Reborn with a new ‘X’ designation, the K-05X and K-07X command central roles in Esoteric’s superb lineup of Super Audio CD players, and should really be considered ‘all-new,’ having been infused with the very essence of our flagship Grandioso models.

These new players achieve the very tenets of Esoteric’s design philosophy, conveying to the listener all the emotional expression of music without a hint of stress.
With totally revamped audio electronic circuitry, these two new ‘X’ models eschew all compromise, and renew the lineage of the K Series.

VRDS-NEO [VMK-5] Transport Mechanism Improves Reading Accuracy

The unique VRDS-NEO VMK-5 transport mechanisms featured in these two new players incorporate high-precision turntables that greatly improve reading accuracy by mechanically correcting for disc surface run-out. Their hybrid construction integrates precision-machined aluminum with polycarbonate to help minimize rotational inertia.

Formed of high-rigidity BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) and steel, the hybrid turntable bridge also makes a significant contribution to the suppression of rotational vibration and run-out. The transports spindle motor realizes further improvements in reading accuracy with an advanced servo control that uses rotation detection circuitry.

Mechanical operations such as opening and closing the tray and clamping the disc are performed by a unique differential gear system. This proprietary* Esoteric technology ensures exceptionally smooth disc loading operation.

Refined Dual Mono D/A Converters Derived From Top-of-the-Line Components

The D/A converters analog output circuitry features both excellent high-end resolution and natural musical texturing that only high-end components such as Esoterics K Series SACD players can offer. Centered around Asahi Kaseis high-end AK4490* 32-bit DAC, this circuitry accentuates the expressive power of these players with 4 parallel/differential circuits and 8 outputs driving each channel—twice that of conventional players in terms of circuit scale—to further enhance sound quality with excellent linearity and low distortion.

Arranged in a discreet dual mono configuration, the D/A converters and analog output circuitry are laid out in parallel on either side of the board, and are completely isolated from the digital signal processing circuitry, achieving superb channel separation.
Technology developed for the Grandioso C1 Linestage Preamplifier is also employed in the power supply, which features EDLC (Electronic Double-Layer Capacitors). This regulated power supply boasts an astounding total capacity of 500,000µF per channel for exceptional low-frequency sound reproduction.

*AK4490 is a branded product of Audio4pro™ and of Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, and designed for professional studio and digital audio applications.

34-Bit D/A Processing Achieves Outstanding Powers of Musical Expression

Employing a 34-bit D/A processing algorithm with an encoding resolution that is an astounding 1,024 times greater than that of 24-bit encoding, multiple 32-bit DAC devices were combined to convert the high-resolution 34-bit PCM signal to analog. In the digital range, full advantage is taken of high-bit data gradation to minimize calculation errors and provide faithful conversion to analog, thereby attaining outstanding powers of expression with even extremely small music signals.

Playing a critical role in the superb sound quality achieved by these new ‘X’ version SACD players, further improvements were also made to their analog output circuitry. Providing excellent current transmission capability as well as a strong drive output, both players now employ Esoteric-HCLD* Type 2 buffer amplifier circuitry like that first used in such high-end models as our C1 Linestage Preamplifier. Two of these buffer circuits are installed per channel and configured differentially to drive the XLR outputs, and in parallel to drive the RCA outputs. By transmitting the wide dynamic range of the musical signal in its entirety and providing a strong drive to connected equipment, the full dynamism of music is recreated with a sense of realism that will take your breath away.

High-Speed, Large-Capacity Power Supply

The K-05X is equipped with a large, high-efficiency, high-powered toroidal transformer, while the K-07X uses a full-sized EI-core transformer. Each is custom-designed to ensure excellent sound quality. High-output power supply circuitry further combines with an array of large capacitors to provide clean and steady power to all circuit blocks.

High-Precision VCXO Clock

A high-precision VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) supplies a highly accurate reference clock signal to the digital circuitry. The K-05Xs large, custom-designed VCXO was jointly developed with Nihon Dempa Kogyo (NDK), a leading manufacturer of crystal oscillators. Incorporating an unusually large crystal element, this VCXO realizes both excellent center accuracy (±0.5ppm*) and extremely low levels of phase noise to ensure exceptional sound playback quality.

External Clock Sync Function

Connecting the unit to a high-precision master clock generator (G-01, G-02) allows synchronization of the units operation with an external clock signal, thereby enabling an upgrade of system sound quality. Compatible with 44.1/88.2/176.4kHz input frequencies, both 10MHz and 22MHz direct master clock linkage* and external clock synchronization are also supported for both digital optical and digital coaxial inputs, as well as when the USB input is used.

*When an external clock generator is connected, its signal is also used to clock the D/A converter, bypassing the internal PLL circuit and providing straight, higher accuracy D/A conversion.

Comprehensive D/D Conversion Compatible With Wide Range of Sources

In addition to playback at the original sampling frequency, 2X, 4X and 8X up-conversion of the PCM digital signal is also provided. A range of D/D conversion modes are also available for the PCM format, such as PCM-to-DSD conversion.

Four Digital Filters Plus Filter OFF Mode

Four types of digital filter are available for PCM signal processing. Besides two FIR (Finite Impulse Response) digital filters, which have an established reputation for outstanding sound quality, two types of short delay digital filters are also included for a more precise and natural sound. A Digital Filter OFF mode permits both PCM and DSD digital filters to be bypassed if desired.

Digital Inputs Support DSD and High-Res PCM

Three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) enable connection to a wide range of systems. These inputs support 2.8MHz DSD and up to 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution PCM.

USB Support for 2.8/5.6/11.2MHz DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM and Asynchronous Transmission

In addition to playback at the original sampling frequency, 2X, 4X and 8X up-conversion of the PCM digital signal is also provided. A range of D/D conversion modes are also available for the PCM format, such as PCM-to-DSD conversion.