Newest Generation VRDS mechanism for SACD (employing a magnesium turntable and SS400 bridge)
The VRDS mechanism securely clamps the disc to the turntable, the diameter of which is exactly the same as that of the disc. This system completely eliminates vibration inherent to removable media and unwanted vibrations generated by the mechanical systems. Also, this mechanism clamps the discs at a slight inclination so as to compensate for warping or deformation improving the accuracy of the optical axes of both the laser pickup and the pit surface of the disc. This is effective in reducing the errors in reading the disc data as well as in preventing timing errors from erratic data acquisition timing.
The P-01 utilizes a magnesium turntable. Magnesium, with a specific gravity two-thirds that of aluminum, is lightweight and has excellent vibration absorption properties that help achieve high-speed rotation with extraordinary stability which are required by an SACD player. What’s more, a pair of highly precise ball bearings is used in the spindle shaft bearing unit and 20-mm thick SS400 steel is used for the support bridge that is directly joined to a 10-mm thick iron frame structure.
Coreless motor using neodymium magnets
ESOTERIC has developed a new, long-life three-phase brushless spindle motor for high-speed rotation of the large diameter turntable. In cooperation with the turntable firmly held in place with high-precision ball bearings, this motor minimizes rotation irregularities and vibrations.
Completed through scientific validations including magnetic field analysis, the optimized magnetic circuit reduces fluctuations in the motor drive current, thereby lessening any effects on audio circuits.
Pickup structure designed to prevent tilting of the laser optical axis and speed feedback-controlled sled transport
The pickup used in the P-01 has a highly rigid sliding-shaft structure that prevents the lens from tilting and the laser optical axis is kept precisely aligned with the media’s bit track. In the sled moving mechanism a proprietary Hall element sensing-type three- phase brushless motor is used and powerful electronic speed feedback circuits control this sled mechanism for quick access, thereby ensuring smooth, continuous lens movement with superior response.
Highly rigid chassis to completely eliminate internal and external vibrations that might deteriorate sound quality
The chassis that supports the mechanisms includes steel bottom frame of 10-mm thickness and 4.52-kg (10 lbs) of weight. Thick aluminum is used on the top, side, bottom and front panels. The entire chassis is supported by Esoteric-exclusive pinpoint feet (patent pending) made of case-hardened tool steel.
Total attention is given to precision in mounting mechanical parts, the rigidity of the housing, and eliminating sympathetic vibration. The front and side panels constructed of thick brushed aluminum, and the rounded four corners, also of aluminum, create a feeling of dignity and gravitas, befitting of a superior SACD/CD drive unit.
Power supply section completely separated from main body
To exploit the transport potential to the full, the power supply unit is separated from the P-01 itself. The - power supply unit is equipped with three transformers: one for driving the mechanisms and motors, one for handling control signals so that the pick-up reads disc data with superior accuracy, and one for handling digital signals in the clock circuit and other areas. WB transformers, remarkable for small current loss and quick response, are used for driving the mechanism motors and for handling digital signals.
Upward conversion on CD playback
The digital audio is sent through a high-precision crystal oscillator that generates ±3ppm of accuracy (temperature characteristics included) and DSRLL III circuit to minimize jitter and do upward conversion.
The upward conversion feature makes it possible to output a maximum 192kHz signal when playing back CDs. When playing back SACD discs, the DSD signal (1 bit, 64 Fs) is sent out as acquired without upconverion or other processing.
Digital audio output
The output stage includes one multi-function XLR system (six terminals: L, R, C, SW, LS, and RS are available for ES-LINK output; two terminals: L and R for Dual AES output; and L/R terminals for XLR output), one RCA system (L/R terminals), and two IEEE 1394 systems. As an output having no upward conversion function, one RCA (NORMAL) system is provided.
No SACD data is available at the RCA jack.
Esoteric-exclusive format, ES-LINK, making SACD digital output possible
The SACD digital output is sent out of the XLR terminals in the Esoteric-exclusive ES-LINK format, or out of the IEEE 1394 interface.
When “XLR DUAL” is selected as output and an SACD disc is played , the output is automatically sent in the ES-LINK format. Only the Esoteric mono D/A converter, the D-01, is ready for ES- LINK at this time.
WORD SYNC
The word sync feature allows this unit to synchronize with an external word clock. The input frequency is switch-selectable between 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192, and 100 kHz. The P-01 is designed so that the phase shift between the word clock and output sampling frequency is kept within 10 degrees when there is no discrepancy between the two. This unit can be either in “IN” mode or in “Rb IN” mode. When in Rb IN mode, a PLL circuit devoted to a highly precise clock like the rubidium controlled oscillator used in the ESOTERIC G-0s is activated.
Copper wires of 6N purity are used for primary internal wirings, Further contributing to superior sound quality
High purity 6N copper wires are used for the supplied AC power cord and most internal wiring that has effect on the sound quality thereby improving the purity and texture resolution of the sound. The insulating sheath is made of polyorefin, a non-PVC material, used out of consideration for the environment as well as sound quality. No PVC is used for any other wire insulation. The high purity 6N copper cable is developed with the help of Acro Japan Ltd. who also developed the highly acclaimed Esoteric “MEXCEL” interconnection cable and high purity 8N copper cable.
