Esoteric K-01 SACD/CD Player

The Esoteric K-01 may be the very last audio disc player that
you will ever need. The K-series of CD/SACD players debuted four and a half
years ago and replaced their outstanding X-series players. The improvements
over the X-series included better audio and the ability to play high-resolution
audio files through a redesigned USB-port.   

 

The
K-01 is equipped with a new VRDS-NEO "VMK-3.5-20S" mechanism. There
are two 32-bit monaural D/A converters with eight parallel/differential DAC
circuits per channel, as well as separate L/R power supplies. The on-board,
high-precision clocking circuit has also been advanced. Four on-board power
transformers optimize the power supply for each circuit block.

 

Three
sets of 192 kHz/24-bit digital inputs, supporting the advanced
high-sampling-rate digital sources are also built-in. USB driver software
supports sampling frequencies and word lengths up to 192 kHz/24-bit
asynchronous transmission for connecting with a PC.  Users may choose among four filters and if an
outboard clock is being used there is the option of word synchronization. Disc
sources may be upconverted to two or four times their native rates or to DSD. There
is a superb volume control that enables the K-01 to serve as the heart of a
digital music system without the need for a separate preamplifier. Volume can
be increased, attenuated or muted via a well laid out remote control unit.  

 

Like
all Esoteric equipment, the K-01 is built like the proverbial tank.  This is easily the most versatile and
best-sounding single-box disc player that I have ever used. I purchased this
unit new two years ago. It has been completely broken in but lightly used since
I do much of my digital listening through high-resolution music servers. Technically, I have rated this a "7" by strict Audiogon criteria because there is a very small (3 mm)
discoloration in the metal near the rear of the left side panel  and a similar sized discoloration on the front below the display.
These spots are not visible at distances beyond 2 feet and have no impact on
sound or performance. Realistically it is more of an "8. I have the
original packing material, remote control unit, and owner’s manual. As a
further incentive, shipping via UPS ground (within the continental United
States) will be free. For those interested in playback of DSD-formats, an USB
port upgrade to DSD can be added directly by Esoteric USA.

While the Audiogon rating system has me as a "0, " I have been an Audiogon member for more than a decade but do not use the site very frequently.  All of my transactions over the years would give me a 100% satisfactory rating as noted. 

 

Major specifications:

-Compatible disc types:  Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)

- Analog audio output:

            - Jacks: XLR (balanced) (2-channel)

                        RCA (single-ended)
(2-channel)

            - Output Impedance: XLR: 100 Ω

                                                RCA: 47 Ω

            - Maximum output level: XLR
(Gain:0dB): 2.45 Vrms (can be increased to + 6 dB)

                                                     RCA : 2.45 Vrms

            - Frequency response: 5 Hz – 55 kHz
(3 dB)

            - Signal-noise ratio: 115 dB

            -Total Harmonic distortion: 0.0015%
(1 kHz)

- Digital audio output: 0.5Vp-p75 Ω

- Digital audio input:

            - Coaxial RCA (1) : input impedance
75Ω

            - Optical (1): 24.0-14.5 dBm peak

            - USB (1): USB 2.0/192 kHz-24 bit
asynchronous

-Word synchronization input format:

            - Jack : BNC

            - Input impedance: 75Ω

            [Note: the K-01 can accept and
synchronize to the following frequencies from

external clock devices: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 10
MHz (the accuracy of locking range limited with + 15 ppm]  

-D/A Converter: 32-bit AK4399 x 8
DACs/channel

- Power Supply: Europe (230V/50 Hz), US
(120V/60 Hz), (220V/60 Hz)

- Power Consumption: 33 W

- Dimensions: 445
x 162 x 438 mm (17 1/4" x 6" 3/8 x 13 1/4") (including
protrusions)

- Weight: 31 kg (68 3/8 lbs)
[Shipping Weight: 35.5 kg (78 lbs)