Bleeding-Edge Network DAC Features Master Sound Discrete Circuitry and Four Independent Power Supplies: Japanese-Made Esoteric N-01XD SE Plays with Superlative Fidelity

Ultimate fidelity: That's the single goal behind the obsessively refined and expertly engineered Esoteric N-01XD SE network DAC. An experience like no other, this Japanese-built marvel touts a newly upgraded and in-house-designed circuit deemed the Master Sound Discrete DAC with 32 separate elements for each channel, four independent toroidal transformers, and a groundbreaking network module with a linear power supply for transformational sonics.

For N-01XD SE, Esoteric's painstaking selection of rigorously tested discrete components into a complete circuit result in a superlative component able to reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music – an accomplishment unattainable with ordinary integrated chips.. All processing is performed by Esoteric’s own FPGA algorithms, and the discrete circuit design without the use of conventional DAC ICs ensures that the goals of bleeding-edge purism, naturalism, presence, and emotionalism are carried through to the smallest detail. 

In selecting the discrete parts for the analog circuitry of the DAC, Esoteric chose proprietary modules, which did not exist when the original N-01XD was introduced. The company's Grandioso C1X, launched in 2020, uses the IDM-01 amplifier module  as the heart of its amplification circuit. IDM-01 is an amplification module designed entirely in-house, including the selection of materials, circuit patterns and circuit layout. An extremely short signal path, which takes advantage of integrated circuits, allows music to be amplified dynamically and delicately. 

In terms of compatibility and versatility, the most advanced two-channel DAC in Esoteric history reads like a music listener's dream. The Roon-ready N-01XD SE supports up to 22.5MHz DSD, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and more. Two USB-A ports enable the connection of a pair of large-capacity USB storage devices (USB flash drive, external USB HDD/SDD, etc.) so that N-01XD SE can be used as a server – and without the hassle of a separate NAS. N-01XD SE also has a USB-B port for connecting to a computer. It provides up to 22.5MHz DSD ability and asynchronous transmission for high-fidelity playback from even studio-master-quality sources. Three types of digital inputs (one XLR, two coaxial, one optical) invite you to hook up an array digital devices.

In addition to the line-level inputs, N-01XD SE features Esoteric's own ES-LINK Analog current transmission system. Taking full advantage of the robust stream of current supplied by the HCLD buffer circuitry makes N-01XD SE less susceptible to the detrimental effects of signal path impedance, ensuring purer and more powerful transmission that maximizes the system's potential to deliver outstanding analog output. Moreover, the onboard presence of proprietary ES-LINK digital wideband means you can connect an Esoteric transport with two HDMI cables or a single XLR cable for astonishing SACD playback.

From a technical angle, N-01XD SE gives no quarter. Combined with its high-capacitance filter capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor) super capacitors boasting a capacitance of 2,333,333μF, and other high-end components, N-01XD SE includes the same Grandioso Custom VCXO II high-precision clock developed for Esoteric's P1X and D1X models, leading to extremely low levels of phase noise and excellent centering accuracy (±0.5ppm). N-01XD SE's clock output enables high-precision clock synchronization using the Grandioso Custom VCXO II as a master unit by simply connecting it to a transport with a clock input port. An external Grandioso G1 or G-01X master clock generator can also be connected to synchronize internal circuits with a 10MHz clock that rivals atomic clocks in its precision. Also, the DAC regulator utilizes a low-feedback DC regulator for minimizing feedback in a discrete configuration free of integrated circuits and reliant on technology obtained in the development of the Grandioso P1X SACD transport and D1X monoblock DAC.

Befitting its stature, N-01XD SE arrives housed in a highly rigid chassis incorporating thick, dual-layer aluminum and steel panels and a double-deck interior structure that both suppresses interference between circuits and drastically shortens power-supply wiring. Additionally, every slot and groove in the chassis comes precisely laser-machined to effectively reduce vibration. Finally, patented Esoteric pinpoint feet support the chassis' 5mm-thick steel bottom panel to rid resonance.

Last but not least, N-01XD SE makes operation easy and enjoyable. Compatible with Apple and Android, the Esoteric Sound Stream emphasizes both sound quality and intuitive navigation. You can select tracks using the smartphone/tablet to create a customized playlist for later playback. All screens permit simple operation and access to playlists and libraries, extending to superb search and retrieval functionality that fully utilizes tag information. Images can also be stored using the app, enabling you to instantly scroll through album artwork and libraries according to artist, recording year, composer, and more.

As you can likely surmise, N-01XD SE is an extremely special component. A three-year manufacturer warranty and our 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee add to the luster of a piece that is more musical instrument than DAC.

IDM-01 and Other High-End Parts
In the updated N-01XD SE, the discrete parts of the analog circuitry on the DAC board have been refreshed for even better sound quality. The amplifier element is the original Integrated Discrete-Amplifier Module IDM-01. The materials, circuit patterns, and layout have been carefully studied by Esoteric’s engineers as if designing an amplifier with a discrete configuration, and the extremely short signal path that takes advantage of integrated circuits amplifies the vibrancy of music in a dynamic and subtle way. The IDM-01 and other analog parts, such as analog filter resistors and capacitors, have been carefully selected to achieve a more vivid live sound, improved audible dynamics, and a more organic texture.

ESOTERIC-HCLD Output Buffer Circuit with Enhanced Current Transmission
N-01XD's ESOTERIC-HCLD output buffer amplifier boasts an astonishing high-speed slew rate of 2,000V/µs. Current transmission and speed – the most important factors in the design of any analog output circuit – have been pushed to the limits, while the array of EDLC super capacitors used in the buffer circuit's power supply provide a staggering capacitance of 250,000μF per channel for solid bass support and exceptional reproduction of all the dynamism of music coupled with a breathtaking sense of realism.

Four Independent Power Supplies
One key to the powerful and deep, rich sound provided by N-01XD SE lies in its high-performance power supplies. N-01XD SE features significant enhancements to its power supply to ensure it delivers even more robust, lifelike sound. Its built-in DAC features a total of four independent toroidal power transformers, one each for the right and left channels, digital circuits, and network module. The DAC's regulator utilizes a low-feedback DC regulator for minimizing feedback in a discrete configuration that uses no integrated circuits.

Network Module with Audiophile Linear Power Supply
Thanks to recent breakthroughs in the development of Esoteric network transports, the network module uses a new power supply designed with linear elements customized for audio use instead of a regulated switching power supply. Combined with its high-capacitance filter capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor) super capacitors boasting a capacitance of 2,333,333μF, and other high-end components, this enables the N-01XD SE to deliver dramatical sound quality.

Advanced Digital Processing Capability
N-01XD SE features an ultra-high quality network audio engine that supports DSD 22.5 MHz playback. The key component of this high-quality network engine is its dedicated linear power supply system. Conventional regulated switching power supplies are highly efficient, but can be a source of noise. Instead of using any switching elements, Esoteric designed the power supply in a very traditional audiophile style, using an extra-large toroidal transformer, capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes and EDLC super capacitors to achieve a noise-free, dynamic and three-dimensional sound reminiscent of vinyl playback.

Transport Connections for SACD Playback
N-01XD SE supports Esoteric's proprietary ES-LINK digital wideband transmission standard. An Esoteric transport can also be connected using either two HDMI cables or a single XLR cable to enable playback of Super Audio CDs. (ES-LINK is an ultra-wideband digital interface developed exclusively by Esoteric.) The HDMI multi-cable configuration is used for fully balanced audio data, LR clock, and bit clock signal transmission. In contrast to regular digital transmission, no processing is required for signal modulation at the sending side or for demodulation at the receiving side, thus allowing a significant reduction in the DAC's digital processing load to help realize pure digital signal transmission with near perfect optimization.