GRANDIOSO N1T Network Transport

Equipped with 4th Generation Esoteric Network Engine G4

The N1T is equipped with the 4th generation "Esoteric Network Engine G4", a newly developed top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship streamer. The new engine features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections.

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is a concentrated embodiment of the design philosophy unique to high-end products. It boasts a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply, ensuring signal purity. Each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings. Moving beyond conventional switching power supplies, Esoteric incorporates premium components such as a large toroidal transformer, custom capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and other oversized parts. This meticulous engineering results in a sound that is smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed.

SFP Port

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is equipped with a built-in network switch function and has two network interfaces: an Ethernet RJ45 connector and an SFP port.
By connecting the N1T to an external network device (such as a switch) using an SFP module and fiber optic cable, you can isolate the signal from network noise, achieving unparalleled purity in playback. Alternatively, a metal cable connection using a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) can simplify the network signal path by reducing the number of circuits involved. For maximum flexibility, both the RJ45 and SFP ports can be used simultaneously. For example, you can connect a NAS to the RJ45 port while using the SFP port for an external network connection (or vice versa), tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements.

Music Server Function

The N1T is equipped with USB ports (USB-A x1, USB-C x1) and can be used as a music server/NAS by connecting up to two USB storage devices (flash drive, HDD/SSD).

Audio Circuit Isolated from the Network

By designing the audio circuit as a separate component from the network engine, the N1T achieves a clear and beautifully immersive sound, befitting its status as a flagship streamer.
The connection between the network engine and the audio circuit is routed through a large isolator, effectively eliminating potential noise from the network. Additionally, the power supply is a large, dedicated linear power unit that operates independently of the network engine. By drawing power directly from a transformer with separate windings for each component, the N1T delivers a sound that is both crystal-clear and powerfully dynamic.

Low-Feedback DC Regulator

The N1T has 3 independent power supply systems that ensure ideal power supply capabilities for each of the three circuit blocks (the network engine, audio circuit, and control circuit). Each power supply has its own low-feedback DC regulator in a discrete configuration. By reducing the amount of feedback, the N1T achieves a powerful, open sound.

Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player

In digital music reproduction, the clock circuitry plays a pivotal role in determining sound quality. Esoteric’s flagship master clock generator, the Grandioso G1X, features the in-house developed Master Sound Discrete Clock, a groundbreaking OCXO clock module. Renowned for its superior musical expressiveness, this innovation has set a new standard in high-end audio, sparking excitement in a field often dominated by technical specifications. Building on the celebrated design of the G1X, the Master Sound Discrete Clock brings this exceptional technology to the N1T. Designed with Esoteric’s meticulous attention to detail, it incorporates carefully selected discrete components, including a large crystal oscillator, to achieve sound quality unmatched by off-the-shelf clock modules. This proprietary circuit design embodies Esoteric’s philosophy of perfection, delivering an unparalleled listening experience that captures the soul of music with breathtaking accuracy and depth. With the Master Sound Discrete Clock, the N1T transforms digital playback into an art form, setting a new benchmark for precision and musicality in high-end streaming.

Clock Sync Capability with Grandioso G1X

It is also possible to further enhance sound quality by adding the Grandioso G1X master clock to your system, synchronizing the N1T and DACs to an ultra-pure, high-precision 10MHz clock.

* When connecting the N1T and external DAC via USB, asynchronous transmission is utilized. This eliminates the need for an external clock input to the N1T. In such configurations, simply connect the G1X to the DAC for optimal results.

Compatible with a Wide Range of Audio Sources

The N1T 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). The N1T can also play back the 32-bit float format popular in the professional audio industry. Gapless playback capability is also offered in all lossless formats.

ESOTERIC Sound Stream - Intuitive Control Meets Audio Quality

The Esoteric Sound Stream app, available for both Apple iOS and Android devices, is designed to combine exceptional sound quality with effortless usability. Tailored for smartphones and tablets, this innovative app allows users to easily browse, manage, and customize their music playback experience with just a few taps.
With its intuitive interface, creating and managing playlists becomes seamless. All screens are thoughtfully designed for straightforward navigation, ensuring that music libraries and playlists are easily accessible to users of any experience level. At the same time, the app offers a suite of advanced features to satisfy even the most seasoned audiophiles.

Powerful Search and Tag Features

A standout feature of the Esoteric Sound Stream app is its powerful search and retrieval system, which takes full advantage of tag information. Users can scroll through album artwork and libraries, organizing tracks by artist, recording year, composer, or other categories. This precise tagging functionality even differentiates between tracks with the same name in different formats, ensuring a streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Enhanced Visual Experience

The app supports the storage of album images, allowing users to enjoy a visually rich browsing experience. Instantly scroll through album artwork for a deeper connection to your library while enjoying detailed organization at your fingertips.

Compatible with a Wide Selection of Audio Codecs and Streaming Services

Esoteric has partnered with a wide array of streaming service and audio codec providers, and preparations are currently underway to provide compatibility with newer services.

*Information on newly supported services will be released on Esoteric’s website.
*Please note that regional restrictions may be applied on some services.

TIDAL
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.

qobuz
Founded in 2007 and a pioneer of high quality sound, Qobuz is the French music streaming and download platform for those who want to live and share their passion for music. Available in 26 countries (as of 2024) around the world, in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Japan, Qobuz offers an exceptional range of exclusive editorial content written by a team of experts. With its catalog of more than 100 million tracks, Qobuz also has the richest choice of high-resolution (Hi-Res) titles.

roon ready
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.

RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport) Dedicated Mode
The N1T is equipped with a dedicated RAAT mode that reduces the CPU processing load by disabling all network functions except those required for RAAT, thereby improving playback quality when using Roon.

Spotify
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
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.

Chassis Construction

To achieve the singular design goal of “reproducing the master sound” the N1T chassis optimally controls all vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the chassis is comparable to that of a Formula 1 car, with the balance between rigidity and flexibility pushed to the limit. The sleek and clean shape of the chassis is a testament to its high level of perfection. The cabinet, which requires rigidity, extensively utilizes heavyweight aluminum blocks to ensure no resonance, while the top panel features a semi-floating structure for a more open sound.

Multi-Layer Chassis

The chassis, which secures each circuit component, is a multi-layer construction using multiple steel plates. Each circuit component is mounted on a separate layer and arranged in a three-dimensional layout to minimize physical and electrical interference. In the power supply section, the circuit board and power transformer are also placed on different layers to suppress the transmission of transformer vibrations to the circuit board. The bottom chassis, on which the transformer is mounted, is laser-cut with precision slits, and Esoteric’s unique pinpoint isolation feet effectively dissipate vibrations to the ground.

Unique Pinpoint Isolation Foot (Patent No. JP 4075477, 3778108, and 7413773)

Esoteric’s unique patented isolation foot, which integrates a spike and spike pad, has been further refined and developed. Suspended from the lower chassis, the top of the foot connects to the lower chassis under the weight of the unit when placed. The top of the foot has been tapered to a conical shape to minimize the contact area between the chassis and the foot. The bottom of the foot (integral spike pad) is also concave in a ring shape so that it touches the floor only at the edges, with added slots to disperse resonant modes. By minimizing the contact area between the chassis and the foot, as well as between the spike pad and the floor, vibration control has been optimized, resulting in sharper focus and a more open sound.