Esoteric N1T Grandioso Series Streamer – First Look
All Image Credit: Esoteric
The Grandioso N1T is the first network streamer in Esoteric’s high-end component range. The flagship Grandioso N1T combines cutting-edge technology with a new fourth-generation network engine featuring support for an electrically isolated SFP port as well as a standard Ethernet socket for network connections, and supporting up to DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 768KHz/32 bit native playback.
This new engine features large-capacity RAM and a powerful CPU, plus its own dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio linear power supply, both of which use large toroid’s, custom capacitors and Schottky barrier diodes, each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings, all helping to ensure signal isolation and minimum crosstalk. The N1T has three linear independent power supply systems one for each of the three circuit blocks, the network engine, audio circuit, and control circuit. Each power supply has its own low-feedback DC regulator in a discrete configuration.
Esoteric’s flagship master clock generator, the Grandioso G1X, features their proprietary in-house developed Master Sound Discrete Clock OCXO clock module. It incorporates carefully selected discrete components, including a large crystal oscillator. The clock maybe accurately synchronized by adding the Grandioso G1X master clock to the system, synchronizing the N1T and DAC’s to an ultra-pure, high-precision 10MHz clock.
The N1T supports multiple streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Roon, and Spotify, and is compatible with sample rates of PCM: 44.1K -768KHz, 16/24/32bit (32bit integer/32bit float format) and DSD: 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz. File formats supported include; DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC and MQA. The N1T also supports gapless playback capability for all lossless formats.
Besides front panel control, the Esoteric Sound Stream app available for both Apple iOS and Android devices, being designed to provide effortless usability. Its intuitive interface is tailored for smartphones and tablets, allowing users to easily browse, manage, and customize their music playback experience with just a few taps. The app has a powerful search and retrieval system, which takes full advantage of tag information and supports the storage of album images.
Rear panel digital connectivity includes; SFP module port, RJ45 Ethernet, ES-LINK (L/R), USB port (USB2.0) TYPE-A, XLR (110Ω), and RCA Coax (75Ω), two USB drive inputs (Type-A and Type-C), a 10MHz BNC clock input and a trigger input.
Finally, weighing in at 50.9lbs and measuring 17 ⅝ × 5 ¼ × 17 ¾ inches (HxWxD), the Esoteric N1T features a heavyweight aluminum multi-layer chassis with multiple steel plates plus a semi-floating top panel. All designed to prevent interference between circuit components and entering the N1T. The chassis being supported by “advanced isolation feet”, all of which aid in vibration isolation and dissipation that according to Esoteric is “resulting in sharper focus and a more open sound.”
Features At A Glance:
- Pure Network Digital Audio Transport: Optimized for pristine digital playback without a D/A converter.
- Esoteric’s Flagship 3-Chassis Streamer: Grandioso N1T Transport + D1X SE Mono DACs.
- SACD + Network Digital Source Combo: Seamlessly integrates with the Grandioso K1X SE for the ultimate digital playback experience.
- The 4th Gen “Esoteric Network Engine G4”: DSD 22.5MHz native playback support, SFP port.
- Extremely Pure Audio Circuit: Completely isolated from the network engine.
- Independent Linear Power Supplies (Network/Audio/Control): Provides powerful clear sound.
- “Low Feedback DC Power Regulator”: Contributes to live, open sound quality.
- ES-Link5: Esoteric’s proprietary ultra-wideband HDMI cable link with Esoteric DAC models.
- Wide Range of Digital Connectivity: ES-Link5 ×1[L/R], USB ×1, XLR ×1, Coax ×1.
- Music Server Function: Two USB drives can be connected.
- “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player”: Ultra-high precision internal clock circuit.
- 10MHz Clock Sync Capability: With Grandioso G1X master clock.
- Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC.
- Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet.
- Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal, Qobuz, Roon, Spotify.
- 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.
Specifications:
- Network section:
- Supported file formats: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MQA, DSF, DSDIFF (DFF), DoP, MP3, AAC (m4a container)/td
- ETHERNET port (1000BASE-T)× 1
- SFP port (1000BASE-T)× 1
- USB drive ports (USB 2.0 or higher recommended): (FAT32 or NTFS single partition, maximum current supply 0.5A): USB TYPE-A× 1, USB TYPE-C× 1
- Supported sampling frequencies:
- PCM: 44.1K-768KHz, 16/24/32bit (32bit integer / 32bit float format)
- DSD: 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz
- Digital outputs:
- ES-LINK× 1 (L/R)
- USB port (USB2.0)TYPE-A × 1 (maximum current supply: 0.5A)
- XLR (110Ω)× 1 (PCM 44.1K〜192KHz 16/24bit、DSD 2.8MHz（DoP）)
- RCA (75Ω)× 1 (PCM 44.1K〜192KHz 16/24bit、DSD 2.8MHz（DoP）)
- Clock input:
- Connector BNC × 1
- Input impedance 50Ω
- Input 10MHz (±10ppm)
- Input level Sine wave 0.5-1.0Vrms, Rectangle wave TTL levels
- External control: Trigger input (TRIGGER IN) 3.5mm mono mini jack × 1, Input level:12V, 1mA
- General Power supply: AC 220–240V,50/60Hz (Europe), AC 120V,60Hz (USA/Canada), AC 220V,60Hz (Korea)
- Power consumption: 37 W
- Standby power: EU 0.35W, US 0.3W
- External dimensions (W×H×D, including protrusions): 445 × 132 × 448mm / 17 ⅝ × 5 ¼ × 17 ¾ inches
- Weight: 23.1 Kg / 5.9 lbs
Availability:
March 2025
MSRP:
- US: $29,000.00
- UK: £34,999.00
- EU: €35,000.00
For more information visit the Esoteric web site.
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