Beskrivning
It brings out the best in each piece of equipment that makes up the system, bringing an exceptional experience that eliminates the existence of the audio system in a pleasant sense of unity with the music, – It is the most important role of the preamplifier as the command center of the audio system.
The C1X is the flagship model of ESOTERIC’s preamplifiers. It bears the proud ESOTERIC trademark ”Grandioso”. The Grandioso C1X is a reference standard for the next generation, featuring a carefully designed dual balanced circuit, a complete dual mono configuration, a powerful buffer amplifier and power supply circuit to drive the power amplifiers, and ES-LINK Analog current transmission that challenges the limits of fidelity. It is a flagship preamplifier that incorporates all of ESOTERIC’s wisdom and numerous technological innovations.
The Grandioso C1X ”solo” edition is housed in an integrated chassis without changing the internal circuit configuration of the original C1X, as well as its five independent power transformer configurations for each circuit block, achieving an elegant and beautiful size form factor while maintaining the C1X’s signature sound.
- Full dual monoblock configuration in a one-piece chassis
- Dual-balanced configuration with 4 circuits per channel for thorough low noise
- ”Ultra-Fidelity Attenuator System” with 1,120 steps @ 0.1dB intervals
- Discrete amplifier module ”IDM-01”
- 3 inputs and 2 outputs of ES-LINK Analog, a unique and proprietary current transmission system
- 2,000V/µs slew rate current transmission enhanced output buffer circuit
- ESOTERIC-HCLD (High Current Line Driver)
- 2 XLR outputs and 2 ES-LINK Analog outputs for a multi-power amplifier system
- 5 transformers: 4 large-capacity toroidal transformers for audio system and 1 R-core transformer for control system
- Input switching circuit with FET elements eliminates coloration of sound quality by relays
- Smooth feeling control knob with high precision ball bearings
- Gain adjustment per input: ±18dB (0.1dB step), and L/R balance adjustment: ±6dB (0.1dB step)
- AV-thru function that allows the coexistence of AV surround and pure 2-channel (selectable input terminals)
- Editable source device names on the readout
- Various functions such as dimmer function, mute function, automatic display OFF setting, etc.
- Large volume font for better visibility
- RS-232C terminal for external control
- DC Trigger input/output for system Power ON/OFF including power amplifier
- Double-face remote control to operate ESOTERIC source devices (RC-1334)
Attenuator module ”UFA-1792”
The core of the Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System is the UFA-1792, an original module that integrates a fixed-resistance switching attenuator into an integrated circuit. The internal fixed resistance can be switched in 0.1dB/1,120 steps, which means that the volume can be adjusted in astonishingly fine, nearly infinite steps, compared to a typical attenuator module which offers about 0.5dB/100 steps. In addition, as an original module, everything from materials, layout and internal circuit patterns has been uncompromisingly scrutinized to achieve the resolution and tone quality befitting a top-of-the-line preamplifier.
Amplifier module ”IDM-01”
The heart of the preamplifier’s amplification circuit is the original module ”Integrated Discrete-Amplifier Module IDM-01”. Carefully selected materials, circuit patterns, and layout, thoroughly implement the ESOTERIC’s sound philosophy, just like a discrete amplifier, and the extremely short signal path which is the beauty of integrated circuits, allows dynamic and delicate amplification of musical vibrancy.
Dual balanced circuits with 4 circuits per channel
Based on these two original new module technologies described in above, a lot of materials suitable for a flagship model are employed. The Grandioso C1X solo is configured with a dual balanced preamplifier circuit that employs four Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System per channel. All input signals are balanced and internally transmitted with low impedance to minimize noise effects, while the dual balanced configuration employing the best module technology is completely free from gang errors and crosstalk; noiseless, powerful, and above all, and firmly transmits the vibrancy of music to the power amplifier.
Parallel-drive ESOTERIC-HCLD for driving power amplifier
Many audiophiles have experienced the sound of speakers that were previously unplayable when the preamplifier was changed. Audibly, the preamplifier has a great influence on the drive power of the system, and a good preamplifier will make the speakers sound great.
The Grandioso C1X solo maximizes the driving power of the power amplifiers by applying the largest possible amount of material to the output buffer amplifiers. The output buffer amplifier employs the ESOTERIC-HCLD (High Current Line Driver), which is renowned for its excellent drive capability and 180MHz wide range, and boasts an astonishingly high-speed slew rate of 2,000V/μs. This powerful buffer amplifier is installed in a parallel configuration for a single signal line, while the output buffer amplifier has an independent power supply section, – with two dedicated large toroidal power transformers in independent left and right configurations. The C1X solo’s output buffer amplifier, which boasts the powerful current output capability befitting a flagship, fully powers the power amplifier and the speakers beyond it, conveying to the audience an unprecedented level of vibrancy.
Powerful power supply section
ESOTERIC believes that 70% of the sound quality of a preamplifier is determined by the design of the power supply section. The C1X solo consists of a total of five main components: left and right input/output amplifiers and a control section. All five of these are powerfully driven by five independent power transformers for each section (audio system: toroidal core, control system: R core).
By separating the power supply for each section and investing far more power supply capacity than intrinsically required, mutual interference between circuit blocks is fundamentally eliminated, resulting in extremely pure and dynamic sound quality. In addition, carefully selected parts appropriate for a flagship model, such as the high-capacity Grandioso custom block capacitors and Schottky barrier diodes, are employed in pursuit of high sound quality.
ES-LINK Analog
With the flagship Grandioso separate amplifier, ESOTERIC is breaking new ground by pushing the limits of fidelity in pre-power transmission. The ES-LINK Analog, ESOTERIC’s unique and proprietary current transmission method, is ideal for pre-power transmission, where the signal level is extremely low in actual use, and transmits approximately 100 times more current than ordinary voltage transmission. Therefore, it is less susceptible to noise, and all the energy of the music is sent from the preamplifier to the power amplifier. In addition, the output signal from the preamplifier and the input signal to the power amplifier are extremely identical because, in principle, they are not affected by the impedance of the connecting cables.
Spec description
| Analog audio inputs | |
| XLR/ES-LINK Analog | × 3 pairs |
| Input impedance | 50kΩ |
| Input sensitvity | 500mV (at rated output) |
| Maximum input level | 11.7V |
| RCA | × 2 pairs |
| Input impedance | 500kΩ |
| Input sensitvity | 500mV (at rated output) |
| Analog audio outputs | |
| XLR | × 2 pairs |
| Output inpedance | 30Ω |
| Rated output | 2V |
| Maximum output level | 17V (1kHz, 0.003%) |
| ES-LINK Analog | × 2 pairs |
| Output impedance | 30Ω |
| Extrenal control | |
| RS-232C | |
| Connector | S-sub 9pin × 1 |
| Trigger input | |
| Connector | 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 1 |
| Input level | 12V, 2mA |
| Trigger output | |
| Connector | 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 2 |
| Output level | 12V, Total 100mA maximum |
| General | |
| Power | |
| AC 120V, 60Hz | |
| AC 220-240V, 50Hz | |
| Power consumption | 22W |
| Standby power | 0.3W when RS-232C Remote control is disabled, 1.0W when enabled |
| Overall dimension (W×H×D) | 445 × 132 × 449mm (including protrusions) |
| Weight | 27.5kg |
| Included accessories | Power cord × 1 Remote control (RC-1334) × 1 AA batteries × 2 Felt pads × 4 Owner’s manual × 1 Warranty card × 1 |
Audio performance
| Frequency response | 1Hz to 150kHz (–3dB, XLR) |
| S/N ratio | 120dB (2V input, IHF-A, XLR) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.00035% |
| Gain | +12dB |
* Design and specification are subject to change without notice.
