FEATURES
VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-10” transport mechanism
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-03 uses an evolutionary version of the mechanism configuration adopted for the X-03SE SACD/CD player and now includes the VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-10.” This new VRDS mechanism includes further refinements in the design of the driver circuit. The all-new driver circuit specifically for SACDs and CDs, enables smooth, high-precision servo control. A duralumin turntable with micron-level accuracy and a 10 mm steel turntable bridge are used, resulting in a total weight of 4.4 kg (9.7lbs). 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-03.
Dual mono D/A converters based on the philosophy of the K-01
The K-03’s D/A converter circuits are based on the circuitry of the ESOTERIC K-01, providing a parallel/differential output with four circuits per channel. This achieves overwhelming linearity and an ultra low distortion factor.
For the D/A converter device itself, 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 four circuits per channel, are mounted on a separate analog audio board for each of the left and right channels and configured for dual mono operation with the same layout for each of the two channels.
The power supply has toroidal transformers specifically used for the analog audio circuits. The transformers boast an ideal power supply capacity with a power supply that is separate from the transport power supply and excellent channel separation achieved through a power configuration separated into right and left channels, to enable high-quality playback with rich localization and sonic depth.
High-quality discrete buffer circuit with a high voltage power supply
A 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 types
A wide variety of D/D conversion functions are implemented to match 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” mode
The K-03 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 rate
Even when you use the K-03 as a discrete D/A converter for a high-sampling-rate source, the K-03 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-03 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 up 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.
