Esoteric K05XD
Esoteric CD/SACD player fitted with a VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism and a Master Sound discrete DAC, designed for demanding audiophile systems.
Description
The K-05XD is a CD/SACD player from Esoteric, built around an entirely new platform compared with the previous K-05 series models. It incorporates a dedicated transport mechanism, a discrete digital-to-analogue converter and a separate clock circuit, within a double-layer chassis that houses these various blocks along with the power supply.
The Super Audio CD transport uses a VRDS-ATLAS mechanism named "ATLAS 05", developed specifically for this model. Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on the "Master Sound Discrete DAC", a discrete circuit driven by an in-house developed FPGA with a 64-bit/512 Fs Delta-Sigma modulator, while signal timing is handled by an internal discrete clock module, the "Master Sound Discrete Clock". Analogue signal transmission is based on the "ES-Link" current output technology, and the "Esoteric-HCLD" output buffer amplifier offers a slew rate of 2,000 V/µs. The unit is powered by three separate transformers (two toroidal transformers for the analogue and digital sections, and one EI transformer for control) paired with a low-feedback DC regulator.
In terms of measurements, the K-05XD is rated at a frequency response of 5 Hz to 70 kHz (–3dB, SACD 0dB), a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB and total harmonic distortion of 0.0007 % at 1 kHz, measured at the XLR output with the DSD F2 filter. It features a USB DAC function accepting DSD up to 22.5 MHz in asynchronous transmission, as well as a built-in MQA decoder. A 10 MHz external clock input on BNC allows synchronisation to an external reference clock, such as the optional Esoteric G-05.
This player is aimed at high-fidelity enthusiasts who already have a demanding system upstream or downstream, capable of making the most of the refined reproduction promised by such a carefully engineered architecture. Its versatile connectivity, with RCA and XLR analogue outputs, coaxial and AES/EBU digital outputs, as well as coaxial, optical and USB inputs, makes it a central component suited to established digital systems, whether for playing physical discs or for external digital sources via the USB input.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 5 Hz to 70 kHz (–3dB, SACD 0dB, DSDF: F2, XLR output) |
| Signal to noise ratio | 110 dB (IHF-A, SACD 0dB, DSDF: F2, XLR output) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.0007 % (1 kHz, SACD 0dB, DSDF: F2, XLR output) |
| Analogue outputs | 1 x RCA pair, 1 x XLR pair |
| Digital outputs | 1 x coaxial, 1 x AES/EBU |
| Digital inputs | 1 x USB, 1 x coaxial, 1 x optical, 1 x 10 MHz clock input on BNC |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 445 × 161 × 357 mm |
| Weight | 20.7 kg |
What to check before buying used
The "ATLAS 05" VRDS-ATLAS mechanism warrants a check of the tray and playback, including on SACD, as this dedicated transport can drift out of alignment with age despite its rigid design. Also check the correct operation of the 10 MHz external clock input on BNC as well as the various digital and analogue outputs, whose occasional use leaves the connectors more exposed to oxidation. Silent operation, with no locking noise or prolonged read errors, remains the best indicator of the condition of the optical block and transport.
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