• VRDS Atlas 03 Mechanism - 18mm bridge
• Master Sound Discrete DACs
• 64 bit processing algorithm
• 2 Independent Power Supplies / Transformers
• MQA decoding of CD’s and Digitial Inputs
• USB Support for 2.8/5.6/11.2/22.5 MHz DSD and up to 384/32-bit PCM
 
Traditional Esoteric Performance and Advanced Features
VRDS-ATLAS, a superlative transport mechanism. ESOTERIC’s own, in-house designed Master Sound Discrete DAC. Two innovative technologies, originally developed for our flagship Grandioso models, now combined into 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.
 
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.