VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism + the Master Sound Discrete DAC

Esoteric’s most iconic digital player, the K-01XD, has evolved into the latest SE model.
 
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 original model's introduction to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
 
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.
 
K-01XD SE key features  (New features of the SE model are shown with ***)
“VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 01)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 20 mm turntable bridge
“Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
***Upgraded DAC board with specially selected premium grade parts including IDM-01*** (New to SE)
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*** (New to SE)
Clock sync function
Four independent toroidal power supply transformers (incl. two for left and right DACs)
Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
71 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 1,850,000μF＝1.85F)
Upsampling 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 signature technology of Esoteric’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms. It ensures disc stability by clamping it to a same-diameter platter. This eliminates rotational and extraneous mechanical vibrations, corrects disc warpage, improves optical axis accuracy, and minimizes servo current, significantly reducing read errors and enhancing sound quality.
 
VRDS-ATLAS
Over 30 years, the VRDS mechanism evolved, culminating in the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which represents peak performance and sound quality. The K-01XD incorporates adapted VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms from flagship models like the Grandioso P1X SE and K1X SE.
 
ATLAS 01
The K-01XD SE’s ATLAS 01 disc transport features a 20mm SS400 steel bridge for high rigidity and vibration dampening. Its duralumin platter and single-point spindle bearing design minimize friction and noise, echoing the design of high-end models.
 
Wide Design with a Low Center of Gravity
Esoteric’s VRDS-ATLAS emphasizes mechanical grounding technology to reduce vibration. The wide, low-profile design lowers the center of gravity, and relocating the turntable motor below the bridge shortens the vibration path and reduces noise. Tray cavities are minimized for rigidity, and elastomer stoppers absorb resonance.
 
Large-Scale Power Circuitry
The K-01XD SE’s sound quality is enhanced by its powerful power supply. Four large toroidal transformers power the D/A converter section, mechanism, and digital circuits independently, contributing to its dynamic sound.
 
Chassis Construction and Layout
The VRDS-ATLAS transport is centrally mounted on a 5mm steel base plate, supported by proprietary Pinpoint Feet (Patents #4075477 and #3778108) for effective vibration grounding. The chassis has a double-deck design, separating audio circuit boards and power supply circuits to minimize magnetic flux leakage and vibration.
 
Master Sound Discrete DAC
The K-01XD SE aims to reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music with discrete components in a carefully selected circuit. The Master Sound Discrete DAC, first introduced in the Grandioso D1X, uses 32 isolated elements per channel to maintain maximum processing precision. The K-01XD SE's DAC captures the essence of the K1X SE, elevating the series to new heights with its luxurious components.
 
Advanced Digital Processing
The K-01XD SE’s delta-sigma modulator supports 64-bit/512Fs, 22.5MHz DSD, and 768kHz PCM signals. The FPGA’s digital processing algorithm is optimized for superior DSD and PCM reproduction.
 
Upgraded IDM-01 and Quality Parts
The SE model features the Integrated Discrete-Amplifier Module IDM-01 and other carefully selected analog parts, enhancing sound quality with vivid dynamics and organic texture.
 
ES-Link Analog
Esoteric’s proprietary current transmission system, ES-Link Analog, transmits approximately 100 times more current than conventional methods, reducing noise and maintaining signal integrity.
 
Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player
The K-01XD SE’s clock circuitry, based on the Grandioso G1X’s OCXO module, uses discrete components for high sound quality. It can connect to an external master clock generator for even better synchronization and sound quality.