Esoteric
N-01XD | Network Audio Player | Discrete DAC
The N-01XD’s Master Sound Discrete DAC is the most revolutionary two-channel stereo DAC circuit in ESOTERIC’s history, and is based on the original circuit developed for the Grandioso D1X Monoblock D/A Converter. As an extension of the D1X’s design philosophy, an abundance of luxurious materials have been invested in the construction of N-01XD’s Master Sound Discrete DAC, including 32 separate elements for each channel. Each of these 32 elements, including such key components as a clock driver, logic circuitry, capacitors and resistors, are kept independent to ensure the purest output with virtually no loss of musical energy.
The N-01XD’s ESOTERIC-HCLD output buffer amplifier boasts an astonishing high-speed slew rate (response speed) of 2,000V/µs. Current transmission and speed—the most important factors in the design of any analog output circuit—have been pushed to the limits, while the array of EDLC** super capacitors used in the buffer circuit’s power supply provide a staggering capacitance of 250,000μF per channel for solid bass support and exceptional reproduction of all the dynamism of music coupled with a sense of realism that is truly breathtaking.
The N-01XD is compatible with 22.5MHz DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM playback and a host of other formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC and MQA). Gapless playback capability is also offered in all lossless formats.
Esoteric has partnerships with a wide range of streaming service and audio codec providers, and preparations are underway for compatibility with new services:
- Begin your encounters with new music through TIDAL, a high-end music streaming service that has officially partnered with ESOTERIC. TIDAL's lossless music distribution service operates on a fixed rate basis. Offering instant access to its enormous sound library, TIDAL enables users to enjoy their favorite music online with excellent sound quality.
- ESOTERIC is an official partner of Qobuz, the leading Hi-Res music streaming and download service.
- Roon is the most engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music. Being Roon Ready means that ESOTERIC network players transparently discover and connect to Roon, with no network configuration, with bitperfect delivery of audio to your dac. Together, Roon and ESOTERIC deliver the power, flexibility, and performance benefits of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.
- Spotify is an on-line music streaming service delivering over 40 million music. Two types of services are provided, a basic service called "Spotify Free" for free, and on-demand and high-quality sound subscription serive called "Spotify Premium" at flat rate.
- MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers master quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. Using pioneering scientific research into how people hear, MQA captures and authenticates the sound of the original studio performance.
The N-01XD is further equipped with USB-B port for connecting to a computer. The driver and ESOTERIC HR Audio Player (music player application) can be downloaded for free from the ESOTERIC website. The audio interface supports high sampling playback at 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission for enabling high-fidelity playback from even studio master quality sources. In addition to its USB ports, three types of digital input ports(XLR x 1, coaxial x 2, optical x 1) have also been provided for connection to a wide range of digital devices.