New Product Information
K-03
Digital Source Device
VRDS-NEO, 4-DAC (32BIT)/CH, 192/24 HIGH-REZ INPUTS, ADVANCED CLOCKING
INTRODUCTION
ESOTERIC releases the K-01, the flagship model of our all-in-one advanced D/A converter and Super Audio CD/CD player series,
capitalizing on ESOTERIC’s state-of-the-art technology and derived from our award winning P-01/D-01 series separates. It has been
seven years since the debut of the original X-01, with its high-precision and high-rigidity VRDS-NEO SACD/CD transport mechanism.
The X-01/X-03 series, which have stayed at the top of ESOTERIC’s all-in-one SACD/CD player lineup, have been completely updated
and make their debut as the all-new “K” series in November 2010.
The design concept of the K series is extremely clear and simple -- a 2-channel D/A converter and stereo player that gives a stress-free
musical experience, without adding or removing anything from the original source material. All aspects of the design and engineering
process for the K series had extremely tough requirements to further advance ESOTERIC's top technology. Design and engineering
was completed applying all of ESOTERIC’s know-how in mechatronics technology, state-of-the-art audio technology, and evolutionary
materials including DAC implementation, for which cost was not a consideration. The K series is committed to advancing the “state of
the art” for the 2 channel audio purist, for both high resolution audio files and disc based audio playback applications.
The K-03 is equipped with our new VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-10” mechanism, which has further advanced substantially beyond existing
VRDS models, and a dual mono configuration of 32-bit monaural D/A converters with four parallel/differential DAC circuits per channel.
The analog audio circuit has a separate power transformer. The on-board high-precision clocking circuit has also been advanced. Three
sets of 192 kHz/24-bit digital inputs supporting the most advanced high-sampling digital sources are also built-in. USB driver software
supports 192 kHz/24-bit asynchronous transmission for connecting with a PC.
The K-03 is a high performance model that follows the philosophy of the top-end all-in-one K-01 digital source,
2-channel playback device.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
VCXO high-precision clock
The interior of the K-03 chassis has a double-decker structure with
five compartments. Each circuit block is contained within its own
compartment to minimize conflicts between circuits. Two separate
audio boards for each channel are mounted on the rear part of the
upper compartment, which is nearest to the rear terminals, to
ensure the shortest signal path. The audio power circuit and power
transformers are isolated from the audio board by an internal steel
chassis plate, and hung inside the compartment on the bottom of
the audio board. Such a three-dimensional layout allows the
shortest wiring possible for the power supply, and minimizes any
impact of magnetic flux leakage and vibration.
A newly designed
high-precision clock is
implemented to achieve the
highest level of sound quality
for an all-in-one digital player. A
VCXO (voltage controlled
crystal oscillator) of +/- 0.5 ppm
(*2) that uses a large crystal is
deployed in the K-03, which is
very advantageous for advanced sound quality.
Additionally, a stabilized power supply circuit improves the stability
of clock circuit operation. When using the K-01 without using an
external WORD clock, the high precision audio clock sync signal
generated by the VCXO is directly delivered to the D/A converter,
without passing through the PLL circuit. This enables
higher-quality reproduction that is a step ahead of standard
designs. This also substantially reduces any audible jitter when
transmitting audio signals to achieve high-speed and high-quality
reproduction inclusive of a very dramatic presence and acoustic
delicacy.
The K-03 features two large-capacity
toroidal transformers, including one
specifically for the built-in dual mono
D/A converters and the audio circuits,
and the other for driving the digital
circuit and mechanism. This design
provides dedicated power supply
capability to all circuit blocks without
interference.
The K-03’s large mass of
(*2) Factory setting
approximately 28 kg (61.8 lbs), is the
result of ESOTERIC’s commitment to
the highest quality for component
isolation and compartmentalizing.
These designs virtually eliminate
resonance and vibrations from
adjacent electrical and mechanical
components.
WORD sync function enabling synchronization with external
devices
The K-03 has a WORD sync function to synchronize with an
external WORD clock. This allows upgrading to a higher-quality
sound system by connecting the unit to a high-precision master
clock generator, such as the G-0Rb rubidium master clock. As for
supported clock sync frequencies, 10 MHz is newly supported in
addition to 44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz.
Beautiful rounded form
32-bit precision digital attenuator function
The K-03 inherits its appearance from the design of ESOTERIC’s
flagship line of separate digital players and DACs, with the
front/side/top panels made of thick aluminum and a rounded form
with no screws on the top panel and corners. This form is sure to
give you a feel of elegance and pleasure of ownership, in addition
to eliminating any unwanted vibrations that are well known from
top and corner screw designs.
This function enables 32-bit digital processing and a high-precision
volume control, capitalizing on the 32-bit D/A devices. 32 bits gives
an allowance of 8 bits over the standard 24 bits, and enables
control of volume with no degradation of sound quality due to
dropouts.
Excellent usability
The output voltage of the XLR audio outputs can be switched
according to the input sensitivity of the amplifier that you connect to
the K-03 (0dB/ +6dB). You can also choose Hot 2 or Hot 3 for the
XLR pin assignment. Additionally, you can switch the analog
output between RCA, XLR and OFF, as desired based on
connected components. The K-03 features one coaxial digital
output to support digital output of CDs, and a pass-thru output for
an externally input signal; however, digital outputs for SACDs
(DSD data streams), and the signal after the D/D conversion are
not supported. For noise reduction purposes, it is possible to
switch the circuit off when not using the digital output.
Feel the high-end touch with a leather finished remote control
The K-03 comes with a remote control unit that is finished in
leather and has an aluminum body with just the right weight.
The ease of use and accuracy associated with this remote control
is also based on ESOTERIC's "P series" system designs.
Chassis construction with a separate compartment for each
circuit block
A chassis construction with separate circuit block compartments
packs the design concept of separate SACD/CD transports and
D/A converters into an all-in-one unit. This helps to eliminate cross
contamination between adjoining circuits. The large-mass
VRDS-NEO transport mechanism is positioned in the center of the
unit, directly attached to the 5 mm steel bottom chassis, and
supported at three points by ESOTERIC’s proprietary pinpoint feet
(Patent No. 4075477). This 3 point system effectively suppresses
the vibration of the rotation mechanism with large inertia to ensure
a highly solid base, free from vibrations and resonance.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatible disc types
Analog audio output
Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)
Jacks
XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1
RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1
XLR: 100 ohms
Output impedance
RCA: 47 ohms
Maximum output level
(1 kHz, full scale, 10 k ohms)
Frequency response
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)
Total harmonic distortion
Coaxial RCA jack x 1
Coaxial RCA terminal x 1
Optical digital terminal x 1
USB port B connector
Jack
XLR (Gain: 0 dB): 2.45 Vrms
RCA: 2.45 Vrms
5 Hz to 55 kHz ( 3 dB)
115 dB
0.0015% (1 kHz)
0.5 Vp-p/75 ohms
(input impedance 75 ohms)
24.0 to 14.5 dBm peak
USB 2.0 / 192 kHz-24 bit async.
BNC
Digital audio output
Digital audio input
Word synchronization input
format
Input impedance
75 ohms
Input level
Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels
Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms/50 to 75 ohms
The K-03 can accept and synchronize to the following frequencies received from external clock devices: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz,
176.4 kHz, 10 MHz (the accuracy of locking range limited within ±15 ppm)
D/A Converter
General
K-03
Power supply
32bit AK4399 x4 DACs / per channel
AC 230 V, 50 Hz
AC 120 V, 60 Hz
AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption
External dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight
27 W
445 x 162 x 438 mm (17 1/4" x 6" 3/8 x 13 1/4") (including protrusions)
28 kg (61 3/4 lbs)
Accessories
Remote control unit (RC-1156) x 1
Batteries (AA) x 2
Power cord set x 1
Felt pads x 3
Owner’s manual x 1
Warranty card x 1
- This product is available in three different power supply variations shown in the chart above. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.
- The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.
Please note that ESOTERIC products are available at limited retailers in respective countries. “ESOTERIC“ is a trademark of the TEAC Corporation. All
other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ©2010 TEAC Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
All text, images, graphics and other materials on this catalogue are subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of TEAC Corporation.
ESOTERIC COMPANY
47 Ochiai 1-chome, Tama-shi,
These materials shall not directly or indirectly be published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium. Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.
Tokyo 206-8530, Japan
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|