Esoteric Launches XE Series N-05XE And S-05XE Amplifiers

All Image Credit: Esoteric

Esoteric of Tama, Tokyo has announced the launch of its new XE series that includes the N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier and the S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier. The pair said by Esoteric to be an evolution of their  best-selling combo. Manufactured in Tokyo, both models reflect Esoteric’s established approach to vibration control and chassis rigidity featuring semi-floating top panels, high-rigidity enclosures and the company’s patented Pinpoint isolation feet. Both models will be available in either a silver or black finish.

N-05XE Network DAC Preamplifier

The N-05XE merges network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion, balanced preamplification and headphone amplification in a single chassis. Core to this merging of technologies is the combination of the company’s new G4 network engine, which supports optical SFP connections, and its next-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2, derived from technologies first developed for the Grandioso N1.

Based upon a dual mono design philosophy and fully independent left and right low noise analog toroidal power supplies, the N-05XE employs a fully discrete FPGA-based architecture DAC rather than an off-the-shelf device, using separate processing algorithms optimised for both PCM and DSD formats. A 64-bit, 512Fs delta-sigma modulator, low-noise register networks and high-precision MELF resistors are all part of Esoteric’s design to reduce noise, improve linearity and enhance image stability.

The balanced preamplifier stage is derived directly from the company’s Grandioso models and incorporates a dedicated power supply for the attenuator circuit, while Esoteric’s high-current HCLD buffer ensures consistent drive across all output modes. Esoteric’s proprietary ES-Link analogue interface is also included, allowing current-mode connection to compatible Esoteric amplifiers. Ample headphone drive is provided with a newly developed dual-mono, parallel single-ended headphone amplifier delivering up to 1.2 W per channel into 32 ohms. Both 4-pin XLR and 6.3 mm outputs are provided, along with wide impedance compatibility from 6 to 600 ohms.

Clocking is handled by Esoteric’s proprietary “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player”, with a 10 MHz external clock input provided for further system optimisation.

Network functionality supports; native DSD playback up to 22.5 MHz, two directly connected USB drives, and compatibility with services to include; TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon and QQ Music. With file format support to include; DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC. Control is handled via Esoteric’s Sound Stream app or OpenHome-compatible software. Bluetooth is also included supporting; LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm aptX HD audio, Qualcomm aptX audio, AAC, SBC.

Rear panel digital connectivity includes; 1 x AES/EBU XLR, 2 x RCA coaxial, 2 x optical TOSLINK and 2 x USB (Type-B, Type-C) inputs. Analog inputs include; 1 x stereo pair XLR/ES-Link, 1x stereo pair RCA. Audio analog outputs include; 1 x pair XLR/ES-Link, 1 x pair ES-Link Pre-Out, 1 x  pair RCA. Network connectivity supports; 1 x Ethernet Port, 1 x SFP Port, 2 x USB Drive Ports (Type-A, Type-C). Control is available using the 12VDC trigger I/O, while the front panel supports 1 x ¼ (6.3mm) phone jack and 1 x 4-Pin XLR headphone connections.

S-05XE Class A Stereo Power Amplifier

NOTE: For those not familiar with Esoteric’s ES-Link analogue, it is a proprietary current-mode transmission method, which uses standard XLR cabling but transmits the signal as current rather than voltage. Current transmission is far less affected by cable impedance, allowing compatible Esoteric components to communicate with minimal signal loss.

S-05XE Features At A Glance:

• Class A
• High-Power Bipolar Transistor in a Three-Parallel Push-Pull Configuration
• 30W per Channel Into 8Ω (Class A) / 60W per Channel Into 4Ω / 120W Into 8Ω (BTL)
• Monoblock-Level Performance in a Stereo Chassis: Fully dual-mono construction, including power-supply smoothing circuits
• Minimal NFB (Negative Feedback)
• Large 1,000 VA Toroidal-Core Power Transformer
• New Power Supply Smoothing Circuit: Enhances L/R independence and channel separation
• “Grandioso Grade” Custom Capacitors: 10,000μF × 4 pcs per channel
• New “Fully Symmetrical Balanced Input Buffer Amplifier”
• ES-Link Analog Input: Esoteric’s proprietary current-signal transmission
• Triple Drive Mode Switch (Stereo / BTL / Bi-Amp)
• DC Trigger: For sequential power on/off with the N-05XE
• Esoteric’s Patented Isolation Feet and Semi-Floating Top Panel
• Wave-Shaped Heat Sink
• New Top Panel Design

• N-05XE
  • Network Section: Ethernet Port × 1, SFP Port × 1, USB Drive Ports × 2 (Type-A, Type-C)
  • Supported Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio, Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC
  • Digital Audio Inputs: XLR × 1, RCA × 2, Optical × 2, USB × 2 (Type-B, Type-C)
  • Analog Audio Inputs: XLR/ES-Link Analog × 1 Pair, RCA × 1 Pair
  • Analog Audio Outputs: XLR/ES-Link Analog × 1 Pair, ES-Link Analog Pre-Out × 1 Pair, RCA × 1 Pair
  • Headphone Outputs: ¼ (6.3mm) Phone Jack × 1, 4-Pin XLR × 1
    • Maximum Output Power: 1,200mW + 1,200mW / 32Ω
    • Compatible Impedance: 6Ω to 600Ω
  • Clock Input: BNC × 1
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz to 30kHz (–3dB)
  • S/N Ratio: 109dB (A-Weight)
  • Distortion: 0.001% (1kHz)
  • Power Supply: AC 220-240V 50/60Hz (Europe), AC 120V, 60Hz (US/Canada), AC 220V, 60Hz (Korea), AC 230V, 50Hz (Hong Kong)
  • Power Consumption: 30W (Standby: 0.3W)
  • External Dimensions (W×H×D): 445 × 131 × 377mm
  • Weight: 13.6kg

MSRP (US):

• N-05XE: $13,000.00
• S-05XE: $$13,500.00

Read the full press release here.

For more in formation visit the Esoteric web site.

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