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Esoteric N-05XE

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The N-05XE combines premium audio performance with compact elegance, featuring an optical network-compatible G4 engine and advanced G2 discrete DAC for pristine sound reproduction. Its dual balanced preamplifier—engineered from Esoteric's Grandioso lineage—pairs seamlessly with an exceptional built-in headphone amplifier. The XE iteration refines every circuit element through meticulous optimization, preserving the system's celebrated capabilities while elevating sonic clarity. Experience Esoteric's signature refinement in a beautifully integrated package.

N-05XE System Configuration
  • D/A Converter: Equipped with a wide range of digital inputs
  • Network Streamer: Designed for streaming and music file playback
  • Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Preamplifier
  • Dual-Mono, Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier
  • Fully Dual-Mono Construction: All analog and power supply circuits are completely L/R independent
Master Sound Discrete DAC G2
  • Next Generation “G2” DAC: With richer musicality, incorporating the Grandioso N1 technologies 
  • Highly Advanced Multilevel ΔΣ D/A Converter: Powered by 64-bit/512Fs ΔΣ modulator
  • FPGA-Based Discrete Circuit Configuration: Without using an off-the-shelf DAC IC
  • Two Independent FPGA Digital Processing Algorithms: Optimized separately for PCM and DSD formats
  • Low-Noise New Register Network: Provides cleaner imaging and lower noise 
  • High Precision MELF Resistor Elements: Ensures ultra-high D to A conversion accuracy
  • Fully Dual-Mono Configuration: Left/right independent analog and power supply circuits
  • “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player”: Esoteric’s proprietary high-precision clock circuit 
ESOTERIC Network Engine G4
  • Next Generation Network Streaming Engine: Supports optical network connections via SFP port 
  • Dedicated Large Linear Power Supply: Contributes to smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed sound
  • Native DSD 22.5 MHz Playback Support
  • Music Server Function: Supports connection of up to two USB drives
  • Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC
  • Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet
  • OpenHome Compliant: Can be controlled using compatible OpenHome applications
  • Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, QQ Music
Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Preamplifier
  • High-Fidelity Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Circuit: Consists of 8 circuits (L/R, hot/cold independent)
  • Dedicated Attenuator Power Supply: Contributes to pure volume control 
  • HCLD High-Current Buffer Amplifier: Powerfully drives downstream equipment with no sound quality difference regardless of preamp output, line output, or headphone output
  • ES-Link Analog: Esoteric’s proprietary current signal link with amplifier, provides super authentic sound
  • ES-Link Analog input ×1 
Dual-Mono, Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier
  • Completely New Circuit Design: Developed for even higher sound quality 
  • Dual-Mono Parallel Single-Ended Amplification: Provides excellent drive capability and control 
  • 1,200 mW + 1,200 mW Output (32 Ω Load)
  • 4-Pin XLR and ¼ (6.3mm) Stereo Phone Headphone Outputs
Other Features
  • Front USB Type-C Port: Functions as a DAC input for smartphones and DAPs 
  • ES-Link (XLR) Input: Provides digital connectivity to Esoteric SACD transport models
  • 10 MHz Clock Input: Enables connection to the G-05 external master clock for further sound quality enhancement
  • Bluetooth® Receiver: Supports various high definition codecs; LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm®aptX ™ HD audio, Qualcomm®aptX ™ audio, AAC, SBC
  • Fixed Line Output Mode / Signal Pass-Through Output Mode
  • High-Rigidity Chassis Construction: Optimized for effective vibration control
  • Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sonic openness and spatial expression
  • Patented Pinpoint Isolation Feet: Deliver focused imaging and an open soundstage
  • Proudly Made in Tokyo
Network Section  
Supported File Formats  
PCM Lossless FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA
DSD Lossless DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP
Compressed Audio MP3, AAC
Ethernet Port 1 (1000BASE-T)
SFP Port 1 (1000BASE-T/-LX (Single Mode), 1000BASE-SX (Multi Mode) )
USB Drive Port 1 (Type-A)
1 (Type-C)
* USB2.0 or higher recommended
Supported File System FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, Single Partation
Maximum Current Supply 0.5A Each
Supported Sampling Frequencies  
PCM 44.1 to 768kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz
Bluetooth Section  
Bluetooth Version 4.2
Output Class Class2 (Range: Approx. 10m)
* The communication range is approximate, and it varies depending on the surrounding environment and wave conditions.
Supported Profile A2DP, AVRCP
Supported A2DP Codec LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm®aptX ™ HD audio, Qualcomm®aptX ™ audio, AAC, SBC
A2DP Contents Protection SCMS-T
Number of Pairing Memory Max. 8
Number of Multipoint Connection Max. 2
Digital Audio Inputs  
XLR 1
Input Level 5.0Vp-p
Input Impedance 110Ω
Input Signal Formats  
Linear PCM 32 to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (AES/EBU Format)
DSD 2.8MHz (ES-Link1, ES-Link2, DoP Format)
RCA 2
Input Level 0.5Vp-p
Input Impedance 75Ω
Input Signal Formats  
Linear PCM 32 to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 Format)
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP Format)
Optical 2
Input Level –24.0 to –14.5 dBm peak
Input Signal Formats  
Linear PCM 32 to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 Format)
DSD 2.8MHz (DoP Format)
USB 2 (Type-B, Type-C) , USB 2.0 Compliant
Input Signal Formats  
Linear PCM 44.1 to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit
DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (DoP Format)
Analog Audio Inputs  
XLR/ES-Link Analog 1 (L/R)
Input Impedance 16kΩ (XLR)
Input Voltage 5Vrms (XLR)
Maximum Input Voltage 11Vrms (XLR, 1kHz, THD 0.1%)
RCA 1 (L/R)
Input Impedance 10kΩ
Input Voltage 2.5Vrms
Maximum Input Voltage 5.5Vrms (1kHz, THD 0.1%)
Analog Audio Outputs  
XLR/ES-Link Analog 1 (L/R)
Output Impedance 40Ω (XLR)
Rated Output Voltage 5Vrms (XLR, at 0.0dB Volume, PCM Digital Input, Full Scale Signal)
Maximum Output Voltage 12Vrms (XLR, 1kHz, THD 1%)
RCA 1 (L/R)
Output Impedance 15Ω
Rated Output Voltage 2.5Vrms (at 0.0dB Volume, PCM Digital Input, Full Scale Signal)
Maximum Output Voltage 6Vrms (1kHz, THD 1%)
ES-Link Analog Pre-Out 1 (L/R)
DAC Audio Performance  
Frequency Response 5Hz to 30kHz (–3dB, DSD 2.8MHz 0dB, DSDF=8SFT, XLR Output)
S/N Ratio 109dB (A-Weight, DSD 2.8MHz 0dB, DSDF=8SFT, XLR Output)
Distortion 0.001% (1kHz, DSD 2.8MHz 0dB, DSDF=8SFT, XLR Output)
Headphone Outputs  
¼ (6.3mm) Stereo Phone Jack 1
4-Pin XLR 1
Maximum Output Power 1,200mW + 1,200mW (32Ω Load)
Compatible Impedance 16 to 600Ω
Clock Input  
BNC 1
Input Frequency 10MHz (±10ppm)
Input Impedance 50Ω
Input Level  
Rectangular Wave TTL Level or Equivalent
Sine Wave 0.5 to 1.0Vrms
External Control  
Trigger In 1 (3.5mm Monaural Mini Jack)
Input Level 12V, 1mA
Trigger Out 1 (3.5mm Monaural Mini Jack)
Output Level 12V, 100mA Max
General  
Power Supply AC 220-240V 50/60Hz (Europe)
AC 120V, 60Hz (US/Canada)
AC 220V, 60Hz (Korea)
AC 230V, 50Hz (Hong Kong)
Power Consumption 30W (Standby: 0.3W)
External Dimensions (W×H×D) 445 × 131 × 377mm (Including Protrusions)
Weight 13.6kg
Included Accessories Power Cord × 1
Remote Control (RC-1339) × 1
AA Batteries × 2
Owner’s Manual × 1
Warranty Card × 1
Color Silver, Black

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