• Flexible Network Interface with tablet control
• Roon Ready and MQA Certified
• 64 Bit Master Sound Discrete DAC
• Full Dual-mono Line Stage preamplifier
• Full Dual-mono balanced headphone amplifier
• ES-Link Analog output
• USB Support for up to 22.5 MHz DSD and up to 384/32-bit PCM
The N-05XD by Esoteric is the ultimate network DAC/preamp designed to give you amazing sound quality from even the smallest system configurations. It's got fully balanced circuitry straight from Esoteric's flagship series, a pure linear power supply, and an in-house designed discrete DAC. With its preamplifier and headphone amplifier, you'll hear every detail of the original recording master. The N-05XD seamlessly integrates all of the best parts of Esoteric's technology to deliver the ultimate sound quality. It's easy to use too - just turn the volume knob and experience the pure signature sound that Esoteric is known for. No need to sacrifice amazing sound quality for a simplified high-end audio system anymore!
The Esoteric N-05XD Network DAC/Preamp is a high-end two-channel stereo DAC circuit designed to deliver a faithful reproduction of the liveliness and energy of music. The device is equipped with a Master Sound Discrete DAC that is the most revolutionary circuit in Esoteric history, boasting 16 separate elements for each channel that are kept fully independent to ensure the purest sound output with no loss of musical energy. Additionally, the N-05XD has an advanced digital processing capability, Esoteric’s exclusive Delta-Sigma modulator, and a dedicated high-end network audio engine that supports DSD 22.5MHz playback. The device also supports full decoding of MQA digital input and comes with the Esoteric Sound Stream, a streaming and network playback control app that supports streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz. The preamplifier circuitry of the device is fully balanced and features the Esoteric-QVCS Attenuator system and the unique Esoteric-HCLD output buffer circuitry. The N-05XD is an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking a device that delivers a singularly impressive sound brimming with an analog-like sense of reality.
Esoteric N-05XD Network Audio Player/DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp
Tech Specs
Digital audio inputs | |
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 | 2 |
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 | 2 |
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 (USB B connector) |
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) • Only integer format file supported |
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, 22.5MHz (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) |
Analog audio inputs | |
XLR | 1 pair (L/R) |
Input Impedance | 50kΩ |
Maximum Input Voltage | 8Vrms |
RCA | 1 pair (L/R) |
Input Impedance | 25kΩ |
Maximum Input Voltage | 4Vrms |
Analog audio outputs | |
XLR/ESL-A | 1 pair (L/R) |
Output Impedance | 220Ω |
Maximum Output Level | 5.0Vrms (PCM Full-scale signal input, Analog output level setting: FIX) |
ESL-A PRE-OUT | 1 pair (L/R) |
RCA | 1 pair (L/R) |
Output Impedance | 60Ω |
Maximum Output Level | 2.5Vrms (PCM Full-scale signal input, Analog output level setting: FIX) |
Bluetooth® section | |
Version | 4.0 |
Supported profile | A2DP, AVRCP |
Supported A2DP codec | LDAC, LHDC, aptX™ HD audio, aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC |
Headphone out section | |
Balanced | 4-pin XLR × 1 |
Output Power | 1500mW + 1500mW (at 32Ω load) |
Compatible Impedance | 16 to 600Ω |
Unbalanced | ¼" (6.3mm) Standard Phone jack × 1 |
Output Power | 750mW + 750mW (at 32Ω load) |
Compatible Impedance | 16 to 600Ω |
Clock sync section | |
Clock Input | BNC × 1 |
Input frequency | 10MHz (±10ppm) |
Input impedance | 50Ω |
Input level | |
Rectangular wave | TTL level or equivalent |
Sine wave | 0.5 to 1.0Vrms |
External control section | |
RS-232C | × 1 |
Trigger In | ⅛" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack × 1 |
Input level | |
Trigger Out | ⅛" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack × 1 |
Output level | |
General | |
Power | |
AC 120V, 60Hz | |
AC 220 - 240V, 50Hz | |
Power consumption | 38W |
Overall dimensions (W×H×D) | 445 × 131 × 377mm / 17-⅝" × 5-¼" × 14-⅞" (including protrusions) |
Weight | 13.8kg / 30.5 lb. |
Included accessories | Power cord × 1 Remote control unit (RC-1334) × 1 AA batteries × 2 Felt mats × 3 Owner's manual × 1 |
Audio Performance
Frequency response | 5Hz to 75kHz (–3dB) |
S/N ratio | 105dB |
Distortion | 0.0015% (1kHz) |