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• Flexible Network Interface with tablet control

• Roon Ready and MQA Certified

• 64 Bit Master Sound Discrete DAC

• 4 Independent Power Supplies / Transformers

• ES-Link Analog output.

• USB Support for up to 22.5 MHz DSD and up to 768/32-bit PCM

 

The ultimate Network x DAC only ESOTERIC could achieve

An all-unique circuit design called "Master Sound Discrete DAC", together with a further refined sound quality Network Module as core technology, results in the ultimate Network Audio Player/DAC, the N-01XD. The outcome of ESOTERIC's passion is striving for the original master sound.

 

Our goal was to assemble a careful selection of rigorously tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music, which is 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 and Powerful Current Output

The N-01XD’s Master Sound Discrete DAC is the most revolutionary two-channel stereo DAC circuit in ESOTERIC’s history, and is based on the original circuit developed for the Grandioso D1X Monoblock D/A Converter. As an extension of the D1X’s design philosophy, an abundance of luxurious materials have been invested in the construction of N-01XD’s Master Sound Discrete DAC, including 32 separate elements for each channel. Each of these 32 elements, including such key components as a clock driver, logic circuitry, capacitors and resistors, are kept independent to ensure the purest output with virtually no loss of musical energy.

 

Advanced Digital Processing Capability

The N-01XD includes ESOTERIC’s exclusive Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) modulator supporting 64-bit/512Fs audio frequency sampling. To perform D/A conversion on par with its excellent DSD and PCM characteristics, separate FPGA* digital processing algorithms were developed for each conversion process. This enables the N-01XD to extract the optimum sound quality from CDs, Super Audio CDs, and networks.

 

Network Audio

With network audio, you can realize the opulent dream of full access to all your music with superior sound quality from the comfort of your listening position. All that is required besides the audio system is a regular home LAN (such as a Wi-Fi router), tablet or smartphone, and a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device for storing your music library. With these components, you can easily begin a life of relaxing music enjoyment with uncompromising quality.


The N-01XD features noticeable improvements in network playback quality, including the latest developments in network modules that supports 22.5MHz DSD and linear power supply technology without any switching elements.

 

Music Server Function(*)

The N-01XD has two USB-A ports, one each on its front and rear panels, that enable connection of up to two large-capacity USB storage devices (USB flash drive, external USB HDD/SDD, etc.) for use as a music server. This allows easy music playback even without a separate NAS for people who find NAS configuration to be too complicated and troublesome.
(*) HDD/SDD cannot be installed inside the N-01XD unit itself.

 

Equipped with Four Powerful Independent Power Supplies

The key to the powerful and deep, rich sound provided by the N-01 and D-02X lies in their high-performance power supplies. The N-01XD features significant enhancements to its power supply to ensure it delivers even more robust, lifelike sound.


Its built-in D/A converter features a total of four independent toroidal power transformers, one each for the right and left channels, digital circuits, and network module. The DAC's regulator utilizes a low-feedback DC regulator for minimizing feedback in a discrete configuration that uses no integrated circuits, but instea adopts technology obtained in the development of the Grandioso P1X Super Audio CD Transport and D1X Monoblock D/A Converter. The result is a powerful, expansive sound.

 

Network Module Features High-Sound-Quality Linear Power Supply

Thanks to recent breakthroughs in the development of our network transports, the network module uses a new power supply designed with linear elements customized for audio use instead of a regulated switching power supply. Combined with its high-capacitance filter capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor) super capacitors boasting a capacitance of 2,333,333μF, and other high-end components, this enables the N-01XD to deliver dramatically improved sound quality.

 

Grandioso Custom VCXO* II

The N-01XD also includes the same Grandioso Custom VCXO II high-presicion clock developed for the P1X and D1X, which features extremely low levels of phase noise and excellent centering accuracy (±0.5ppm). The N-01XD's clock output enables high-precision clock synchronization using the Grandioso Custom VCXO II as a master unit by simply connecting it to a transport with a clock input port. An external Grandioso G1 or G-01X Master Clock Generator can also be connected to synchronize interna circuits with a 10MHz clock that rivals atomic clocks in its precision, thus realizing even higher levels of sound quality. USB input and network playback can also be synchronized with the external clock.
*VCXO: Voltage-controlled crystal oscillator

 

USB Audio Interface Supports 22.5MHz DSD and Asynchronous Transmission

The N-01XD is further equipped with USB-B port for connecting to a computer. The driver and ESOTERIC HR Audio Player (music player application) can be downloaded for free from the ESOTERIC website. The audio interface supports high sampling playback at 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission for enabling high-fidelity playback from even studio master quality sources. In addition to its USB ports, three types of digital input ports(XLR x 1, coaxial x 2, optical x 1) have also been provided for connection to a wide range of digital devices.

 

Highly-Rigid Chassis Design

The N-01XD features a highly rigid chassis design incorporating thick, dual-layer aluminum and steel panels and a double-deck interior structure that both suppresses interference between circuits and drastically shortens power supply wiring to achieve the ultimate in sound quality. Additionally, every slot and groove in the chassis has been precisely laser-machined to effectively reduced vibration. The chassis' entire 5mm-thick steel bottom panel is supported by our own ESOTERIC pinpoint feet to ensure complete mechanical grounding that further protects the unit against the effects of vibration.

 

Semi Floating Top Panel

The enclosure's top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating structure that further contributes to the N-01XD's open and expansive sound.

Esoteric N-01XD Network Audio Player/DAC

$22,000.00Price
Color: Silver
In-Store Only/Call to Purchase
Digital audio input  
ES-LINK 1 (L/R)
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 44.1k to 768kHz, 48bit (ES-LINK5 format)
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5
XLR 1
Input level 5.0Vp-p
Input impedance 110Ω
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (AES/EBU format)
DSD 2.8MHz (ES-LINK1, ES-LINK2, DoP format)
RCA 1
Input level 0.5Vp-p
Input impedance 75Ω
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format)
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
OPTICAL 1
Input level –24.0 to –14.5dBm peak
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format)
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
USB 1 (B type)
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz
ETHERNET 1 (1000BASE-T)
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo)
• 32bit audio files only support integer formats.
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (stereo)
Supported file formats  
PCM lossless FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD lossless DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP
Compressed audio MP3, AAC (m4a container)
USB DRIVE 2 (Front, Rear)
Supported file system FAT32, exFAT, NTFS
  Single partition
  USB2.0 or later recommended
Maximum power supply 0.5A
Input signal formats  
Linear PCM 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo)
• Only integer format file supported at 32bit
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz (stereo)
Supported file formats  
PCM Lossless FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD Lossless DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP
Compressed audio MP3, AAC (m4a container)
Analog audio outputs  
XLR/ESL-A 1 pair (L/R)
Output level 5.0Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ loaded)
Output impedance 40Ω
RCA 1 pair (L/R)
Output level 2.5Vrms (1kHz, 10kΩ loaded)
Output impedance 15Ω
Clock sync input  
BNC 1
Input frequency 10MHz (±10ppm)
Input impedance 50Ω
Input level  
Rectangle wave equivalent to TTL level
Sine wave 0.5 to 1.0Vrms
Clock sync output  
BNC 1
Output level TTL level equivalent (75Ω load)
Output frequency 44.1k / 48kHz
Output frequency accuracy ±0.5ppm
General  
Power supply  
  AC 230V, 50Hz
  AC 120V, 60Hz
  AC 220V, 60Hz
Power consumption 38W
External dimensions (W×H×D) 445 × 162 × 438mm
17-⅝" × 6-½" × 17-¼" (including protrusions)
Weight 26.3kg / 58 lb
Included accessories Power cord × 1
HDMI cable × 1
Felt pads × 4
Owner's manual × 1
Warranty card × 1

Audio performance

Frequency response 5Hz to 70kHz (–3dB)
S/N ratio 113dB
Distortion 0.0007% (1kHz)

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