



Esoteric K-03XD SE Reference CD/SACD Player/DAC
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The SE version of the K-03XD is now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analogue circuitry in the DAC. Esoteric are proud of their brand and always strive for the best sound. The SE models reflect every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
Esoteric K-03XD SE Reference CD/SACD Player/DAC
The K-03XD has now evolved into the latest SE model with advanced sound quality.
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 time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
Features
- “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 03)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 18 mm turntable bridge
- “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
- Up-graded DAC board with premium grade parts (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 (SE)
- Clock sync function
- Two independent toroidal power supply transformers (for digital and analog circuits)
- Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
26 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF=0.65F) - Up-sampling 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.
| 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 |
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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