Settings (Speaker Setup 2)

Speaker distance

Ideally, the speakers should be placed so that they are all the same distance from the listening position. If this is not possible, you should use this method described here to adjust them individually. It is also possible to adjust all distances together. The point of these settings is to provide the best synchronization between sound and image by delaying the sound by an appropriate amount. The subwoofer is not included in this setting (the placement of the subwoofer is less critical than that of other speakers).

The L/R setting changes the distance of all speakers together. Pressing the up button adds 0.1m to each value, and pressing the down button subtracts 0.1m from each value.

Distances are measured in meters (1 meter = just over 3 feet, and 0.1 meter = about 4 inches).

Carry out this operation first before setting the other speaker distances.

After setting the L/R, C and SR/SL speaker distances together, you can now set the center and surround pair distances. The minimum distance for these is 0m and the maximum is 9m, with the additional restrictions described here.

<The distance that you set for the center speaker cannot be greater than the distance set for the L/R pair and must be within 1.7m of that L/R distance.

So for example, if the distance to the L/R pair is set to 5.0m, the center distance must be between 3.3m (5 – 1.7) and 5m.

<The distance that you set for the SR/SL surround pair cannot be greater than the distance set for the L/R pair (and must be within 9m of that distance).

So with the L/R pair set at 5m, the SR/SL pair distance can be set from 0m to 5m.

Speaker levels (SP Level)

Use this to set the relative levels of the speakers. You can set the L/R pair together, and the center, and surround rear pair independently, as well as the subwoofer. The maximum value you can set here is 0dB and the minimum is –12dB, with settings made in 0.5dB increments. The default setting for each speaker channel is set to 0dB.

1.Select “Test Start” and press the ENTER button.

The unit outputs test tone from each channel in turn at the specified level for each channel.

<Adjust the master volume of your amplifier to the normal listening level.

<Test tone from subwoofer may be nearly inaudible. Check the level of subwoofer using a Super Audio CD which contains low frequency sound.

<The unit won’t output test tone when “i.60958” is selected. Select “i.PCM” to use test tone (see page 19).

<The unit won’t output test tone when a Super Audio CD is (or had been) loaded. In this case, remove the disc, turn the unit off and on, and try again.

2.Select a speaker using the up or down cursor buttons.

3.Press the right cursor button.

4.Adjust the levels using the up or down cursor buttons.

5.When the setting has been finished, press the SETUP button to exit the setup menu.

Test tone length (Test tone)

Select the Test Tone menu item, and choose between 2, 5* and 10 seconds. This represents the length of time that the test tone is output from each speaker when Test Start is selected.

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Esoteric X-03 owner manual Speaker distance, Speaker levels SP Level, Test tone length Test tone
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X-03 specifications

Esoteric X-03 is a cutting-edge digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that represents the pinnacle of audio engineering and technology. Designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the X-03 is built to deliver an exceptional listening experience, showcasing the intricacies of music with remarkable detail and fidelity.

One of the standout features of the Esoteric X-03 is its dual-mono construction, which minimizes crosstalk and ensures an optimally balanced audio output. This architecture allows for the separation of left and right channels, providing a clearer and more spacious soundstage. The high-performance DAC chips used in the X-03 are capable of handling a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution PCM audio and DSD (Direct Stream Digital), making it a versatile choice for modern music consumption.

The X-03 employs proprietary technology, such as the Esoteric Clock Jitter Reduction system, which effectively minimizes timing errors that can deteriorate audio quality. By maintaining impeccable timing during playback, this technology ensures that the music retains its dynamic range and tonal accuracy. Furthermore, the DAC features a robust power supply design, including multiple isolated power transformers that cater specifically to digital and analog sections, reducing noise and providing stable performance.

In terms of connectivity, the Esoteric X-03 offers a comprehensive range of inputs including USB, balanced XLR, and RCA, accommodating various audio sources. The USB input supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, allowing users to tap into the highest quality digital audio files available.

The user interface of the X-03 is intuitive, featuring a bright display that provides essential information while allowing for easy navigation through various settings and inputs.

In conclusion, the Esoteric X-03 is not just a DAC; it’s a robust audio tool designed for those who appreciate the subtleties of sound. With its advanced technologies and meticulous design, the X-03 delivers a remarkable listening experience, ensuring that every note and nuance is captured and reproduced with precision. It stands as a testament to Esoteric's commitment to excellence in high-end audio equipment, making it a cherished component for any serious audio system.
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