Esoteric New D02-X

[Masterlu]

Here is the Brand New Esoteric D02-X





The Overview:

Featuring a total redesign of all its circuit components, the new D-02X compresses the monoblock design concept of Esoteric's premier Grandioso D1 into a single-unit dual mono D/A converter without compromise. Retaining the D-02's original configuration of four independent toroidal power supply circuits (for the digital circuitry, clock circuit, and left and right channel analog circuits), all components and patterns in each circuit have been significantly upgraded.

Notably, the D/A circuitry that lies at the heart of this advanced unit now boasts 16 differential circuits per channel (32 outputs), double that of its earlier configuration, while maintaining the same grand sense of scale as the D1. Other features include new ES-LINK4 signal inputs, 36-bit D/A processing and the same Esoteric HCLD line buffer technology that has won accolades for the Grandioso C1 preamplifier. Extensive efforts have also been made to provide support for high-resolution playback, including the 11.2MHz DSD file format, for ever more penetrating musical playback capability.

The Features:

36-Bit Resolution Accentuates the Most Delicate Sound Textures

The D-02X uses 32 (16 + 16) DAC circuits to achieve its low-noise and phenomenal linearity. Its AK4490 chipsets are produced by Asahi Kasei Microdevices. In addition to directly processing DSD signals, a new 36-bit D/A processing algorithm performs analog conversion of the PCM signal at 36-bit resolution for smooth, delicately detailed high-resolution sound quality.
ESOTERIC-HCLD*: Esoteric's Exclusive Output Buffer Delivers Powerful Direct Current Transmission

High-speed current transmission capacity is the most important factor in an analog output circuit's ability to transmit the wide dynamic range of a musical signal without loss. Extensive resources invested in the D-02X's output buffer amplifier circuitry greatly extend the limits of its performance as a line driver. Featuring high current output capacity, its high-performance elements boast an exceptionally high slew rate of 2,000V/μs as an indicator of its remarkable response speed. The D-02X's top-tier buffer circuit configuration features four RCA output circuits and two circuits each for the XLR outputs' hot and cold terminals. By maximizing its capacity to deliver instantaneous current output, the D-02X reproduces the full dynamics of music with breathtaking realism.
Wide-Range D/D Conversion Compatible With Many Sources

In addition to playback at a source's original sampling frequency, the D-02X also features PCM up-conversion capability (2x, 4x, 8x) and PCM-to-DSD conversion that uses a proprietary algorithm to convert the PCM signal to fixed 11.2MHz DSD, enabling significantly smoother musical reproduction.
Digital Inputs Support High Sampling Rates

The D-02X's coaxial and optical inputs support PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz and 2.8MHz DSD (DoP). Two XLR inputs support 48-bit/192kHz (ES-LINK3), 24-bit/384kHz (Dual AES 8Fs) and 5.6MHz DSD (DoP Dual XLR mode).
USB Input Compatible with PCM, DSD, and Asynchronous Transmission

The D-02X also features a USB input that supports asynchronous transmission, PCM rates up to 32-bit/384kHz, and 2.8/5.6/11.2MHz native DSD. Utilizing Esoteric's proprietary PC driver software in combination with its free HR Audio Player, the D-02X provides high-resolution playback of even studio master-quality source files.
Changeable XLR Output Pin Assignment

As phase can be digitally inverted in a contactless system, either Hot 2 or Hot 3 can be selected with no deterioration in sound quality.
esoteric

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Full Specs:

http://www.esoteric-usa.com/Products/dacs/D-02x.php

USA Retail $20K

[-E-]

Yes, yes 1000x yes.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by -E-

Yes, yes 1000x yes.

I am ordering mine tomorrow!

[scirica]

Yes, in my fantasy world I would have bought this instead of the K-03X!

[SL1800]

Wow!!!

[TOGA]

Nice sound.
Toga

[mchydro]

Now I want one!

[nycjazz]

Other than the transport how do the specs compare to the k01x?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by nycjazz

Other than the transport how do the specs compare to the k01x?

Quite a bit better.

[jdandy]

Ivan.......I find it interesting that the D-02X DAC clock accuracy remains at ±0.5 ppm, the same as the clock in the K-01X, K-03X, K-01, and K-03 players. At its price point the D-02x appears to still be able to benefit in performance from the addition of the external G-02 clock. While I can appreciate what Esoteric has achieved with the D-02X DAC by compressing the monoblock design concept of Esoteric's premier Grandioso D1 into a single-unit dual mono D/A converter without compromise, it seems to me the precision of the internal clock should have been improved beyond ±0.5 ppm. It seems unusual to me that Esoteric would develop such an advanced DAC and not improve the precision of the internal clock.

Even the Grandioso D1 mono DAC has a clock precision of ±0.5 ppm, so obviously Esoteric considers that particular accuracy point more than adequate for excellent performance from their premium separate digital components. I realize Esoteric is in the business of selling electronic components and that includes external clocks. I have to admit I am surprised to see the new D-02X DAC maintains the same clock precision employed in the previous two generations of Esoteric players and DAC's. I think it would not be difficult to achieve ±0.1 ppm precision without an external clock. Apparently room remains at the $20,000 D-02X level for enhanced performance with the addition of a higher precision external clock.

I am disappointed that the G-02 clock will not be auditioned with the K-03X. Auditioning the G-02 clock with the new D-02X DAC transfers the end results into unfamiliar territory for me. Those results will not accurately reflect how the addition of the G-02 to the K-03X impacts its performance. That is where my curiosity remains.