Esoteric K-03 User Manual download pdf (Page 2)

FEATURES

RDS-NEO “VM

-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.

(*1) AK4399 is the Audio4pro™ and is a branded product of ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORPORATION that is designed for professional studio and digital audio applications.

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