Esoteric D-05X DAC

A new milestone cultivated by 30 years of tradition

The lineage of high-end digital audio follows the evolutionary steps of ESOTERIC digital players. This began with the first generation P-1/D-1 model in 1987, which made the revolutionary step of including a VRDS mechanism, and was followed by models featuring the ultimate in engineering and craftsmanship, such as the P-70/D-70 in 2001 and the P-03/D-03 in 2005. In the year 2016 these models were succeeded by the superior P-02X/D02X. And now three decades after the birth of the ESOTERIC brand, we have the D-05X and its matching Super Audio CD Transport D-05X. The combination of the P-05X and D-05X inherits the successful results of the P-02X/D-02X to give birth to a new milestone in high-end audio which is suitable for the start of the next three decades.

A DAC following in the footsteps of the Grandioso D1, with uncompromising audio quality

The D-05X uncompromisingly inherits the DAC design philosophy of the Grandioso D1 flagship device and updates all the circuit components from the original D-05 model to obtain sound quality that should be considered the standard for ultra-high end devices. It includes a large capacitance power supply with two large toroidal transformers at the core for independent left and right channels. The circuit size of the DAC has been doubled to have four differential circuits per channel. In terms of functionality, the D-05X features ES-LINK4 digital transmission, 34-bit D/A processing, the well-received ESOTERIC-HCLD line buffer from the Grandioso C1 preamp, and the unique ES-LINK Analog line transmission for high audio quality. It also supports playback at high resolutions such as DSD 22.5 MHz to obtain even more outstanding audio playback overall. The D-05X uses 8 (4 + 4) DAC circuits to achieve its low-noise and phenomenal linearity. Its AK4497 chipsets are produced by Asahi Kasei Microdevices. In addition to directly processing DSD signals, a new 34-bit D/A processing algorithm performs analog conversion of the PCM signal at 34-bit resolution for smooth, delicately detailed high-resolution sound

ESOTERIC-HCLD*: ESOTERIC's Exclusive Output Buffer Delivers Powerful Direct Current Transmission

The ability to produce comparatively large currents and high slew rates are two of the most important factors that enable an analog output circuit to accurately transmit the wide dynamic range of a music signal without degradation. The D-05X offers the ultimate performance as a line driver by adopting high-performance elements with a high current output and exceptionally fast slew rate (2,000V/µs) for excellent response speed. Two of these buffer circuits are employed per channel. By configuring them differentially to drive the XLR outputs and in parallel to drive the RCA outputs, the instantaneous output current available is maximized. By maximizing instantaneous current output, the D-05X reproduces the full dynamics of music with breathtaking realism. *HCLD=High Current Line Driver

High-Precision VCXO Clock Technology

A high-precision custom VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) supplies a highly accurate reference clock signal to the digital circuitry. Incorporating an unusually large crystal element, this custom VCXO realizes both excellent center accuracy (±0.5ppm*) and extremely low levels of phase noise to ensure exceptional sound playback quality. *at time of shipping

High-Accuracy Clock Synchronization

A BNC cable connects the D-05X to the P-05X to provide a master clock sync signal for synchronized playback with minimized jitter. ESOTERIC's proprietary Direct Master Clock Link* synchronizes the two units while eliminating the need for Phase-Locked Loop (PLL), enabling clear and accurate stereo imaging and crisp sound quality. The system can be further upgraded with the addition of an optional high-accuracy external Master Clock Generator and supports a wide range of frequencies including master clocks (22MHz/10MHz) and word clocks (44.1kHz/88.2kHz/176.4kHz). *DMCL (Direct Master Clock Link): DMCL links the D-05X to the P-05X with a 22.5792MHz reference clock signal that causes the two units to function as a single integrated device. Compared to normal ‘sync’ systems, which generally require PLL (Phase Lock Loop) processing of the transmitted clock signal, DMCL provides simpler and more direct clocking between multiple devices.

Wide-Range D/D Conversion Compatible with Many Sources

In addition to playback at a source's original sampling frequency, the D-05X 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 22.5MHz DSD, enabling significantly smoother musical reproduction.

"ES-LINK Analog" Method for High Quality Current Transmission

In addition to regular line connections (XLR and RCA), the D-05X features the new "ES-LINK Analog" transmission method developed by ESOTERIC. This is a current transmission signaling that utilizes the high performance of the HCLD buffer circuit and its enhanced ability to supply current at high-speed. This is the ideal analog audio transmission as it is free from impedance of signal route, thus fully maximizes the system's potential when connected to a compatible device.* *A standard balance cable (with an XLR terminal) is used for connections, but the "ES-LINK Analog" method can only be used with compatible devices since it is a proprietary transmission method.

Digital Inputs Support High Sampling Rates

The D-05X'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 Support for 22.5 MHz DSD, 768 kHz/32-bit PCM, and Asynchronous Transmission

The D-05X includes a USB terminal for connecting to computers, and the driver and "ESOTERIC HR Audio Player" playback software can be downloaded from the ESOTERIC website free-of-charge. The D-05X supports asynchronous transmission and playback at high sampling rates up to 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 KHz/32-bit PCM studio-master-quality source files.

Changeable XLR Output Pin Assignment

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