ESOTERIC is releasing the N-05XE network DAC preamplifier, which condenses the essence of ESOTERIC into a single unit, and the S-05XE, a new benchmark for Class A stereo power amplifiers. Two of ESOTERIC's best-selling models have evolved into "XE" models with even richer musicality.

N-05XE Main Features

The N-05XE network DAC preamplifier has evolved to deliver even higher sound quality with its next-generation discrete DAC and network engine.

The N-05XE is a network DAC preamplifier designed to deliver the best sound quality with the smallest possible system configuration. It features a G4 network engine with optical network connectivity, a next-generation G2 discrete DAC, a dual-balanced preamplifier directly inherited from the Grandioso model, and a built-in headphone amplifier. The "XE" model retains the acclaimed functionality while featuring newly designed and refined circuit components. Enjoy the polished ESOTERIC signature sound to your heart's content.

N-05XE System Configuration

• D/A converter (equipped with various digital inputs)
• Network player (streaming/music file playback)
• Dual Mono Dual Balanced Preamplifier
• Dual Mono Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier
• Thorough dual-mono construction (all analog circuits and power supplies are completely independent for L/R channels)

Master Sound Discrete DAC G2

• The development results of the Grandioso N1 have been incorporated to create a new generation (G2) with even richer musicality.
• Equipped with a 64-bit/512Fs compatible ΔΣ modulator, this is a cutting-edge multi-level ΔΣ D/A converter.
• FPGA-based discrete circuit configuration that does not use general-purpose DAC ICs.
• FPGA digital processing algorithms for optimal playback of DSD and PCM.
• New low-noise register network
• High conversion accuracy with high-precision MELF resistive elements
• The analog circuitry, including the power supply, is configured as a dual-mono configuration with independent left and right channels.
• The built-in clock is made discrete (Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player) 

ESOTERIC Network Engine G4

• Fourth-generation network engine equipped with SFP ports for optical network connectivity.
• Equipped with a dedicated large linear power supply that delivers smooth sound like analog playback.
• Supports native DSD 22.5MHz playback.
• Music server (NAS) function (allows connection of two large-capacity USB storage devices)
• Supports various file formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC)
• High-level operability with ESOTERIC Sound Stream (smartphone/tablet app)
• Compliant with the highly versatile OpenHome standard.
• Supports various music streaming services (Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, QQ Music)

Dual Mono Dual Balanced Preamplifier

• High-quality dual-mono/dual-balanced configuration with a total of 8 circuits (positive and negative for L/R).
• A dedicated power supply circuit has been added for the attenuator circuit, achieving pure volume control.
• The HCLD high-current buffer amplifier powerfully drives subsequent equipment without any difference in sound quality, whether using the pre-out, line-out, or headphone-out.
• ES-LINK Analog output, a unique current transmission technology that transmits the energy of music without any loss.
• A new ES-LINK Analog input has been added.

Dual Mono Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier

• The headphone amplifier circuit has been further refined for even higher sound quality.
• A powerful dual-mono parallel single-ended amplification system with excellent drive capability.
• Maximum output 1,200mW + 1,200mW (32Ω load)
• Two headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR and 6.3mm stereo standard.

Other features and functions

• The front panel is equipped with a USB Type-C terminal that can be used for DAC input.
• SACD transport can be connected via "ES-LINK (XLRx1) ".
• 10MHz clock sync function (allows for sound quality upgrade by connecting the G-05)
• Bluetooth® receiver supporting high-quality audio codecs such as LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, AAC, and SBC.
• Line output fixed mode, signal pass-through function
• High-rigidity chassis construction that optimally controls all vibrations.
• Semi-floating top panel
• Unique high-quality pinpoint isolation foot
• Proudly Made in Tokyo

Main specifications

• Network section: ETHERNET × 1, SFP × 1, USB drive ports × 2 (TYPE-A, TYPE-C)
• Bluetooth codecs supported: LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC
• Digital audio inputs: XLR x 1, RCA x 2, Optical digital x 2, USB x 2 (Type-B, Type-C)
• Analog audio inputs: XLR/ES-LINK Analog x 1, RCA x 1
• Analog audio output: XLR/ES-LINK Analog x 1 system, ES-LINK Analog Pre-Out x 1 system, RCA x 1 system
• Headphone audio output: 6.3mm stereo standard x 1, 4-pin XLR x 1
• Headphones' maximum practical output: 1,200mW + 1,200mW / 32Ω
• Headphone suitable load impedance: 16Ω to 600Ω
• Clock input: BNC × 1
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 30kHz (-3dB)
• S/N ratio: 109dB (A-weighted)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.001% (1kHz)
• Power supply: 100V AC 50/60Hz
• Power consumption: 30W (Standby: 0.3W)
• Maximum external dimensions (W×H×D) : 445 × 131 × 377 mm (including protrusions)
• Mass: 13.6kg

N-05XE (Silver)

N-05XE B (Black)

Back side

surface

S-05XE Main Features

Advanced Pure Class A Stereo Amplifier

Experience the transparency unique to Class A amplifiers and the rich, three-dimensional soundstage that is characteristic of ESOTERIC. The S-05XE, refined with cutting-edge new technologies such as a newly designed fully symmetrical balanced input buffer amplifier, a large-capacity 1,000VA toroidal core power transformer, and a unique dual-mono power supply smoothing circuit, sets a new benchmark for Class A stereo power amplifiers. Enjoy the polished and even more expansive ESOTERIC signature sound to your heart's content.

Main Features

• A simple and straightforward circuit design philosophy that follows the amplifier design of the flagship Grandioso series.
• In addition to the meticulous detail of Class A, ESOTERIC pursues a dynamic sound quality that is unique to them.
• A high-capacity bipolar transistor 3-parallel push-pull configuration designed for instantaneous response.
• 30W + 30W (8Ω, Class A operation) / 60W + 60W (4Ω) / 120W (BTL mode, 8Ω)
• To ensure complete independence of the L/R channels, all stages, including the power supply smoothing circuit, are configured in a dual-mono configuration.
• Minimizing negative feedback ( NFB ) and pursuing a dynamic sound quality.
• Featuring a large-capacity 1,000VA toroidal core power transformer, it delivers a more dynamic sound quality.
• The power supply smoothing circuit has been redesigned to enhance left/right channel independence and improve channel separation.
• Channel-independent high-capacity Grandioso-grade custom block capacitors (10,000μF x 4/ch)
• A newly designed "fully symmetrical balanced input buffer amplifier" prevents noise and produces precise reproduced sound.
• ES-LINK Analog input, a unique current transmission system that transmits the energy of music without loss.
• Three drive modes (stereo/BTL/bi-amp) . Two units can be combined to create a larger system.
• Trigger connection allows for synchronized power on/off with the N-05XE.
• Semi-floating top panel, patented pinpoint isolation feet.
• A special wave-shaped heatsink that reduces peak resonance.
• The top panel design is inspired by the dual honeycomb heat dissipation grille of the Grandioso series.

Main specifications

• Rated output: 30W + 30W (8Ω, Class A operation), 60W + 60W (4Ω), 120W (BTL mode, 8Ω)
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz (+0dB, -3dB, 8Ω)
• S/N ratio: 104dB (IHF-A, XLR)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.007% (1kHz, 8Ω, 30W)
• Suitable impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω, 8Ω to 16Ω (in BTL mode)
• Gain: 28.5dB (BTL mode: 34.5dB)
• Analog audio inputs: ES-LINK Analog x 1, RCA x 1, XLR x 1
• Power supply: 100V AC 50/60Hz
• Power consumption: 215W (195W when no signal)
• Maximum external dimensions (W×H×D) : 445 × 191 × 443 mm (including protrusions)
• Mass: 25.6kg