Description
VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism + the Master Sound Discrete DAC The K-03XD has now evolved into the latest SE model with advanced sound quality.
Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high quality sound reproduction. The Esoteric brand is known for its outstanding acoustic engineering that has sustained its reputation and prestige, its massive investment without regard to cost, its “museum quality” craftsmanship, and its beautiful designs worthy of music reproduction.
Esoteric has brought a number of highly original innovations to the world of high-end audio, including the legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits; it is no exaggeration to say that Esoteric’s history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.
Finally, the SE versions of the K-01XD and K-03XD are now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analog circuitry in the DAC. We are proud of our brand and always strive for the best sound. The SE models we are releasing this time reflect every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
Icon of the brand
The quality and attention to detail of Esoteric products reflect our respect for all music lovers and the pride of Japanese craftsmen who are passionate about high quality sound reproduction. Ultimately, Esoteric products should be the final destination that all audiophiles and music lovers aspire to.
For Esoteric, the word “tradition” means purifying the essence through constant innovation. – In this sense, the K Series is our most “traditional” product. The ultimate in precision engineering, epitomized by the VRDS technology. Unique discrete circuits that express the richness of musical texture. A powerful power supply that is the key to dynamic sound reproduction. A remarkably massive chassis that has no regard for cost, and a cool, elegant finish that combines a variety of machining processes. With all these features, the K Series is the icon of the Esoteric brand and continues the line of digital disc players that Esoteric has been updating and producing since its inception.
Since its introduction in 2010, the K Series has been acclaimed for its exceptional music reproduction capabilities and has established itself as the reference digital player in the world. Enjoy our signature sound that has captivated music lovers around the world.
icon)- “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 03)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 18 mm turntable bridge
- “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
- Up-graded DAC board with premium grade parts
- Super high slew-rate, “Esoteric-HCLD” high current line driver (2,000V/μs)
- “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
- “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
- Clock sync function
- Two independent toroidal power supply transformers (for digital and analog circuits)
- Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
- 26 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF＝0.65F)
- Up-sampling function (x2/x4/x8/x16, max. 768kHz), PCM to DSD (22.5MHz) convert function
- USB Type-B port supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission
- RC-1333 double-face remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.
* EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): A special capacitor with tremendous large capacitance compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors for audio equipment. A special capacitor that boasts an astonishingly large capacitance compared to ordinary audio electrolytic capacitors.
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 focus of the brand since its inception. The system firmly clamps the disc to a platter of the same diameter, 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 errors and further enable breathtaking sound quality.
VRDS-ATLAS
The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and improvement for over 30 years. During its long and illustrious history, one of the most important highlights was the introduction of the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which represents the pinnacle of perfection and sound quality. The K-03XD is equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms that have been specially adapted for this model, in order to inherit all the qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in our flagship models, the Grandioso P1X SE and the K1X SE.
ATLAS 03
The K-03XD SE’s new ATLAS 03 disc transport features an 18mm SS400 steel bridge. The mechanism features ultra-high rigidity and a heavy-duty design to dampen any vibrations that could affect sound quality. The transport’s duralumin platter also has a well-deserved reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid steel bridge is larger than that of the VRDS-NEO, and it uses a single-point spindle bearing design that minimizes friction and rotational noise through its point-contact thrust bearing system, the same design as the high-end models.
Wide Design with a Low Center of Gravity
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 to more effectively reduce vibration.
The adoption of a wide, low-profile design for the entire transport mechanism helped achieve a lower center of gravity, while the relocation of the turntable motor from its previous position above the bridge to below the turntable dramatically shortened the path for grounding vibration and reduced mechanical noise. Tray cavities have also been minimized for increased rigidity, and special vibration-absorbing elastomer stoppers cancel out resonance when the tray is in the closed position.
Large-Scale Power Circuitry, the Key to Sound Quality
The key to the sound quality of the K Series, which boasts a powerful, sculpted, three-dimensional sound, lies in its powerful power supply. In the SE model, the power supply section has also been brushed up, adding even more depth to the tone. The K-03XD SE has a total of two large toroidal power transformers that supply power to the digital and analog circuits independently.
Low-Feedback DC Regulator and Super Capacitors
The power supply uses a low-feedback design for a powerful, open sound in a discrete configuration with no integrated circuitry. A total of 26 super capacitors (total capacitance 650,000μF＝0.65F) are installed to improve low-frequency resolution and achieve a remarkable improvement in sound quality.
Chassis Construction and Layout of the Circuit Blocks
The VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism is centrally located within the chassis. It is mounted on a 5mm thick steel base plate and supported by three proprietary Pinpoint Feet (Patent #4075477 and #3778108). Pinpoint Feet integrate a spike and saucer to provide effective mechanical grounding of vibrations. These feet are not bolted to the baseplate, but are held in place by the weight of the chassis when installed. By avoiding the stress concentration caused by screwing the Pinpoint Foot body into the large surface area of the baseplate, a more open sound is created. The internal structure of the chassis features a double-deck design, with the audio circuit boards on the upper level and the power supply circuits and transformers on the lower level to minimize magnetic flux leakage and vibration, while also shortening the power supply wiring.
Semi-Floating Top Panel
The top panel of the chassis uses a screwless semi-floating structure, which further contributes to an open and dynamic sound.
Spec description
| Playable disc types | Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW) |
| Anaog audio outputs | |
| XLR/ESL-A | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Output impedance | 114Ω |
| Maximum output level | 5.0Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ loaded) |
| RCA | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Output impedance | 34Ω |
| Maximum output level | 2.5Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ loaded) |
| Digital audio outputs | |
| XLR | 1 |
| Output impedance | 3Vp-p (110Ω loaded) |
| Output signal formats | Linear PCM (AES/EBU) 44.1kHz,16-bit（CD） |
| RCA | 1 |
| Output impedance | 0.5Vp-p (75Ω loaded) |
| Output signal formats | Linear PCM (IEC60958) 44.1kHz,16-bit（CD） |
| Digital audio inputs | |
| RCA | 1 |
| Input signal formats | |
| Linear PCM | 32k to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD | 2.8MHz (DoP) |
| OPTICAL | 1 |
| Input signal formats | |
| Linear PCM | 32k to 192kHz, 16/24-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD | 2.8MHz (DoP) |
| USB B | 1 (USB2.0 supported) |
| Input signal formats | |
| Linear PCM | 44.1k to 384kHz, 16/24/32-bit (IEC60958) |
| DSD | 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz |
| Clock input | |
| BNC | 1 |
| Input impedance | 50Ω |
| Frequencies that can be input (±10ppm) | 10MHz |
| Input level | 0.5 to 1.0Vrms (Sine wave) |
| External control interface | |
| RS-232C | 1 (Please see here for command table) |
| Trigger | 1 (3.5mm Monaural mini jack) |
| General | |
| Power supply | |
| Model for Europe | AC 220 to 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Model for US/Canada | AC 120V, 60Hz |
| Model for Korea | AC 220V, 60Hz |
| Model for Hong Kong | AC 230V, 50Hz |
| Power consumption | 25W |
| External dimensions (W×H×D) | 445 × 162 × 438mm 17-⅝” × 6-½” × 17-¼” (including protrusions) |
| Weight | 28kg / 61-¾ lb |
| Included accessories | Power cord set × 1 Remote control (RC-1333) × 1 AA batteries × 2 Felt pads × 3 Owner’s manual × 1 Warranty card × 1 |
Audio performance
| Frequency response | 5Hz to 30kHz (–3dB, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output) |
| S/N ratio | 113dB (A-weight, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output) |
| Distortions | 0.0007% (1kHz, Super Audio CD, 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output) |
*Design and specification subject to change without notice.
