The Esoteric K-01XS Super Audio CD player incorporates cutting-edge electro-acoustic technologies and is designed for enthusiasts who seek true music fidelity, as well as for discerning audiophiles. The original K-01 model was unveiled in 2010, and it underwent enhancements in 2014, earning the designation ‘X' in its name. Since its launch, this series of components has established itself as a benchmark in the realm of ultra-high-end digital sources, garnering numerous prestigious awards globally.
The latest iteration of the player, designated with the Xs suffix, marks the third generation of this model, enhanced through cutting-edge engineering insights gained from the flagship Grandioso K1. A standout feature of the new Esoteric K-01XS is its entirely redesigned DAC, which utilizes the innovative architecture originally crafted for the Grandioso K1. This is paired with an advanced chipset (AK4497 with eight DACs per channel), a more robust power supply, the capability to transmit an analog current signal via the ES-LINK interface, and superior specifications for the input digital stream on the USB interface (DSD – 22.5 MHz, PCM – 32 bit / 768 kHz).
The front panel now features a modern Organic EL display that enhances the clarity of the text. Other significant attributes remain unchanged, including the acclaimed in-house SACD transport VRDS-NEOVMK-3.5-20S, a powerful power transformer, four dedicated power supplies, and 35-bit digital-to-analog (D/A) processing, which offers 2,048 times the precision of 24-bit. Additionally, it includes the innovative ESOTERIC HLCD buffer amplifier, a high-precision clock generator, and a super-rigid aluminum chassis. With these groundbreaking advancements, the ESOTERIC K-01XS SACD player elevates the standard for sound reproduction quality in high-end audio equipment.
The K series incorporates the full spectrum of ESOTERIC's expertise in mechatronics and audio technology, utilizing cutting-edge materials, including the DAC, without regard for component costs. This series elevates the experience of 2-channel playback to unprecedented heights, excelling in both high-resolution audio file reproduction and disc playback. The Esoteric K-01XS is designed to satisfy the most discerning music enthusiasts and audio purists, serving as a premier digital source and player within a single unit.
Specifications:
- Playback: Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)
- Analog audio outputs:
- XLR connectors (2 channels) × 1
- RCA connectors (2 channels) × 1
- Output impedance:
- XLR: 40 Ohm
- RCA: 10 Ohm
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz (±3 dB)
- S/N ratio: 117 dB
- Distortion (THD): 0.0006% (1 kHz)
- Digital audio outputs:
- XLR connector × 1, 3 Vp-p (into 110 Ω)
- Coaxial RCA, 0.5 Vp-p / 75 Ohm
- Digital audio inputs:
- RCA connector × 1 (input impedance 75 Ω), 0.5 Vp-p
- Optical digital output: 24.0 – 14.5 dBm peak
- USB-B connector, USB 2.0, 192 kHz / 24 bit, asynchronous
- Word sync input:
- BNC, impedance 75 Ohm
- TTL square wave, sine wave: 0.5 – 1.0 Vrms / 50 – 75 Ohm
- Sync frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 10 MHz, 22.5792 MHz, 24.576 MHz (accuracy ±15 ppm)
- Power consumption: 230 V, 50 Hz, 27 W
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 445 × 162 × 438 mm
- Weight: 31 kg
Share your thoughts on this product
Do you own this product or maybe have questions about it? Feel free to share your comments below.