Esoteric C-02X Stereo Linestage Preamplifier Made In Japan

C-02X

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier

Prestige line

Grandioso Lineage

Representing the next generation in a proud lineage of audio excellence, the C-02X Stereo Linestage Preamplifier and its matching Stereo Power Amplifier S-02 feature state-of-the-art circuitry in a discrete dual mono configuration that dramatically conveys all the power and energy of music. Assembled one at a time in ESOTERIS's Tokyo factory and incorporating all the knowledge and technology of the flagship Grandioso line, these two new models accentuate the refined qualities of audio reporduction with expert draftsmanship and handmade precision.

The preamplifier is a crucial component that determines the ‘sound’ of an audio system, and represents the passion and commitment of its makers. As the crowning achievement of the Esoteric Sound, the Grandioso C1 opened new horizons for ‘Made in Japan’ preamplifiers. Now, this expressive power gives birth to the next-generation C-02X; a stereo preamplifier created to transcend the concept of high fidelity and resonate with the refined sensibilities of engineers and musicians alike.

代表著卓越音頻系譜的下一代，C-02X立體聲前級擴大機與S-02立體聲後級擴大機，分離的雙單聲道結構搭配頂級電路，豐沛地傳遞音樂所有的力量與能量。

於Esoteric東京工廠中一次一套精緻組裝，採用Grandioso旗艦系列所有知識與科技，兩個全新型號透過專業工藝與手工製作的精準度，讓淬鍊的音頻再生品質更加突出。

前級是決定音響系統「音質」的關鍵配備，也代表了製造者的熱情與投入，作為Esoteric Sound的最高成就，Grandioso C1開啟了「Made in Japan」前級擴大機的全新視野，現在，這樣的表現力催生了下一代的C-02X，超越高保真概念所創造的立體聲前級擴大機，讓工程師與音樂家細緻的情感產生共鳴。

Independent Dual Mono Design

The C-02X's DC power supply features a fully independent dual mono design that completely eliminates inter-channel interference. Its dedicated bank of five generously rated power transformers for each channel also blocks noise from the power line, enabling a pure, natural amplified sound. Grandioso technology reveals itself in such detailed refinements as the careful layout of the power supply circuit boards, which further contribute to the C-02X's superb sound quality.

左/右獨立的雙單聲道設計
C-02X的DC電源供應搭配了完全獨立的雙單聲道設計，能完全刪除內部聲道之間的干擾，每聲道專屬的五個額定電源變壓器，隔離了電源線的噪音，實現純淨、自然的放大音質。精密的細節中能充分體現Grandioso科技，像是電源供應電路板的精心布局，更進一步實現了C-02X超群的聲音品質。

Fully-Balanced Configuration Provides Excellent S/N Ratio

The preamplifier's source signal is first received by dedicated buffer amplifiers integrated with each input, from which the circuit configuration is balanced at each stage. Through the elimination of common-mode noise and reductions in circuit impedance, a pure, noise-free signal is fed to the gain amplifiers via the shortest path possible, for an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio.
Version-up service is available that changes the RCA3 Input into MM/MC-compatible PHONO input.

全平衡結構
提供完美的訊噪比
每組輸入透過全平衡方式的輸入緩衝擴大電路接收訊號，並以低阻抗維持平衡傳輸，因此所有輸入都沒有共模雜訊。純淨、無噪音的訊號通過最短通道傳送到增益放大器，能夠擁有極高的訊噪比。

ESOTERIC-QVCS

The C-02X's Esoteric-QVCS* volume control employs four precision switched resistor ladder networks, which change in unison as the volume knob is rotated. This arrangement allows the signal paths for the left and right channels and their positive and negative phases to be kept totally independent and as short as possible. Consequently the sound has superb clarity, excellent channel separation and highly accurate phase characteristics. The elimination of audio board wiring to the volume control further contributes to a reduced signal path, while preventing degradation of sound quality and helping to maintain the low distortion one would expect of a reference model.
* QVCS: Quad Volume Control System

Esoteric-QVCS
C-02X的Esoteric-QVCS(*)音量控制採用四組獨立梯形電路，轉動音量旋鈕時，可調整四組電路的增益－左聲道與右聲道、正端與負端訊號都會動作。這樣的方式音量系統保持了音響訊號的獨立(左右與正負端)，得到優異的聲道分離度以及正確的相位響應，並純淨的重現音樂訊號。此外取消了電路板至音量控制裝置的接線，徹底的縮短了音響訊號路徑並將音質劣化降至最低，完全符合您對旗艦款的期待。
*QVCS 四重音量控制系統

Ultra-Low-Noise Logic Control

Built into the front panel, the logic control section is totally isolated, both physically and electronically, from the preamplifier module by way of an optocoupler. To assure low-noise operation, it also shuts completely down when not in actual operation, thus eliminating all possible influence on the C-02X's audio circuitry.

極低噪訊的邏輯控制
整個Esoteric-QVCS控制電路板與音響電路板實體上是分離的，並採用光電耦合方式電氣隔離。為了達到低噪訊的運作，在未操作時刻，電路運作會完全停止，藉此刪除所有可能影響C-02X音響電路的干擾。

Highly Responsive Low-Noise, Low-Impedance Power Circuit

Five independent high-capacity power transformers, coupled with large banks of reservoir capacitors, provide power supply circuits that have exceptionally low output impedances and very clean and stable outputs. The low-noise silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky barrier diodes used in the high-speed rectifier circuit further enhance resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio for significant improvements in sound quality.

高反應低雜訊、低阻抗電源電路
五組獨立高電容變壓器，採用大容量阻隔電容，讓電源供應電路能夠擁有極低的輸出阻抗與極純淨穩定的輸出，低噪訊SiC(碳化硅) 蕭基二極體用於高速整流電路，進一步提升解析度與訊噪比，發揮令人眼睛為之一亮的音質提升效果

ESOTERIC-HCLD* Output Buffer Boosts Current Transmission While EDLC* Power Supply Ensures High Stability

As a line driver, the preamplifier must be able to fully drive the power amplifiers and faithfully convey the music signal's wide dynamic range. The key to achieving this is a circuit that provides both high current drive capability and high speed. The C-02X's output buffer circuitry delivers an exceptionally high current drive coupled with a high slew rate of 2,000V/µs for sharp response. Independent buffer circuits for each output and symmetrical circuitry for both the hot and cold phases of the XLR outputs maximize instantaneous output current capability.
Located closest to the output buffer circuitry, the EDLC* Super Capacitor array, originally developed for the Grandioso C1, was adapted as a highly stable power source. Its compact physical size belies the extraordinary 100,000µF (0.1F) capacity it provides each channel, for high levels of instantaneous output power and strong, steady bass reproduction. Integrating these two technologies, the C-02X preserves musical dynamics that would otherwise be lost if smaller current transmission levels were employed between the pre and power amplifiers, allowing it to reproduce a breathtaking level of audio reality.
* HCLD: High Current Line Driver * EDLC = Electric Double-Layer Capacitor

Esoteric–HCLD*強化電流傳輸的輸出緩衝電路
EDLC*電源供應確保高穩定性
前級擴大機作為線性驅動的功能，必須具備完全驅動後級擴大機的能力，並忠實地以廣闊的音樂範圍傳遞音樂訊號，其中的關鍵在於必須擁有同時具備高電流傳送能力與高速的電路。C-02X的輸出緩衝電路具有優異的高電流輸出能力，且2,000V/μs電壓轉換率有驚人的反應速度，緩衝電路的獨立輸出線路，在XLR輸出時，透過HOT/COLD各自獨立的對稱電路，能將瞬間的電流供應能力最大化。
位置最接近輸出緩衝電路，原為Grandioso C1所研發的EDLC*超級電容，作為高度穩定電源，其小巧的外觀下，藏有驚人的100,000μF（0.1F）容量。它提供了每聲道高度瞬時輸出與強而穩定的低頻再生。此兩項技術讓C-02X將那些在前後級之間因傳送小電流時所損失的音樂動態全部找回，再現出讓人驚訝的真實。
*HCLD：大電流高電平驅動電路 *EDLC = 雙電層電容器

MM/MC phono stage board (option)

• Dual mono” construction provides excellent signal separation between left and right channels.
• MC load impedance value is selectable between 20, 100, and 300 ohms
• Functions are easily accessible by using remote controller.
• 4-layer print circuit board achieves the shortest possible signal path.
• Unique power regulator design minimizes unwanted sonic interference to the line stage.
• Noise-free, shielded internal wirings.

*The installation of the board includes hardware and software updates of the main unit, thus can only be done at our factory. Please contact your local authorized ESOTERIC dealer for more information.

MM/MC phono stage board

High-Precision Ball Bearing Controls

The C-02X's elegant volume and input selector knobs are machined from solid blocks of aluminum. Like the Grandioso C1, their control shafts use a VRDS drive mechanism bearing system for high-precision rotation, with no mechanical play in their movements. Rotational torque has also been fine-tuned to provide a luxurious analog control feel in keeping with this high-end preamplifier.

高精度軸承控制
C-02X優雅的音量旋鈕與輸入選擇鈕以整塊鋁合金車製而成，如同Grandioso C1，其軸心使用VRDS驅動機制的軸承，轉動時具高精準度，完全感覺不到機械運作，旋轉時的力矩重量調整適中，提供奢華的類比控制手感，與此high-end前級非常匹配。

Optimized 3D Chassis Configuration

The C-02X's optimized chassis design features a 2-layer 5-cell configuration that houses each circuit block in its own compartment. This structure shortens the signal path to help minimize inter-circuit interference. The chassis' 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and thick aluminum exterior panels are supported at 4 points by Esoteric's own patented ‘Pinpoint Feet’ (patent No: JP4075477), which enhance chassis rigidity while effectively suppressing resonant vibration.

優化的3D機身結構
C-02X優化的機身設計搭配雙層五區塊結構，能夠將每個電路區塊置於其專有的隔間內，這樣的結構能夠縮短訊號通道，可將內部電路之間的干擾最小化，機身5mm厚的鋼製底座與厚實的鋁合金面板採用Esoteric專利的「Pinpoint Feet」四點支撐腳座(Patent No: JP4075477)，能增加機身的穩定度且同時有效抑制共振。

Interior view from the bottom

Other Features

• Five preset volume curves permit selection of the most comfortable operating feel.
• Individual input gain adjustability helps minimize differences in source volumes. (Range: ±18dB; 0.5dB steps)
• Adjustable left and right channel volume balance control. (Range: ±6dB; 0.5dB steps)
• Selectable phase inversion can be individually set for each source.
• RCA2 terminals permit switching between normal line output and AV-through output for systems operated in both AV surround and pure two-channel modes.
• Remote controller features high-quality aluminum finish. Can also be used to operate any of Esoteric's superb line of SACD players.
• Source component name displays can be programmed using the remote controller.
• Also equipped with dimmer, mute, and auto-display-off functions.

其他主要功能
•   可預設5種音量曲線，隨意自己喜好選擇操作的感覺
•   獨立輸入增益調整，能夠將訊源音量大小差異最小化(範 圍：±18dB；一階0.5dB)
•   可調整式左右聲道平衡控制(範圍：±6dB，一階0.5dB)
•   具有相位反轉功能，能針對音源個別設定
•   RCA 2端子能夠在一般Line output與AV-through輸出功能 中切換，搭配AV環繞與純兩聲道模式的系統使用
•   附有高級的鋁合金遙控器，同時用於操作ESOTERIC SACD 播放器
•   可使用遙控器將訊源器材名稱設入系統程式中
•   具備顯示幕亮度、靜音、自動關閉顯示等功能

Spec description
Analog audio inputs     
XLR    2 pairs
Input impedance    10kΩ (LINE)
Input sensitivity     
at Rated output    510mV
at 800mV output    200mV
Maximum input level    12V
RCA    3 pairs (RCA 2 can be used as an AV pre-input. RCA3 can be changed to PHONO input with version-up service.)
Input impedance    10kΩ (LINE)
Input sensitivity     
at Rated output    510mV
at 800mV output    200mV
Maximum input level    12V
Analog audio outputs     
XLR    2 pairs
Output impedance    100Ω (LINE)
Rate output    2V
Maximum output level    15V (1kHz, 0.003%)
RCA    2 pairs
Output impedance    47Ω (LINE)
Rated output    2V
Maximum output level    7.5V (1kHz, 0.003%)
General     
Power supply     
     AC 230V, 50Hz
     AC 120V, 60Hz
     AC 220V, 60Hz
Power consumption    21W
External dimensions (W×H×D)    445 × 162 × 468mm
17-⅝" × 6-½" × 18-½:" (including protrusions)
Weight    32kg / 70-⅝ lb
Included accessories    Power cord × 1
Remote cotrol (RC-1315) × 1
AAA batteries × 2
Felt pads × 4
Owner's manual × 1
Warranty card × 1
 

Audio performance
Frequency response    1Hz to 200kHz (–3dB)
3Hz to 50kHz (–0.2dB)
S/N ratio    116dB (2V input, A weight)
Total harmonic distortion     
XLR    0.0004%
RCA    0.0006%
Gain    +12dB