Esoteric Audio Digital Products

Esoteric has been delivering the finest audio components to the most discerning listeners for nearly 40 years. The company’s credo: “In the pursuit of excellence it is necessary to set aside perceived limitations and obstacles, apply all available resources and eliminate compromise at any cost. To simply build the best products we know how to build; products that respond with absolute precision and sonic realism.” The manifestation of those ideals is clearly evident in every Esoteric product. The superb sound, extraordinary construction quality and fanatical attention to detail tell the story of commitment. 

The high end arm of TEAC, Esoteric benefits from the wide ranging technical, engineering and manufacturing abilities on tap. TEAC is one of the few Japanese powerhouses to utilize their resources for the purpose of designing truly high end products and the Esoteric offerings are testament to that dedication.  

Esoteric products are designed and hand crafted in Japan with Zen-like dedication and precision. All the components used in building the VRDS - NEO mechanism, Digital to Analog converters, CD players, multi-players and other electronics are hand selected, matched and graded to exacting standards. From the matched-crystal silver coated copper wire to the patent pending quenched steel tri-stabilized pin-point feet, there is no compromise. Nothing goes into an Esoteric product that does not have a direct impact on sound quality. 

Long term enjoyment of any audio product you own is the result of many factors. Sound quality, of course, is number one. Yet beyond that come a number of variables that strongly influence the ownership experience. On a day-today basis, the ergonomic interface and tactile feel are extremely important. Down the road (and often not considered) are reliability, manufacturer support and finally, resale value. No question, Esoteric products earn an A+ across the board.

Download a PDF file comparing features of all the Esoteric Machines

P-01 Monoblock Digital to Analog Converters
and D-01 CD/SACD Transport

P-01 and D-01 - Esoteric's flagship models, the P-01 Transport and D-01 monoblock DACs represent the ultimate digital playback system available today. Their performance is simply astonishing, eclipsing every other digital reproduction gear on the planet.

D-01 Monoblock D/A Converters - The advantage of developing a D/A converter as a monaural unit is to avoid channel cross-talk. A monaural unit also allows proper power distribution for each individual analog audio circuit. In addition, separate D/A converters eliminate the differences in sound between the left and right channels because each separate unit has the exact same parts and PCB layout pattern. In a dual or stereo converter, placement of components usually differs, channel to channel, because they are placed in different physical locations and varying orientations within the single cabinet. By exactly replicating component locations, the result is an audible improvement in which the air around the instruments becomes more defined, and the image of each musical instrument becomes clearer, more transparent with enhanced ambience and presence.

• The world’s only true monoblock digital to analog converters

• Analog volume control allows direct connection to the amplifier

• Super rigid chassis reduces vibration and resonance

• Proprietary 6N purity copper wiring used throughout

• Solid aluminum chassis components with internally compartmentalized construction for rigidity and isolation

• Custom IEC with Rhodium plating has been cryogenically treated

• Fully discrete analog circuitry

• WBT NextGen connectors for RCA analog outputs and 75 Ohm digital input

• Long life three-phase brushless spindle motor utilizing ultra-high tolerance ceramic bearings

• $16000ea

P-01 Transport - The P-01 transport utilizes their most advanced VRDS-NEO mechanism. Rigidity and vibration resistance are addressed throughout the design and construction. The main chassis member is a 10mm-thick/10 lb. steel bottom frame that provides a rigid, stable base for the player greatly improving data acquisition accuracy. Machine aluminum plates are used for the top, side and front panels to further block vibration. The chassis is supported by four pinpoint feet (patent pending) that allow the unit to be mechanically isolated from its environment. The front panel, with its highly elegant brushed finish, curved corner design and other features, contribute to the sense of quality found only in the world's finest SACD/CD transport.

• Outboard power supply with three separate transformers: one for the mechanism motors, another for the signal processor/up-converter, and a third for digital processing (i.e. clock circuit)

• Transformers for the mechanism motors and the digital processor are extremely efficient WB type transformers

• Half inch thick solid aluminum mechanism base plate

• Three-phase brushless speed-controlled neodymium drive and load motors

• Esoteric selected 6N pure copper conductors for all internal wiring as well as the AC cord and DC cables

• Solid aluminum front and side panels with internally compartmentalized construction for rigidity and isolation

• Digital signal transferring of Super Audio CD DSD equipped with i.LINK interface in addition to ESOTERIC's proprietary ES-LINK format

• $31500

P-03 Stereo Digital to Analog Converter
and D-03 CD/SACD Transport

One step in the line below the vaunted D-01 and P-01, The P-03 and D-03 seek to achieve a good measure of the performance found in the flagship models, for half the cost. This pair is a remarkable piece of work. Esoteric captures more of the magic found in the P-01/D-01 than you might imagine. Still pricey, yes, but maybe the best stereo DAC you can buy.

• AD1955 DAC devices driven by differential mode for DSD and PCM signal processing

• Word Synchronization function with other digital components in the system

• Separate power supplies for each channel

• Fully discrete analog circuitry

• Three transformers, two for analog and one for the digital circuitry

• Esoteric selected 6N pure copper conductors for all internal wiring

• WBT NextGen connectors for RCA analog outputs and 75 Ohm digital input

• Custom IEC with Rhodium plating has been cryogenically treated

• Solid aluminum front and side panels with internally compartmentalized construction for rigidity and isolation

• $16500

P-03 CD/SACD and P-03 Universal transports - The  vast amount of research and development which poured into the P-01project has benefited the P-03.

• Available as either a CD/SACD drive, or universal transport

• Outboard power supply (same configuration as P-01) with independent transformers.

• Advanced technology combines the highly acclaimed separate design concepts of the P-01/D-01, and applies new DSD signal processing technology

• Advanced VRDS-NEO mechanism supported by a highly rigid body construction

• Esoteric's CD/Super Audio CD system features PCM to DSD conversion functionality in addition to a PCM up-conversion

• Digital signal transferring of Super Audio CD DSD equipped with i.LINK interface in addition to Esoteric's proprietary ES-LINK format

• Long life three-phase brushless spindle motor utilizing ultra-high tolerance ceramic bearings

• Review

• $16500 for CD/SACD, $21500 for universal

Focusing on performance, Esoteric's P-03/G-0S/D-03 suite, in Redbook-at-DSD mode re-clocked at 176.4kHz, is the best digital I've yet been privileged to sample within my own four walls. There. In the end, it's as plain as that...... This $40,000 3-box combo goes beyond my $40,000 4-box Zanden equivalent...... As of today then, Esoteric rules my digital roost. Srajan Ebaen, 6 Moons

Read the full 6 Moons Review Here

"The P-03 and D-03 express everything that defines the music they play, no matter how large or small." "The soundstage…was as big as the room and speakers could support, and as detailed as the recording could convey." "Images were well delineated yet naturally rendered -- not the products of etch or crispy edge definition." "I heard a newfound sense of realism, spatial and otherwise, from the P-03 and D-03." Marc Mickelson, Soundstage!

In a TAS cover story, the well respected Robert Harley writes: “When I discover something in familiar music – the beauty of a melodic phrase that had not struck me before, a subtle layer in a rhythmic pattern or an extra measure of expression from the musicians – I know I’m in the presence of a special component. I had many of these musical epiphanies during my time with the Esoteric P-03 and D-03, which is, ultimately, the raison de 'etre of high-end audio.”

P-05 Stereo Digital to Analog Converter
and D-05 CD/SACD Transport

The most cost effective separates in the line, the P-05 and D-05 offer outstanding performance at a fraction of the price of the flagship P-01, D-01.

The D-05 DAC supplies extremely natural and “true-to-life” analog signals to the amplifier by using the latest 32 bit digital to analog converter devices. The D-05 is the world’s first D/A converter incorporating the “AK4397” Delta-Sigma DAC device from AKM Semiconductor, Inc., This device has full 32 bit processing capability. The “AK4397” was designed combining newly developed high speed / high capacity digital processing components and improved analog processing components. This device provides premium quality sound reproduction on a professional level. The “AK4397” has a superior and precise D/A conversion capability thanks to its fully extended 32 bit processing throughout all stages, including digital filter and the “Delta-Sigma,” modulator. This high performance technology is an evolutionary upgrade path from conventional 16 or 24 bit D/A converters. The D-05 incorporates dual mono digital and dual mono analog circuits, with dual mono power supply components to achieve extremely high resolution and superior channel separation.

- PCM digital audio up-conversion function
- PCM to DSD conversion function
- Native DSD mode for SACD playback
- Remote control (When used with the companion transport model P-05 or transport model P-01).
- Output level control from the D-05 front panel and the P-05 remote control (requires P-05).
- iLink terminal
- $8200

 The VRDS-NEO mechanism in the P-05 is a high performance CD/SACD transport solution for the next generation of audiophiles! The P-05 builds upon the success of Esoteric's model P-70. This newly developed VRDS-NEO model VMK-5, (New-Vibration free Rigid Disc clamping System), combines two ESOTERIC proprietary technologies; the turntable disc clamping system and the unique VOSP (Vertically aligned Optical Stability Platform). The turntable securely clamps the disc and effectively reduces unwanted swing or vibration of the disc. This new turntable is precisely machined from solid aluminum helping to minimize rotational inertia. This extra light turntable design also ensures optimal performance as required for high speed disc rotation. In combination with this turntable system, the VOSP mechanism provides extremely accurate data retrieval by positioning the laser optical axis at the very center of the data track. This design eliminates off axis tracking and off axis error correction.

- PCM digital audio up-conversion function (with D-05 DAC).
- PCM to DSD conversion function (with D-05 DAC).
- Native DSD mode for SACD playback (with D-05 DAC).
- Toroidal transformer for power supply.
- Remote control from the P-03.
- Output level control from the optional D-05 front panel and from the P-05 remote control (requires D-05).
- iLink terminal
- $8400

6 Moons review of the P-05, D-05 Pair

X-01D2 CD/SACD Player

X-01D2 is essentially an X-01 Limited that has been optimized for SACD playback. While the Redbook CD circuitry is identical, the X-01D2 adds the ability to up-convert PCM to DSD.
In addition to multi-bit D/A technology, the “D2” version includes native direct stream digital (DSD) decoding using 1 bit signal processing converter chips (Analog Devices AD1955), and allows optional PCM to DSD signal conversion capability. This technology evolves from Esoteric’s separate components used in the P-03/D-03 playback system. A new disc tray shutter mechanism has been included on the D2 for reduction of external noise and airborne contaminants.

• CD/SACD player optimized for SACD playback

• Similar circuit topology to the D-01 Processor

• Esoteric selected 6N pure copper internal wiring

• Key circuit components (capacitors, resistors, etc.) used in D-01

• Single ended and balanced outputs (WBT NextGen connectors for RCA)

• Advanced VRDS-NEO mechanism with unique shutter system that prevents external air-borne vibration from reaching the disc

• X-01D2 - $19500

• Review

X-03 Special Edition CD/SACD Machine and UX-03 Special Edition Universal Player

• Available as either a CD/SACD or universal player

• Proprietary disc transport system, clamp and drive mechanism with horizontal sled and vertical pick-up/optical assembly. This eliminates off axis vertical tracking and the need for off axis error correction.

• Specially designed DAC transformer to remove all noise generated from the transport mechanism and digital circuitry

• Rigid aluminum and steel chassis construction for superior anti-vibration and anti-resonance properties.

• Crystal oscillator precise to ± 3ppm

• Two-chip-per-channel differential configuration

• Pure copper internal wiring

• Word sync. function (Word clock input/BNC terminal x1). Compatible WORD SYNC external clocks include the Esoteric G25U, G-03X, G-0Rb, G-0s, AI-10, and AZ-1

• X-03SE - $9500, UX-3Pi - $11000

• Absolute Sound Editor's Choice Award winner

• Review

Blue Moon Award from Six Moons.com - "For Competing With Established Benchmarks at up to 6 times its price in the Redbook arena"

X-05 CD/SACD Player

ESOTERIC has introduced a new CD/SACD disc player in their highly acclaimed "X" series. The new model X-05 includes Esoteric's new VRDS-Neo/VMK-5 transport mechanism. This new transport expands the VRDS family and is optimized for high speed rotational requirements of SACD and CD. The X-05 incorporates a newly developed, high precision aluminum turntable and a new drive mechanism for disc loading. The development of X-05 technologies allows VRDS to be utilized by a wider audience of audiophiles!

The X-05 uses Cirrus Logic's 24-bit/192 kHz processing DAC, model CS4398, in a dual mono configuration. The analog audio output circuits are engineered in a dual mono configuration helping to produce superior channel separation. This 2 channel dedicated circuit design contributes to precise imaging and a deeper sound stage for the X-05.

"There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this machine. Frankly it’s almost hard to imagine what further delights can be gleaned by ascending into Esoteric’s flagship P-03/D-03 territory. While I’m certain rewards exist exactly as Robert Harley described them, keep in mind the rest of the system chain needs to have every “i” dotted and “t” crossed first, just like RH’s. Meanwhile, for those of you who don’t have the wherewithal to reach for the summit just yet, I heartily commend the X-05. You will experience you music in a new light. The view up there is dazzling." Neil Gader - TAS

The Absolute Sound Full Review

SA-50 CD/SACD Player

Announced at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, the new Esoteric SA-50 has arrived! The CD/SACD player features 32 bit DACs, and a USB input for PCM data streaming and USB signal up-conversion. This allows the SA-50 to function as an ultra high quality DAC for a computer based system or media storage device. In addition to USB, Coax and Optical TOSLINK inputs are included. A precise digital volume attenuator enables the SA-50 to be used as a standalone up-sampler, DA converter or digital preamp!

This is one incredible machine!

• 32 bit dual mono DACs
• VOSP Mechanism high mass, resonance free mechanism
• DSD to 32 bit PCM conversion for SACD\
• PCM to DSD conversion for Redbook CD
• 32 bit digital volume attenuator for precise control without signal loss
• Selectable over sampling
• Selectable PCM filter modes
• Dual mono analog audio circuitry
• Dual stage PLL jitter reduction circuitry
• RCA and XLR outputs
• Ultra high speed power supply with torroid transformer
• External Word Synch input (for use with Esoteric outboard word clocks)
• Highly rigid, resonance-free chassis
• $5800

Download literature pdf

SA-60 CD/SACD Player

The SA-60 is the audio-only version of the popular DV-50S. It's circuits have been refined to take full advantage of both Redbook CD and SACD formats.

• Proprietary disc transport system, clamp and drive mechanism
• Rigid aluminum and steel chassis construction for superior anti-vibration and anti-resonance properties.
• Multi-channel analog audio outputs (For multi-channel SACD & multi-channel DVD-A playback)
• Word sync. function (Word clock input/BNC terminal x1). Compatible WORD SYNC external clocks include the Esoteric G25U, G-03X, G-0Rb, G-0s, AI-10, and AZ-1
• Proprietary audio up-conversion technology (and up-conversion levels are user selectable)
•  High-precision 24-bit D/A converter (Cirrus Logic 4398)
• Proprietary filter algorithms used in the audio up-conversion process include Esoteric’s Finite-Impulse-Response (“FIR”), and Refined Digital Output Technology (“RDOT”)
• Native direct stream digital (“DSD”), mode for SACD playback
• PCM digital audio to DSD audio signal conversion (user selectable)
• Esoteric “X-3” technology used in the DV-60 and SA-60 includes the X-3 series horizontal sled and vertical pick-up/optical assembly. This eliminates off axis vertical tracking and the need for off axis error correction.
• Analog audio output: 2 channel RCA outputs (dedicated), plus multi-channel RCA outputs
• Digital audio outputs: Coaxial, Optical/TosLink.
• Signal format variation: “Stream” or “PCM” audio formats can be selected during SETUP mode
• Independent, high quality, 2 channel balanced audio cable outputs
• Dimensions: 17.4” W x 5.9” H x 13.9” D. Weight: Approximately 37 lbs
• $5900
• Stereophile Review
• Enjoy The Music Review

Whether you purchase the SA-60 six channel Audio Disc player at $4600, or the DV-60 Audio/DVD Video unit at $5600, you'll be amazed at how good regular CD's, DVD-A's and SACD's can sound. I've been an analog fanatic, owning an Ampex 351 modded tape deck with second generation master tapes in the past, and a $50,000 turntable setup at present, but the sound I can get on my system now with this unit comes very close. I'd love to hear how their $26,000 P-03 D-03 unit sounds as I'd probably lust after that as well. — Bill Gaw, Enjoy The Music

DV-60 Universal Player

The DV-50S has been superseded by the DV-60. It builds upon the stellar performance of its predecessor.

• CD/SACD/DVD-Audio/DVD-Video

• Dedicated, high quality 2 channel balanced and un-balanced outputs

• Specially designed DAC transformer to remove all noise generated from the transport mechanism and digital circuitry

• 2:3 Pulldown

• Pure Cinema Progressive Scan

• 3D adaptive motion processing

• $6800

• Review

• Review

• Review

Audiophiles rejoice -- your wait is over. The Esoteric DV-50 is a jack of all digital trades that does a masterful job with them all. Marc Mickelson, Soundstage

"I believe that the Esoteric DV-50s probably offers the best sound quality from CDs and SACDs of any less-than-ten-thousand-dollar universal player currently available. Do not be deterred by my matter-of-fact writing style. I rarely scrape the hyperbole barrel. I have not heard better SACD multi-channel or DVD-Audio in my home, though a couple of systems I heard at last year's CES may be stiff competition. I cannot imagine superior video reproduction, although that is not my area of expertise". Karl Lozier, Positive Feedback

"Put differently, if you were looking for a CD player in this price range, you owe it to yourself to audition this universal machine as a bona fide RedBook contender. If you were looking for a universal player to replace your high-end CD player, the TEAC/Esoteric CD-50 is simply an option you can't afford to ignore". Phil Gold, Six Moons

SA-10 CD/SACD Player

Esoteric's budget player shares many of the features and design philosophies with other Esoteric models. Construction quality too, is outstanding. The SA-60 is a great way to experience the incredible performance of Esoteric CD players without breaking the bank.

• Proprietary disc transport system which was developed as a vertically aligned optical stability platform

•  VOSP mechanism reduces vibrations and resonance associated with signal noise and eliminates the need for off axis error correction.

• 2 channel dedicated analog audio outputs (RCA x1 / XLR x1)

• Dual mono 24-bit/192kHz digital to analog converter (Cirrus Logic CS4398 x 2)

• Dual mono analog audio circuit for superior channel separation.

• Word sync input is included for use with Esoteric's family of integrated amplifiers and stand alone master clocks.

• High speed power is provided by a large toroidal power transformer.

• Rigid chassis construction with cut aluminum top and side panels for additional anti-resonance and anti-vibration properties.

• Dedicated, high quality 2 channel balanced and un-balanced outputs

• Specially designed DAC transformer to remove all noise generated from the transport mechanism and digital circuitry

• $3500

• Soundstage! Review

SZ-1 CD/SACD Machine and UZ-1 Universal Player

The latest releases from Esoteric, these sleek beauties command attention with their elegant design and enchant you with their stunning performance.

• Available as either a CD/SACD or universal player

• Balanced and single ended outputs

• Coax, optical and i-Link outputs

• Specially designed DAC transformer to remove all noise generated from the transport

• AZ-1 - $5400

• UZ-1 - $6000

AZ-1 Integrated Class D Amplifier With Built In Master Clock Generator

This is an incredibly good sounding amplifier! You will be amazed by its clarity, resolution and smooth analog-like qualities. The built in super accurate master clock generator improves any of the Esoteric machines.

• Unique and proprietary all-new Class D design topology

• Ultra-fast WB transformer technology - virtually zero current loss

• Extremely efficient circuit produces almost no heat

• Tremendous drive capability satisfies any speaker load

• Three analog line inputs - one switchable to phono

• Six digital inputs: two coax, two optical, two i-Link

• Super accurate Master Clock Generator ± 1ppm

• German-made WBT speaker binding posts

• $5000

G-25U Master Clock Generator and PCM Up Converter

         The G-25U is two products in one, a hybrid master clock generator and PCM digital up converter. As a master clock generator, the G-25U can process word clock signals with its internal, high precision crystal oscillator. As a D/D converter, it can convert digital audio frequencies from red book CD standards all the way up to 192kHz, improving sound quality by over sampling and re-timing a PCM digital audio stream.      

• Incredible Clock Accuracy: +/- 1ppm (one part per million)

• Three Digital Inputs: 2 x Coax via RCA and 1x TOSLINK

• Four digital outputs: 2 x XLR (AES/EBU), 1xCoax via RCA, 1x TOSLINK

• Three Word Clock Outputs: 3 x BNC

• G-25U - $2900

• PDF Brochure

Download a PDF file comparing features of all the Esoteric Machines