Esoteric P-05X CD Transport

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 P-05X and its matching D/A Converter 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.

VRDS-NEO [VMK-5]

The unique VRDS-NEO VMK-5 transport mechanism featured in this new transport incorporates high-precision turntable that greatly improves reading accuracy by mechanically correcting for disc surface run-out. It's hybrid construction integrates precision-machined aluminum with polycarbonate to help minimize rotational inertia. Formed of high-rigidity BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) and steel, the hybrid turntable bridge also makes a significant contribution to the suppression of rotational vibration and run-out. The transports spindle motor realizes further improvements in reading accuracy with an advanced servo control that uses rotation detection circuitry. Mechanical operations such as opening and closing the tray and clamping the disc are performed by a unique differential gear system. This proprietary* Esoteric technology ensures exceptionally smooth disc loading operation. *Patent No.2861798 owned by TEAC Corporation.

Axial Sliding Pick-up Designed to Prevent Optical Axis Tilting

The same axial sliding pick-up assembly, used in the flagship model Grandioso P1, is incorporated in the heart of the data acquisition section. As the lens moves, the laser optical axis is always positioned in a vertical direction, ensuring a highly accurate reading of the recorded material.

Elegantly Designed Robust Chassis

The exterior case is formed from thick aluminum panels, and its steel bottom plate is supported at three points on ESOTERIC's exclusive pinpoint feet. Vibration transmission has also been effectively minimized by the high-precision laser slot processing used in manufacture of its rigid base.

ES-LINK4

The ES-LINK4 is ESOTERIC's proprietary, super high speed, wide range, and extremely pure LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) digital interface. With this interface, most digital processing is done at the transport side and the three elements of the audio signal (audio data, LR clock, and bit clock signals) are separately transferred to the DAC in a differential mode, by utilizing the multi-conductor structure of the HDMI cable. Since the signal is already pre-processed at the transport side and is transferred without bi-phase modulation, a digital de-coding/oversampling process is not required on the signal receiver side. The DAC is simply dedicated to D to A processing and retrieves a purer analog signal from transferred digital streams.

A Selection of Digital Outputs

The P-05X has a pair of new ES-LINK4 HDMI ports, dual XLR connectors that maintain compatibility with earlier versions of ES-LINK, and a coaxial digital output.

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.

Organic EL Displays

Both units feature smooth-operating, low-consumption electroluminescent (EL) displays that are eminently suited to such state-of-the-art components.

High-Quality Remote Control with a Luxurious Feel

The P-05X's RC-1301 Remote Controller is constructed from a solid aluminum top panel. The brushed finish on its control panel matches that of the unit's front panel and offers a luxurious feel of the highest quality.