclusively by Esoteric. Like our flagship Grandioso D1X
Monoblock D/A Converter, the N-01XD’s ES-LINK has also been
upgraded to Version 5 to support wide-range transmission using
two HDMI cables (Max: 22.5MHz DSD or 768kHz/48-bit PCM).
The HDMI multi-cable configuration is used for fully balanced
audio data, LR clock, and bit clock signal transmission. In
contrast to regular digital transmission, no processing is required
for signal modulation at the sending side or for demodulation at
the receiving side, thus allowing a significant reduction in the
DAC’s digital processing load to help realize pure digital signal
transmission with near perfect optimization.

Full MQA Support

The N-01XD is also capable of MQA
decoding for all digital input sources. In
addition to conventional network input,
MQA-CD playback is also possible when
used in combination with a CD transport.

With network audio, you can realize the opulent dream of full access to all

your music with superior sound quality from the comfort of your listening position.

All that is required besides the audio system is a regular home LAN (such as a

Wi-Fi router), tablet or smartphone, and a NAS (Network Attached Storage)

device for storing your music library. With these components, you can easily

begin a life of relaxing music enjoyment with uncompromising quality.

The N-01XD features noticeable improvements in network playback quality,

including the latest developments in network modules that supports 22.5MHz

DSD and linear power supply technology without any switching elements.

Compatible with a Wide Range
of Audio Sources

The N-01XD is compatible with 22.5MHz
DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM playback and a
host of other formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC,
Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC and
MQA). Gapless playback capability is also
offered in all lossless formats.

Esoteric Sound Stream

Esoteric Sound Stream is an Apple
iOS/Android network playback app for
smartphones and tablets designed with an
emphasis on both sound quality and intuitive
operability. Musical tracks can be easily
selected using the smartphone/ tablet to
create a customized playlist for later playback.
All screens have been intuitively designed for
simple operation and access to playlists and
libraries, making it easy for anyone to use. Yet
it also offers an extensive range of refined
features that meet the demands of even the
most experienced users.
Key to this achievement is a superb search
and retrieval function that fully utilizes tag
information. Images can also be stored
using the app, enabling the user to instantly
scroll through album ar twork and libraries
according to artist, year of recording,
composer or other categories. This use of
tag information even allows tracks that have
the same name but different formats to be
easily identified onscreen.

PROUDLY MADE IN TOKYO

Album artwo rk cour tesy of:
© Warner M usic JapanWARNER M USIC JAPAN

Japan's largest class hi-resolutions audio distribution site
http://www.e-onkyo.com/music/

Compatible with a Wide
Selection of Audio Codecs and
Streaming Services

Esoteric has partnered with a wide array of
streaming services and audio codec
providers, and preparations are currently
underway to provide compatibility with
newer services.*

*Information on newly supported services will be released on the
Esoteric website. Please note, however, that regional restrictions
may be applied on some services.

Music Server Function*

The N-01XD has two USB-B Ports, one each
on its front and rear panels, that enable
connection of up to two large-capacity USB
storage devices (USB flash drive, external
USB HDD/SDD,etc.) for use as a music
server. This allows easy music playback even
without a separate NAS for people who find
NAS configuration to be too complicated and
troublesome.

*HDD/SDD cannot be installed inside the N-01XD unit itself.

Equipped with Four Powerful
Independent Power Supplies

The key to the powerful and deep, rich
sound provided by the N-01 and D-02X lies
in their high-performance power supplies.
The N-01XD features significant enhancements
to its power supply to ensure it delivers even
more robust, lifelike sound.
Its built-in D/A converter features a total of four
independent toroidal power transformers,
one each for the right and left channels,
digital circuits, and network module.
The DAC’s power regulator utilizes a
low-feedback DC regulator for minimizing
feedback in a discrete configuration that
uses no integrated circuits, but instead
adopts technology obtained in the
development of the Grandioso P1X Super
Audio CD Transport and D1X Monoblock
D/A Converter. The result is a powerful,
expansive sound.

Network Module Features
High-Sound-Quality Linear
Power Supply

Thanks to recent breakthroughs in the
development of our network transports, the
network module uses a new power supply
designed with linear elements customized
for audio use instead of a regulated switching
power supply. Combined with its
high-capacitance filter capacitors, Schottky
barrier diodes, EDLC (Electric Double-Layer
Capacitor) super capacitors boasting a

capacitance of 2,333,333μF, and other
high-end components, this enables the
N-01XD to deliver dramatically improved
sound quali t y.

Grandioso Custom VCXO* II

The N-01XD also includes the same
Grandioso Custom VCXO II high-precision
clock developed for the P1X and D1X, which
features extremely low levels of phase noise
and excellent centering accuracy (±0.5 ppm).
The N-01XD’s clock output enables

high-precision clock synchronization using the
Grandioso Custom VCXO II as a master unit
by simply connecting it to a transpor t with a
clock input port. An external Grandioso G1 or
G-01X Master Clock Generator can also be
connected to synchronize internal circuits with
a 10MHz clock that rivals atomic clocks in its
precision, thus realizing even higher levels of
sound quality. USB input and network
playback can also be synchronized with the
external clock.

*VCXO: Voltage-controlled crystal oscillator.

Network module, power supply designed with linear elements.