Esoteric K-03XD

Super Audio CD/CD Player

The new “XD” edition K series model that delivers unrivaled performance.

Since the first debut of our K-01 and K-03 Super Audio CD Players, Esoteric’s integrated digital players have captivated listeners with their unrivaled playback of musical sources. They have also gone on to win numerous awards as they have come to be regarded as the gold standard of digital players around the world. This new “XD” edition boasts even more advanced features, combining two innovative technologies originally developed for Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso K-1X model: VRDS-ATLAS, the superlative Super Audio CD transport mechanism, and Master Sound Discrete DAC, designed completely in-house by ESOTERIC to provide even more enhanced playback from digital musical sources.
The incredible dynamic range and resolution achieved by these two technologies deliver thrilling reproduction of symphonic crescendos while reproducing an expansive spectrum of tones and faithfully rendering the subtle details of music with breathtaking depth and vivid realism. This broad versatility enables anyone to confidently enjoy an endless array of musical genres, from silky-smooth arias to pounding rock tunes. Now you too can fully experience a sound brought to life in a new pedigree of components from the name that has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts the world over: ESOTERIC.

VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) is a core technology of ESOTERIC’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms that has been a key point of focus since the brand’s founding. The system firmly clamps the disc onto a turntable of the same diameter, thus 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 error and further enable breathtaking sound quality.

Adding VRDS-ATLAS to the K-03 series

The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and improvements for over 30 years. Throughout its long, illustrious history, one prominent highlight has been the debut of the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which offers the pinnacle of perfection and sound quality. The K-01XD is equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms that have been specifically customized for each model in order to carry on the full qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in our flagship models, the Grandioso P1X and K1X.

New Version of VRDS-ATLAS: ATLAS 03

The K-03XD’s ATLAS 03 system employs a simpler 18mm-thick bridge that requires far less machining. The mechanism boasts ultra-high rigidity and a weighty design to damp out any vibration that could affect sound quality. The transport’s duralumin turntable also has a well-earned reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid steel bridge is larger than that for the VRDS-NEO, using a one-point spindle bearing design that minimizes friction and rotational noise through its point-contact thrust bearing, which utilizes the same steel ball featured in the high-end models.

Wide, Low Center-of-Gravity Design

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 in order to more effectively reduce vibration.
Adopting a wide, low-profile design for the entire transport mechanism helped achieve a lower center-of-gravity, while the relocation of the turntable motor to below the turntable from its previous position above the bridge dramatically shortened the route for grounding vibration and reducing mechanical noise. Tray hollowing has also been minimized for increased rigidity, and special stoppers made from vibration-absorbing elastomer cancel out resonance when the tray is in its closed position.

High-Performance Power Supply – The Key to Sound Quality

The key to the powerful and deeply luxurious sound quality of the K series has always been their high-performance power supplies. This new XD edition features a significantly enhanced power supply design that delivers even richer, more lifelike sound. The K-03XD features a total of two high-capacity toroidal power transformers with independent power supplies for the digital and analog circuitry.

New Low-Feedback DC Regulator and Super Capacitors

The higher capacity design of the K-01XD and K-03XD power supplies enables remarkable improvements in sound quality with enhanced resolution in the lower ranges. Their low-feedback DC power regulators minimize feedback in a discrete configuration that does away with integrated circuits by utilizing technology originally developed for the Grandioso P1X/D1X, resulting in a powerful, expansive sound. The K-03XD uses 26 super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF).

Chassis Construction and Parts Layout

The VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism is centrally located within the chassis, where it is fixed to a 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and supported by three proprietary pinpoint feet (patent no. 4075477 and 3778108). This effectively isolates the rotational mechanism from vibration. The internal structure of the chassis features a double deck design, with the audio boards on the upper level and power supply circuits and transformers on the lower level to minimize magnetic flux leakage and vibration, while also shortening power supply wiring.

Semi-Floating Top Panel

The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating structure that further contributes to an open and expansive sound.

Bringing out all the dynamics and energy of music

Our goal was to assemble a carefully chosen selection of rigorously tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music – something simply unattainable using ordinary integrated chips. Our top engineering teams put their pride on the line to design and produce a quality of sound that can only be found in our Master Sound Discrete DAC discrete D/A converter.

Luxurious Materials for Powerful Electrical Current Output

The Master Sound Discrete DAC was first introduced in the Grandioso D1X as the most innovative DAC in Esoteric history, and its astoundingly realistic sound quality has consistently drawn rave reviews for causing listeners to feel as if they were at an actual live performance. The version featured in the K-03XD uses a simpler circuit configuration that incorporates the very essence of that found in the K1X to carry the 03 series models to new heights. Consisting of 32 elements per channel, each DAC element includes clock drivers, logic circuits, capacitors, resistors, and other component parts, while each group of 32 elements is kept isolated from the main parts. In keeping with D1X design philosophy, these DACs are packed with a luxurious selection of state-of-the-art components to ensure the pure, effortless output of boundless musical energy.

Advanced Digital Processing

The K-03XD’s independently developed Delta-Sigma (Δ∑) modulator supports 64-bit/512Fs and the latest high-end digital formats, including 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz PCM signals. The FPGA’s dedicated digital processing algorithm was developed exclusively for the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and has been fully optimized for outstanding playback of both DSD and PCM digital audio data.

Advanced Quality Control

With a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked to arithmetic precision, highly advanced quality control is also required for the manufacture of electronic circuit boards. ESOTERIC’s own in-house factory boasts some of the world’s leading board mounting technologies, such as soldering performed in an oxygen-free furnace, which is located in a clean room featuring the same level of cleanliness found in a hospital operating room. Technologies cultivated in the production of electronic circuit boards for audio, medical, aerospace, and defense industries support the high production quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC.

Unique ESOTERIC-HCLD Output Buffer Circuit with Enhanced Current Transmission

he ESOTERIC-HCLD* output buffer amplifier boasts an astonishing high-speed slew rate (response speed) of 2,000V/µs. Current transmission and speed – the most important factors in the design of any analog output circuit – have been pushed to the limits to reproduce the reality of music with a dynamic range that is truly breathtaking.
* HCLD: High Current Line Drive

High-Quality ES-LINK Analog Current Transmission

In addition to their XLR and RCA amplifier line connections, the K-03XD also features ESOTERIC’s ES-LINK Analog method of current transmission. Taking full advantage of the HCLD buffer circuit’s powerful current supply ensures that the K-03XD is less susceptible to the detrimental effects of impedance on the signal route. It also enables a more powerful signal transmission, fully driving connected compatible devices.

Grandioso Custom VCXO II

A high-accuracy clock circuit is the key to achieving superlative sound quality in digital audio playback, making it truly the heart of any high-end digital player. The K-03XD features the superb Grandioso Custom VCXO II clock originally developed for the Grandioso P1X/D1X. This clock was developed with carefully considered modifications made to the internal circuitry and components of other earlier models to more vividly emphasize each player’s ultimate audio quality while further boasting remarkably low phase noise and excellent center precision (±0.5ppm).
The K-03XD can also be connected to a Master Clock Generator (G-01X or G-02X) for playback, with internal circuits synchronized to a 10MHz clock that features the same high precision as an atomic clock, enabling further pursuit of the highest sound quality.
* VCXO: Voltage Control-type Crystal Oscillato

External Input D/A Conversion, USB Ports, Multiple D/D Conversion Options, MQA Support

The K-03XD offers a wide range of digital inputs, including USB ports that support 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission, enabling use as a D/A converter. Functions to upconvert a PCM digital signal to 2, 4, 8, and 16 times higher bitrates (Max. 768kHz) and to convert PCM to DSD are also included. The K-03XD is also compatible with MQA-CD decode playback and full MQA decoding for playback of various digital inputs including USB.

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 70kHz (–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.