GRANDIOSO D1X SE Monoblock DAC Set

Monoblock DAC

Setting its sights on achieving the highest levels of D/A conversion capability, Esoteric created the world's first monoblock D/A converter in 2004 with the D-01. The latest in this lineage of flagship D/A converters is the Grandioso D1X SE. Brushed up and liberally infused with new technologies, the D1X SE lets you fully enjoy the excellent channel separation of a dual monaural configuration coupled with truly stereophonic sound.

Esoteric-HCLD Output Buffer*

A fundamental element of audio quality, the Esoteric-HCLD output buffer amp is mounted on a separate board from the D/A converter, and its circuits have been upgraded to double the scale of the original Grandioso D1. As an indicator of its response speed, the buffer amp's main components boast an astoundingly high slew rate of 2,000V/μs. This buffer amp also features a four circuit parallel configuration for RCA output, and an extravagant configuration of two hot and cold circuits each for balanced XLR output. This enables the D1X to approach the very limits of powerful current-mode transmission and speed, which are the most important elements of an analog output circuit, and help reproduce the full reality of music with breathtaking dynamic range and clarity.
* HCLD: High Current Line Driver

ES-Link5 Digital Transmission

Esoteric’s own ES-Link digital interface utilizes HDMI cables for signal transmission. With the introduction of the P1X SE / D1X SE, ES-Link has been further upgraded to Ver. 5 and supports an even wider range of superior sound quality formats (Max. 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/48bit PCM). HDMI's multi-conductor structure permits full balance transmission of audio data and LR clock and bit clock signals.
This differs from regular digital transmission as signal modulation is not required on the sender side and demodulation processing is not required on the receiver side, thus dramatically reducing digital processing loads on the DAC side and enabling ideal digital transmission.

ES-Link Analog for Current Transmission of the Highest Audio Quality

In addition to its XLR and RCA line connections to the amplifier, the D1X SE has also been equipped with Esoteric's own ES-Link Analog transmission system. Current-mode signal transmission is less susceptible to the effects of signal route impedance, thus enabling more powerful signal transmission. When connected to supported devices, ES-Link Analog offers an ideal transmission system for maximizing system potential.
* Ordinary balanced cables (with XLR connectors) are used for connection. These connectors can only be used with compatible devices, however, because the transmission format is unique.

Complete Isolation of Digital Circuits and Analog Circuits

All analog circuits are electrically isolated from the digital circuits, and separate power supplies are used for the digital and analog circuits. Each channel features two large and powerful toroidal power supply transformers, which provide a steady supply of clean power to each corresponding circuit block.

Low-Feedback DC Regulators

Both the P1X SE and D1X SE feature low-feedback discrete DC regulators. The reduction in feedback level helps achieve a vibrantly energetic sound that seemingly overflows with a sensation of openness.

EDLC Super Capacitors

Both the P1X SE and D1X SE include EDLC* super capacitors throughout their power supply circuitry. The P1X utilizes a total of 38 EDLCs (with a combined capacitance of 1,400,00μF or 1.4F), while the D1X features a total of 50 EDLCs (for a combined capacitance of 1,300,000μF/1.3F) for the pair. Through this maximization of power supply capacitance, remarkable improvements in low-range resolution and audio quality have been achieved.
* EDLC(Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): Developed as next-generation power devices for the electric vehicle industry, these capacitors are attracting wider attention as cutting-edge technology due to their exceptionally high capacitance.

D/D Conversion

The D1X SE features the ability to upconvert a PCM digital signal up to 2, 4, 8 or 16 times higher sampling frequency (Max.768kHz). It also features a PCM-to-DSD conversion function (up to 22.5MHz), and a DSD digital filter that can be freely switched on or off.

USB Audio Interface Supports 22.5MHz DSD, 768kHz/32-Bit PCM, and Asynchronous Transmission

The D1X SE also includes a USB terminal for connection to a computer or network transport, enabling playback of studio master quality audio sources.

Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player

It is no exaggeration to say that the clock circuitry is the biggest key to high sound quality in digital music reproduction. For its flagship master clock generator Grandioso G1X, Esoteric has perfected its own in-house manufactured OCXO clock module, the Master Sound Discrete Clock. The G1X's unique discrete circuitry has been highly acclaimed for its superior musical expressiveness, creating a buzz in the world of high-end audio that has traditionally been described only in terms of technical specifications.

The "Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player" used in the D1X SE applies the basic design concept of G1X's in-house manufactured OCXO module to the internal clock of the digital player models. The unique circuit design using carefully selected discrete components, such as a large crystal oscillator, achieves high sound quality that reflects Esoteric's philosophy in every detail, which cannot be achieved with an off-the-shelf clock module. The D1X SE can also be connected to the Grandioso G1X external master clock generator to improve sound quality by synchronizing the internal circuitry to an even more accurate 10 MHz clock.

Multilayer Chassis

Special care was also taken in the chassis construction of each unit, with a rigid, heavy-duty, thick aluminum panel enclosure to ensure thorough vibration control. The bottom chassis, to which each circuit component is attached, adopts a multi-layer structure using multiple steel plates. The power transformer and other components are fixed on separate layers and placed in a three-dimensional arrangement to prevent mutual interference between each component. Esoteric’s original Pinpoint foot*, which integrates a spike and saucer, has been replaced with a new foot that is not bolted to the lower chassis, but is held in place by the weight of the chassis when installed. By avoiding the stress concentration caused by screwing the Pinpoint foot body into the large surface area of the lower chassis, a more open sound is created.
*Patent JP4075477 / JP3778108

Semi Floating Top Panel

The enclosure’s top panel utilizes a screwless semi-floating structure that further contributes to an open and expansive sound.