AudioAficionado.org - New N-01 top network player

Here’s the English version.

July 19, 2017
Equipped with Grandioso K1's DAC part
Esoteric, top network player / USB-DAC "N-01" - 1.4 million yen
Editorial department: Takanobu Ozawa
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Esoteric will release the network player's top model "N-01" from August 10. The price is 1,400,000 yen (excluding tax).

"N-01"

In April 2016, the company had released the first network player "N-05" (related news). The N - 01 that appears this time is the top model of the network player, and incorporates a USB - DAC as well as N - 05. The biggest feature is that the premium DAC module developed for the company's flagship series "Grandioso" integrated digital player "Grandioso K1" is "beyond class".

Support for reproduction of 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz / 32 bit PCM

As for the USB input, it corresponds to reproduction of 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz / 32 bit PCM at the maximum. This is over the USB input of Grandioso K1 which corresponded to 11.2 MHz DSD and 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM.

Regarding network playback, it supports playback of maximum 5.6 MHz DSD and 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM. For 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM, it is reproduced by down converting to 192 kHz / 24 bit. The playback compatible formats are DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC. It corresponds to gapless playback in all lossless formats.

Rear terminal part

As with N - 05, the operation of network playback can be done from the exclusive control application "ESOTERIC Sound Stream" which is well - known for its high degree of completeness. Also, the main unit has a USB terminal for USB storage connection on the front and the back. Libraries in the connected storage can be played back from the application. With this, even if there is no NAS, you can use it like a music server by combining this unit and USB storage.

ESOTERIC Sound Stream dedicated control application

Network playback will also be compatible with RoonReady. It is also said to be compatible with MQA format playback.

As for streaming service, we plan to support lossless streaming "TIDAL" and "Qobuz" (neither in Japan for services yet), "Spotify". These will be handled sequentially as soon as preparation is completed.

In addition, AES / EBU, coaxial, light digital inputs are installed one by one. It corresponds to input of PCM up to 192 kHz / 24 bit and DSD 2.8 MHz (DoP) respectively.

■ The D / A conversion section inherits from Grandioso K1. Processing with 35 bit processing

The D / A converter section adopts the dual mono D / A converter module developed for Grandioso K1. Was used for each L / R combines the top-op "MUSES03" New Japan Radio the highest DAC "AK4497" of AKM, is a parallel / differential circuit configuration of channels per differential 8 circuit. It said that it realized high linearity and low distortion.

D / A converter section of N-01

Furthermore, the power supply transformer for the D / A converter part is independent right and left, and eight power supply regulators are arranged in the immediate vicinity of each circuit for each channel. Provide clean and stable power supply. Isolation of digital circuits and analog circuits is more thorough than before.

Also, it adopts 35 bit D / A processing algorithm which combines plural 32 bit DAC devices and converts PCM signal to analog signal with high resolution of 35 bit. Let us suppose that by utilizing the gradation of the high bit data in the digital area, the operation error can be minimized and faithful analog conversion can be performed.

■ Also strengthen analog circuitry thoroughly. Individual power supply is prepared for each part

In order to reproduce the dynamic range included in the music signal without leaving anything, we also pursued the high current transmission capability and the speed in the analog output circuit. Buffer circuit "ESOTERIC-HCLD" using a high speed element with high current output capability and slew rate of 2,000 V / μs, which represents response speed, is equipped with two circuits per channel. In the case of the XLR output, the differential (differential) is driven, and in the case of the RCA output, it is driven in parallel (parallel) to increase the instantaneous current supply capability.

Moreover, EDLC (super capacitor array) is adopted as a power source of the buffer circuit. The total capacity of 125,000 μF per channel, realized unrelenting low-pass play.

In addition to the normal line connection (XLR, RCA), ESOTERIC proprietary analog transmission method "ES-LINK Analog" is newly adopted. The current transmission method utilizing the performance of HCLD buffer circuit having a high speed and powerful current supply capacity, and capable of transmitting a difficult signal affected by the impedance of the signal path more pure. At the company's current lineup, the Integrated Amplifier "Grandioso F1" corresponds to this ES-LINK Analog.

For XLR output, pin assignment can be selected by HOT HOT / 3 HOT. Since phase inversion is performed in the digital domain, there is no deterioration in sound quality with contactless method.

The interior of the cabinet adopts a second floor configuration

A total of four large capacity toroidal transformers are installed as dedicated to each of the built-in D / A converter modules, digital circuits, and network modules. Ideal power supply to each circuit block is performed. Component selection considering network regeneration such as high capacity block capacitor and large capacity EDLC super capacitor array of 100,000 μF equipped in power supply exclusive for network module is also being conducted.

As for the chassis, like the other K series, adopted a two-layer chassis with thick aluminum and steel. The interior of the chassis has a double deck structure (two-story structure), which suppresses mutual interference between the circuits and minimizes power supply wiring.

In addition, it is said that each part of the chassis will be able to effectively damp vibrations by applying laser precision slot machining. In addition, by supporting the whole with a steel bottom chassis of 5 mm thickness and original pinpoint foot, we will also thoroughly vibrate the mechanical ground.

■ Clock circuit customized for Grandioso is installed

In addition to playback with original Fs, it also has a function to up-convert the PCM signal to 2/4/8/16 times (maximum 768 kHz). Furthermore, PCM - DSD mutual format conversion by proprietary algorithm is possible. DSD is converted to 22.5 MHz. It is also possible to select ON / OFF of the DSD digital filter.

Regarding the clock circuit, it is equipped with VCXO (Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator) customized for Grandioso. Built-in large crystal piece, phase noise is extremely small, boasting excellent center accuracy of ± 0.5 ppm.

Also equipped with external clock input. By connecting with the master clock generator such as "G - 01X", it is also possible to synchronize the operation of this unit with the clock signal from the external device. Input possible frequencies correspond to 10 MHz, 22 MHz, 24 MHz in addition to the 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz series. When USB input is used, synchronized playback with external clock is possible.

Also, for wiring of external clock input, hard wiring connection by custom coaxial cable conforming to MIL standard is adopted. The connector gold plated SMA connectors developed for high frequency transmission, such as adopting a ESOTERIC original BNC terminals of brass shaving to realize a reliable contact, that suppressed transmission loss to a minimum.

In the analog audio circuit, the digital circuit and the analog circuit after the D / A converter are separated by the isolator. Thorough measures against noise.

Frequency characteristic (PCM192kHz) is 5Hz ~ 70kHz (-3dB), S / N is 120 dB, the distortion factor is 0.0007% (1kHz), power consumption is 33 W, external dimensions 445W × 162H × 438Dmm, mass of about 25.7 kg.
Topic ESOTERIC Network audio player USB-DAC