Sold

Esoteric K01 (CD/SACD)

, , ,

Today it would cost over £20,000 to replace this stunning machine!

£15,000.00 £6,790.00


Call Choice Hifi on 020 8392 1959 or to enquire about this product!


Enquire
ESOTERIC’s proprietary VRDS-NEO transport mechanism uses a high-precision turntable for spinning Super Audio CD/CD discs, improving read precision by mechanically correcting for surface run-out. This is a comprehensive compilation of ESOTERIC’s high-end mechatronics technology. The K-01 uses an evolutionary version of the mechanism configuration adopted for the P-03 SACD/CD transport and now includes the VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S.” This new VRDS mechanism includes further refinements in the design of the driver circuit. In addition, the disc tray loader now includes a shutter mechanism, designed to reduce extraneous noise and airborne contaminants from entering or degrading the electromechanical operation of the system.
The VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S” is a new high-quality mechanism using a set of ceramic ball spindle bearings. A duralumin turntable with micron-level accuracy and a 20 mm steel turntable bridge are used, resulting in a total weight of 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs). Additionally, the proven features of the VRDS-NEO, such as the strong neodymium-magnet-driven coreless three-phase brushless spindle motor, the thread feed control, (which has evolved from the philosophy of the P-0), and the shaft-sliding type pickup, where the laser beam consistently illuminates the disk perpendicularly, are all inherited by the K-01.

Dual mono D/A converters based on the philosophy of the fully monaural D-01The K-01’s D/A converter circuits are based on the circuitry of ESOTERIC’s high-end monaural D-01 D/A converter, providing a parallel/differential output with eight circuits per channel. This achieves overwhelming linearity and an ultra low distortion factor.For the D/A converter devices used, ASAHI KASEI Microdevices Corporation’s top-end 32-bit AK4399 (*1) was adopted, after extended repetitive audio and system reliability auditions.The 32-bit AKM D/A converters, with eight circuits per channel, are mounted on a separate analog audio board for each of the left and right channels. All components, including the power circuit and power transformer, are separated for right and left channels, to make a fully dual mono configuration with the same layout for each of the two channels. One cabinet contains two monaural 32-bit D/A converters, which evolved from the circuitry and philosophy of the D-01.They boast an ideal power supply capacity and excellent channel separation by using a power configuration separated into right and left channels. This is only possible with a monaural configuration, to enable high-quality playback with rich localization and sonic depth.

High-quality discrete buffer circuit with a high voltage power supplyA discrete buffer output circuit with a high voltage power supply of +/- 22 V has been deployed for the analog audio output, following the technology used in the D-01. Full use is made of the exceedingly high drive capability and slew rate to provide a stress-free playback capability for various signals, from miniscule signals to high-power output. These powerful discrete buffer output circuits are laid out symmetrically for each of the hot/cold signal lines to construct a rich and fully balanced configuration for XLR audio outputs. Additionally, a parallel buffer output configuration is implemented to switch the buffer amplifier to a parallel configuration, when RCA audio outputs are used. These enhancements provide advanced circuitry with the best sound quality for each of the balanced and unbalanced signal outputs.Wide variety of D/D conversion functions that support many source typesmatch to your favorite source or to your personal sound quality preference. These functions include a mode to convert DSD and PCM formats directly into analog signals, as well as PCM up-conversion to x 2 (64/88.2/96 kHz) or x 4 (128/176.4/192 kHz), from the original sampling frequency, and even a PCM to DSD conversion function is available.1. PCM signals from CD and/or external digital devices:
– Original Fs (32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz)
– x 2 (64/88.2/96 kHz) / x 4 (128/176.4/192 kHz) up-conversion
– PCM to DSD conversion
2. SACD DSD signals:
– DSD native playback
Four types of digital filters and digital filter “Off” modeThe K-01 features four types of digital filters for PCM signal processing. In addition to two types of FIR digital filters that have a reputation for outstanding sound quality, two types of short delay digital filters are featured. These filters, often referred to as apodizing filters, eliminate the pre-echo and ringing effects in the impulse waveform to reproduce the audio signal as a more nature and precise sound, void of the artifacts often associated with CD recording. The Digital Filter Off mode, which bypasses all 4 of the digital filters, is also provided. You can select any of the digital filters or the off mode according to your preference.Three digital input systems to support a high sampling rateEven when you use the K-01 as a discrete D/A converter for a high-sampling-rate source, the K-01 makes the most of the astonishing quality of its 32-bit dual mono D/A converters. The K-01 features three systems of input (USB, coaxial and optical), and these digital inputs support high-sampling-rate sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz.

USB input supporting asynchronous transmission and 24 bit/192 kHz sources enables high-quality reproduction of music stored on a PC High-sampling-rate sources of studio master quality can be input at their original resolution, by connecting the K-01 to your PC through a USB port. To ensure a precise high-end design for the USB connection, ESOTERIC developed proprietary driver software (the driver software can be downloaded from the ESOTERIC web site). The USB input supports high-quality asynchronous transmission and the input of high-sampling-rate sources to 24 bit / 192 kHz. Three transmission modes, including two types of high-speed transmission (including asynchronous transmission), and the standard full-speed mode, are also provided to enhance compatibility with a wide variety of PCs and operating systems. Additionally, an Esoteric USB isolator, isolates the power and signal paths from the USB input system. This isolator eliminates interference from external devices, including the PC, to clearly reproduce high-resolution music files without loss of fidelity.
* Note: Reproducible formats depend on the music player capabilities installed on the PC.

Brand: Esoteric

Model Name/Number: K-01

Price (RRP): £15000

Choice Hifi Price: £6790

Product Information:

Compatible disc types Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)
Analog audio output Jacks XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1
RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1
Output impedance XLR: 100 ohms
RCA: 47 ohms
Maximum output leve
(1 kHz, full scale, 10 k ohms)
XLR (Gain: 0 dB): 2.45 Vrms
RCA: 2.45 Vrms
Frequency response 5 Hz to 55 kHz ( 3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 115 dB
Total harmonic distortion 0.0015% (1 kHz)
Digital audio output Coaxial RCA jack x 1 0.5 Vp-p/75 ohms
Digital audio input Coaxial RCA terminal x 1 (input impedance 75 ohms)
Optical digital terminal x 1 24.0 to 14.5 dBm peak
USB port B connector USB 2.0 / 192 kHz-24 bit async.
Word synchronization input format Jack BNC
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-01 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 K-01 32bit AK4399 x8 DACs / per channel
Power supply Power supply AC 230 V, 50 Hz
AC 120 V, 60 Hz
AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption 33 W
External dimensions
(W x H x D)
445 x 162 x 438 mm (17 1/4″ x 6″ 3/8 x 13 1/4″) (including protrusions)
Weight 31 kg (68 3/8 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

Age: 5

Condition: 10/10

Voltage: 220/240/50Hz

Finish/Colour: Silver

Packaging? Yes

Accessories? Yes

Item Location: In Stock

Status: Second Hand

Dimensions 5708473 cm