Esoteric N-01XE Network Player And DAC
All Image Credit: Esoteric
Japanese HiFi brand Esoteric has announced the latest model in its 01 Series, the Esoteric N-01XE network player and DAC. The Esoteric N-01XE incorporates two technologies derived from the company’s flagship Grandioso N1, its second-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 and its fourth-generation Esoteric Network Engine G4. Available in a brushed aluminium finish with a multi-layer chassis, semi-floating top panel and isolation feet for £22,999, $28,000 or €26,500.
The design is based upon a dual-mono configuration, with separate power transformers for the left and right channels. With five independent power transformers serving the left and right DACs, network engine, digital circuits and microcontroller. The power supply design using separate linear power supplies for each of these sections.
Internal Top Construction Showing Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 And Two Power Supplies
At its core of the N-01XE is Esoteric’s FPGA-based Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 driven by a Master Sound Discrete Clock. Instead of using a conventional DAC chipset, the converter is based on a multi-level delta-sigma design using discrete components. The DAC supports signals up to DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 768KHz, with separately developed FPGA processing algorithms for DSD and PCM. The design includes 32 elements per channel, ultra-high-precision MELF resistors and Esoteric’s IDM-01 amplification elements.
Internal Bottom Construction Showing The Esoteric Network Engine G4 And Three Power Supplies
The N-01XE is fitted with the fourth-generation Esoteric Network Engine G4, which includes large-capacity RAM, a CPU and an SFP connection for optical networking. The network engine has its own independent linear power supply, with separate transformer windings supplying individual sections. The G4 incorporates a built-in network switch function and provides both RJ45 Ethernet and SFP network interfaces. The SFP port can be used with an SFP module and fibre-optic cable for connection to an external network switch, while a Direct Attach Cable can also be used. The N-01XE supports native DSD 22.5MHz playback and offers a music server function via USB storage.
Supported file formats include; PCM Lossless: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA. DSD Lossless: DSF, DSDIFF (DFF), DoP, compressed audio: MP3 and AAC. Streaming support includes; Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify and QQ Music, with operation via the Esoteric Sound Stream app. Roon certification is currently underway.
The rear panel connectivity includes; 1 x stereo XLR and RCA analog line level out. Digital inputs include; 1 x USB (B), 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA, 1 x optical, 2 x ES-Link (for compatible Esoteric products), 1 x USB drive, 1 x RJ45 Network and 1 x SFP. Control is available using the 1 x 12VDC 3.5mm input and its 10MHz clock BNC allows the N-01XE to be connected to the G-01XD/G-05 external master clock generator, further enhancing sound quality by synchronizing its internal circuitry to an even more precise 10MHz reference clock.
Features At A Glance:
- N-01XE
- Network/DAC: Designed for premium digital music streaming and high-resolution file playback.
- 4th-Generation Esoteric Network Engine G4: Supports native DSD 22.5 MHz playback and features an SFP optical network port.
- Master Sound Discrete DAC G2: New-generation FPGA based Multi-Level ΔΣ DAC, fully designed and manufactured in-house using precisely selected discrete components.
- ES-Link Analog: Esoteric’s proprietary current-transmission link for compatible preamplifiers, delivering exceptionally natural sound.
- Independent ×5 Linear Power Supplies (Dual Mono DACs/Network/Digital Audio/Microcomputer): Delivers powerful, exceptionally transparent sound.
- Low-Feedback Discrete DC Power Regulator: Contributes to a more open, dynamic, and lifelike sound.
- ES-Link5: Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wideband HDMI cable link with Esoteric SACD transport.
- Wide Range of Digital Connectivity: ES-Link5 ×1 [L/R], USB ×1, XLR ×1, Coax ×1, Opt ×1.
- Music Server Function: Connect a USB storage device for convenient local music playback.
- Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player: Ultra-high precision internal clock circuit.
- 10MHz Clock Sync Capability: Compatible with Esoteric G-01XD and G-05 master clocks.
- Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC.
- Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet.
- Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, Spotify, QQ Music.
- Roon Ready certification is currently underway and will be announced when complete.
- Multi-Layer Chassis: Prevents interference between circuit components.
- Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sonic openness.
- Advanced Isolation Feet: Provides focused sound and an open soundstage
- Master Sound Discrete DAC G2
- FPGA-Based, Multi-Level ΔΣ D/A Converter: Fully designed and manufactured in-house.
- Proprietary 64-bit/512-Fs ΔΣ Modulator: One of the most powerful processing architectures in the industry.
- Unique Discrete Circuit: Completed without using conventional DAC chipsets.
- FPGA Digital Processing Algorithms: Independently optimized for DSD and PCM, with dedicated algorithms developed separately for each format.
- Industrial-Grade, Ultra-High-Precision MELF Resistor Elements
- Manufactured in the Esoteric Factory: One of the world’s premier PCB mounting facilities, equipped with oxygen-free reflow furnaces and hospital-grade clean rooms.
- Extensive Use of Audio-Grade Components: Including Esoteric’s exclusive IDM-01 amplifier modules.
- Low-Noise New Register Network: Provides cleaner imaging and lower noise.
- Redesigned Power Supply: Extensively separated FPGA power lines, and hot/cold analog power lines, achieving ultimate supply purity.
- “Esoteric-HCLD” High Current Line Driver: Super high slew-rate design (2,000V/μs) bringing out all the dynamics and energy of music.
Specifications:
- Network section:
- Supported file formats: PCM Lossless: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA. DSD Lossless: DSF, DSDIFF (DFF), DoP. Compressed audio: MP3, AAC
- RJ45 port: 1 (1000BASE-T)
- SFP port: 1 (1000BASE-T/-LX (single mode), 1000BASE-SX (multi mode) )
- USB DRIVE port: 1 (TYPE-A) USB 2.0 or higher recommended. Supported file systems; FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, Single partition. Maximum current supply 0.5A. Supported sampling frequencies PCM44.1 to 768KHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz and 22.5MHz
- Digital audio inputs:
- ES-LINK: 1 (L/R) Input signal formats Linear PCM44.1 to 768kHz, 48bit (ES-LINK5 format) DSD2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (ES-LINK5 format)
- XLR: 1 Input level 5.0Vp-p. Input impedance 110Ω. Input signal formats Linear PCM 32 to 192KHz, 16bit / 24bit (AES/EBU format) DSD 2.8MHz (ES-LINK1, ES-LINK2, DoP format)
- RCA: 1 Input level 0.5Vp-p. Input impedance 75Ω. Input signal formats Linear PCM 32 to 192KHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format) DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
- OPTICAL: 1 Input level–24.0 to –14.5 dBm peak. Input signal formats Linear PCM 32 to 192KHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format) DSD 2.8MHz (DoP format)
- USB: 1 (TYPE-B), USB2.0 or higher recommended. Input signal formats Linear PCM 44.1 to 38KHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit DSD 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz
- Clock input : BNC: 1 Supported input frequency 10MHz (±10ppm). Input impedance 50Ω. Input level Rectangle wave TTL level equivalent. Sine wave 0.5 to 1.0Vrms
- External control input TRIGGER IN: 1 (3.5mm mono mini jack) Input level 12V, 1mA
- Analog audio outputs:
- XLR/ES-LINK Analog 1 pair (L/R), Output impedance 60Ω (XLR), Maximum output level 5.0Vrms (1KHz, 10KΩ load).
- RCA 1 pair (L/R) Output impedance 20Ω, Maximum output level 2.5Vrms (1KHz, 10KΩ load)
- Audio performance DSD 2.8MHz 0dB, DSDF=F2, XLR output:
- Frequency response 5Hz to 30KHz (–3dB).
- S/N ratio 113dB (A-weight).
- Distortion 0.001％ (1KHz)
- General:
- Power supply: Model for EuropeAC220–230V, 50/60Hz. Model for USA/CanadaAC120V, 60Hz.
- Power consumption: 26W (in standby: 0.3W).
- External dimensions (W×H×D): 445 × 161.5 × 437mm / 17-⅝” × 6-⅜” × 17-¼” (including protrusions).
- Weight: 25.7kg / 56.75 lb
Availability:
November 2026
Pricing:
- UK: £22,999
- US: $28,000
- EU: €26,500
For more information visit the Esoteric web site.
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