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Features
The world’s first* mono D/A converter that
realizes the full potential of the Super
Audio CD format
(* as of August, 2004)
Our approach of “improvement in sound quality through
discrete L/R channel transmissions” has evolved into a
completely discrete L/R system having two D-01s, one
handling the left channel, and the other the right channel.
The left and right audio signal paths have nothing at all for
common use, both paths are completely isolated and
identical, creating the highest possible reproduction quality,
non-compromised sound. This system also proves its ability in
reproducing ambience and presence data and recreates
details of the performance environment or a feeling of the
original recording session.
What’s more, because each channel has its own power
supply, the design of this supply can be optimized with ample
headroom, achieving an ideal D/A conversion.
• 2 XLR (ES-LINK), 1 RCA, and 2 IEEE 1394 inputs are provided
• DSD signals from Super Audio CD are fed in through XLR
terminals in an Esoteric-exclusive format, ES-LINK, or through
the IEEE 1394 interface.
• A maximum 192 kHz PCM signal can accepted (both Dual
and Stereo transfers available).
• When stereo or multi-channel signals are fed in, only the
sound of the channel you set as explained in the section,
“Channel Selection”(pages 11 and 13), is selected.
• Three digital filter options are provided: FIR, RDOT, and
FIR+RDOT. The filtered signal is converted up to a maximum
768 kHz and then sent to the multi-bit D-A converter
PCM1704. The DSD signal from Super Audio CD is converted
to 88.2 kHz or 176.4 kHz PCM data before being sent to the
digital filter.
• Equipped with RAM-Link (Refined Asynchronous Memory
Link), using a high-precision crystal oscillator, that when
entering word sync mode, the RAM-Link is automatically
activated and acts to eliminate jitter caused before the first
stage of the DAC.
• For the D/A converter, a combination of as many as eight
PCM1704 multi-bit D-A converters is used for the best
possible S-N ratio and linearity, which makes it possible to
faithfully replicate the ambience and presence of the
performance environment.
• The driver circuitry that sends out D/A converted signals uses
a discrete circuit structure operating on ±42 volt rails with
emphasis on driving force and slew rate, making a significant
contribution to the remarkable sound.
Word Sync enabled - Making Synchronizing
with External Equipment Possible
The word sync feature operates either in “OUT” mode (as a
word clock generator) or in the “IN” mode that allows this
unit to lock to an external word clock. It can lock to 44.1,
88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192, 100, 48P, 96P, 192P and 100P
(kHz) inputs/outputs. (“P” represents “4% down mode for
PAL films”.)
Selecting the “Rb IN” mode will select a PLL circuit devoted
solely to synchronizing with a rubidium or other high-
precision clock. The use of ESOTERIC’s rubidium master clock
generator G-0s, will produce the most remarkable listening
experience with a feeling of speed and subtle clarity.
Analog potentiometer allows a direct
connection to a power amplifier
With the built-in analog potentiometer (“VOLUME”),
concern’s over truncating or dropping bits, as used in digital
attenuators, is negated.
Copper wires of 6N purity are used for
primary internal wirings, further enhancing
sound quality
High purity 6N copper wires are used for the supplied AC
power cord and most of the internal wirings that may have
effect on the sound quality, thereby boosting the purity and
resolution for a crisp, textured sound.
For the insulating sheath, polyorefin, non-PVC material, is
used out of environmental considerations as well as sound
quality. PVC is not used for any wiring inside the unit. The
high purity 6N copper cable is developed with the help of
Acro Japan Ltd. as is the case with the Esoteric “MEXCEL”
interconnection cable and high purity 8N copper cable.
Highly rigid chassis is immune to internal
and external vibrations that might degrade
sound quality
Thick aluminum is used on the top, side, bottom panels and
rounded corners in addition to the front panel. The entire
body is supported by Esoteric-exclusive pinpoint feet (patent
pending) made of case-hardened tool steel. Exacting
attention is given to the highly precise mounting of all
mechanical parts, the rigidity of the housing, and the
elimination of sympathetic vibrations. To make double sure,
an 8-mm thick plate is used for the upper cover that is subject
to the sound pressure and vibrations from the speakers.
The front and side panels, constructed of thick brushed
aluminum, and the rounded four corners create a feeling of
dignity and gravitas, fitting only to the top level mono D/A
converter for Super Audio CD/CD.
“Super Audio CD” is a registered trademark.
“DSD” is a registered trademark.