This product has been designed and manufactured according to FDA regulations “title 21, CFR, chapter 1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968“, and is classified as class 1 laser product. There is not hazardous invisible laser radiation during operation because invisible laser radiation emitted inside of this product is completely confined in the protective housings.

The label required in this regulation is shown ①.

①For U.S.A.

Optical pickup :

Type : SLD6163RL-G

Manufacturer : SONY CORPORATION

Laser output : Less than 1mW on the objective lens

Wavelength : 785±15 nm

For European customers

Disposal of your old appliance

1.When this crossed-out wheeled bin symbol is attached to a product it means the product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC.

2.All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.

3.The correct disposal of your old appliance will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health.

4.For more detailed information about disposal of your old appliance, please contact your city office, waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

“Super Audio CD” is a registered trademark. “DSD” is a registered trademark.

The i.LINK logo is a trademark of Sony Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Contents

Thank you for choosing Esoteric. Read this manual carefully to get the best performance from this unit.

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Before Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Front panel features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Understanding the remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Remote Control Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Restoring factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fast scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Selecting a track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Skipping playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Selecting the playback area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Repeat mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Analog output (2CH/MULTI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Programmed playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Display dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Changing the display mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Clock Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 i.LINK (AUDIO) Output Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 i.LINK (IEEE 1394) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Settings (introduction). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Audio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Speaker Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Esoteric X-03 owner manual Contents
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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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