Esoteric N-05XD Network DAC / Preamplifier

Description

N-05XD

The N-05XD Network DAC / Preamplifier by Esoteric marks a new way of audio blended with network technologies. Combining Network + DAC + Preamplifier in a single unit.

The Master Sound Discrete DAC invites you into a new digital audio world, an attenuator system maximises the potential of your speakers and power amplifier, digital and analog inputs, and a high-quality preamplifier sits right in the middle of your system.

N-05XD contains a linear-power driven network circuit (first employed on the N-01XD) which delivers extreme musical detail on streaming network sources. This natural power supply is regulated by dedicated power transformers, and supports a wide range of high-quality internet streaming services, including TIDAL, Spotify and Qobuz.

The newly-developed Master Sound Discrete DAC improves upon the philosophy of the Esoteric Grandioso D1X, a fully in-house designed discrete DAC which aims to deliver the original master sound.

The new preamplifier section contains many important developments, including the QVCS attenuator system, HCLD buffer circuit, and the ES-Link analogue input/output.

The Esoteric QVCS attenuator system establishes L/R and positive/negative independence, using knowledge gained and refined by the brands successive preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers – all while expressing passion and musicality, regardless of the chosen volume level.

HCLD is an output buffer circuit that pursues current transmission capacity and speed, which is crucial for analog output circuits. These high-speed elements with 2,000V/μs of response speed in through rate achieve the dynamism of music with breathtaking reality.

A 4-pin XLR connector for balanced headphones is included, accommodating an L/R independent and fully balanced headphone amplifier, also with the HCLD buffer circuit that firmly controls high-end headphones with 600 Ohm impedance.

An external Clock Sync function allows N-05XD to synchronise with a high precision 10 MHz Master Clock.

Accommodating dedicated toroidal-core power transformers (including the 4-inch diameter version employed on the N-01XD) for network section and DAC / audio section. Plus an extra power supply for control/display sections ensures independence from the audio processing circuits.

N-05XD also features a robust, flexible chassis construction that controls vibrations via a semi-floating top panel, slits processed on the bottom chassis, and Esoteric pin-point feet.

Features

• Digital inputs: XLR × 1, RCA × 2, Optical × 2, USB audio, ETHERNET, USB port for flash drive × 2, Bluetooth
• Analog inputs: XLR × 1 pair, RCA × 1 pair
• Analog outputs: XLR/ES-LINK Analog × 1 pair, ES-LINK Analog pre-out × 1 pair, RCA × 1 pair
• Clock input: BNC × 1 (10MHz)
• Master Sound Discrete DAC
• ESOTERIC-QVCS Attenuator System
• ESOTERIC-HCLD Buffer Circuit
• ES-LINK Analog Input/Output
• Balanced Headphone Outputs
• External Clock Sync
• Larger Capacity Power Supply Units
• App-controlled (Esoteric Sound Stream)
• Built-In Bluetooth Receiver

Specifications

• Digital Audio Inputs:
• XLR: 1
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (AES/EBU format). DSD – 2.8MHz (ES-LINK1, ES-LINK2, DoP format)
• RCA: 2
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format). DSD – 2.8MHz (DoP format)
• Optical: 2
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format). DSD – 2.8MHz (DoP format)
• USB: 1 (USB B connector)
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit. DSD – 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz
• Ethernet: 1 (1000BASE-T)
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo). DSD – 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (stereo)
• Supported File Formats: PCM Lossless – FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA. DSD Lossless – DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP. Compressed Audio – MP3, AAC (m4a container)
• USB Drive: 2 (Front, Rear)
• Supported File System: FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, Single partition, USB2.0 or later recommended
• Maximum Power Supply: 0.5A
• Input Signal Formats: Linear PCM – 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo), DSD – 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (stereo)
• Supported File Formats: PCM Lossless – FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA. DSD Lossless – DSF, DSDIFF (DFF), DoP. Compressed Audio – MP3, AAC (m4a container)
• Analog Audio Inputs:
• XLR: 1 pair (L/R)
• RCA: 1 pair (L/R)
• Analog Audio Outputs:
• XLR/ESL-A: 1 pair (L/R)
• ESL-A PRE-OUT: 1 pair (L/R)
• RCA: 1 pair (L/R)
• Bluetooth Section:
• Version: 4.0
• Supported Profile: A2DP, AVRCP
• Supported A2DP Codec: LDAC, LHDC, aptX™ HD audio, aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC
• Headphone Out Section:
• Balanced: 4-pin XLR × 1
• Unbalanced: 6.3mm Standard Phone jack × 1
• Clock Sync Section:
• Clock Sync BNC: 1
• Clock Sync Input Frequency: 10 MHz (±10 ppm)
• Power: AC 120 V, 60 Hz, AC 220 – 240 V, 50 Hz
• Power Consumption: 38 W
• Overall Dimensions (W×H×D): 445 × 131 × 377 mm (including protrusions)
• Weight: 13.8 kg

Included

• Power cord × 1
• Remote control unit (RC-1334) × 1
• Owner’s manual × 1

Full Esoteric Range Available

Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Esoteric, able to provide sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.

More Information

• N-05XD Network DAC + Preamplifier, by Esoteric

Additional information

Brand

Esoteric

The Esoteric corporate philosophy has been embodied through providing superb audio and video products for over two decades. The company pursues a unique path as a high-end audio/visual brand, focusing on components of higher value based on their own technical innovation and proprietary technologies.

Esoteric state that despite changing times and whirlwind markets, there remain musical and visual connoisseurs who seek true excitement. As long as there are such people, the company will continue to develop and release new products that improve upon the state-of-the-art within each business category that they pursue.