Esoteric X-05 Brochure

New Product Information

Super Audio CD/CD Player

X-05

The new “X-05,” an integrated player featuring VRDS-NEO/VMK-5 and dual mono DACs!

VRDS-NEO "VMK-5” mechanism – incorporating high
reliability and exceptionally quiet turntable rotation

The VRDS-NEO “VMK-5” mechanism is a completely new
development by ESOTERIC and an evolution of 20 years of
ESOTERIC turntable disc drive mechanisms. The new “VMK-5”
is optimized for high speed disc rotation of Super Audio CD
software, incorporating a high precision aluminum turntable. The
polycarbonate anti-resonance disc clamp is attached to the
turntable to reduce unwanted resonance associated with single
material turntable design. As a result of this engineering
implementation, the “VMK-5” keeps the rotational inertia within a
minimum level, as compared to conventional designs. This
ensures high reliability, controlled resonance and extremely quiet
operation.

Highly rigid BMC + steel hybrid turntable bridge component

The turntable bridge component incorporates a highly rigid BMC
(Bulk Molding compound) + a steel hybrid material design. The
BMC has a high specific gravity and high internal loss, helping
to enable high precision cast molding. This hybrid design
reduces unwanted motor noise and vibration, while ensuring
very smooth turntable rotation.

ESOTERIC’s proprietary disc loading mechanism

The series of operation from the tray closing (opening), to the
disc clamping (release), is managed by a unique disc loading
mechanism which uses ESOTERIC’s proprietary “differential
gear” system. This “differential gear” system enables
exceptionally smooth disc loading operation thanks to the
seamless engagement of the tray and disc clamp gears during
the entire loading operation.
(JP PAT. 2861798 TEAC CORPORATION).

Turntable motor spindle design

The turntable motor is placed under the turntable and the
spindle is temporarily disconnected from the turntable to accept
the disc during loading operation (PAT. Pend.). With this
implementation, the “VMK-5” applies VRDS technology in a
compact and low-profile design. The short spindle shaft design
contributes to very stable turntable rotation, eliminating vibration
and random movements associated with long shaft designs.
The spindle motor incorporates a FG (Frequency generation),
sensor enabling self detection of rotational speed. This design
provides ultra fast motor response and optimal speed control
capability. By comparison, conventional mechanisms cannot
detect motor speed before reading disc information.

Pickup structure designed to prevent laser optical axis
tilting during lens movement

ESOTERIC developed an ingenious component structure for
driving the pickup lens using a highly accurate shaft-mounted
laser pickup assembly. This system ensures that the laser optical
axis is always positioned at the very center of the pit track for
optimal reading, making it possible to minimize the adverse
effects of disc surface shaking and offset tracking. This highly
accurate pickup system design (also used by ESOTERIC in the
P-01 and the P-03 transports), and vibration-free VRDS turntable
are the primary factors defining the outstanding mechanical
performance of the X-05.

2 channel dedicated analog audio output / Precise imaging
and deeper sound stage

The D/A converter incorporate Cirrus Logic’s 24-bit / 192 kHz
processing DAC device, model CS4398 in a dual mono
configuration. The analog audio output circuits are also in a dual
mono configuration producing exceptionally good channel
separation. This 2 channel dedicated circuit design contributes to
precise imaging and a deeper sound stage for the X-05.

Rich and high speed power supply capability

The large toroidal transformer has a highly efficient power supply
capability. This provides electric power to the drive mechanism
and audio circuits very quickly, without adding noise or distortion
to the signal path.

Black version available April 2008

Word synchronization

The X-05 features a WORD SYNC input terminal to accept an incoming external WORD clock signal. The input can operate with 44.1 /

88.2 / 100 / 176.4 kHz clock signals. The unit can also operate using an ESOTERIC original 100 kHz Universal Clock signal (Single freq.
compatible w/ SACD/CD and DVD). The incoming ultra-stable clock signal produced by external components such as a master clock
sync generator, effectively upgrade the unit, delivering higher performance with better detail and a more natural sound. Because master
clocks generate a signal to re-time the DAC and transport, acoustic transparency, staging, imaging and detail often improve.

Highly rigid chassis construction for optimal resonance control capability

The X-05 front panel is made of thick extruded aluminum. This helps to insure chassis rigidity which reduces unwanted resonance and
provides a stronger support structure for the center mounted VRDS mechanism. The top and side panels are made of 5 mm thick
aluminum. The bottom chassis features a heavy duty 5 mm thick steel plate. The toroidal transformer support base also features 5 mm
steel plate for better resonance absorption. Combined with three pinpoint isolation feet made of quenched steel, this chassis design
helps to isolate the unit from external vibrations, allowing precise mechanism mounting and highly-rigid, resonance-free system
construction. The VRDS-NEO “VMK-5” and its operation are visible from the top panel window. The mechanism is illuminated with
LEDs during disc load and unload operations, enhancing both its mechanical and cosmetic appeal.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
System Super Audio CD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW

Output terminals

XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1
RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1

Maximum output level 2.2 Vrms / 10kΩ (1 kHz, full scale)

Audio output (analog audio)

Frequency response 5 Hz to 80 kHz （Super Audio CD, DSD mode direct）
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 130 dB (Super Audio CD, 1 kHz, JEITA)
Dynamic range 107 dB (Super Audio CD, 1 kHz, JEITA)
Total harmonic distortion 0.001% (Super Audio CD, 1 kHz, JEITA)
OPTICAL Optical digital jack x 1

Audio output (digital audio)

COAXIAL RCA jack x 1

Multi-channel output (optional)

i.LINK (AUDIO) terminal / 4-Pin x 1
i.LINK (AUDIO) terminal / 6-Pin x 1

Input terminal BNC jack x 1

Word synchronization input format

Input frequency 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 100ｋHz (rectangular wave)
Input level TTL level / 75 ohms

Europe model AC 230V, 50Hz

General

Power supply

Power consumption 15W

U.S.A./Canada model AC 120V, 60Hz
Korea model AC 220V, 60Hz

External dimensions (W×H×D) 442 x 153 x 353 mm
Weight 17 kg

- Design and specifications are subject to change without notice - Weight and dimensions are approximate.

47 Ochiai 1-chome, Tama-shi,

TEAC ESOTERIC COMPANY

Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

Fax: [phone] www.teac.co.jp/av/