Description

The Esoteric Grandioso K1X SE is the company’s flagship integrated SACD and CD player, bringing together its most advanced transport, conversion and clock technologies in one exceptional component. Developed for listeners seeking the highest possible standard of digital reproduction, it combines extraordinary precision with the scale, presence and natural musical expression for which the Grandioso range is renowned.

At its heart is Esoteric’s flagship VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism. Its same-diameter duralumin turntable securely clamps the disc, helping to correct warping, suppress rotational vibration and improve reading accuracy. The 20mm steel bridge and heavily engineered mechanism provide exceptional rigidity, while the wide, low-profile design and single-point spindle bearing help reduce mechanical noise.

The Grandioso K1X SE uses Esoteric’s in-house Master Sound Discrete DAC, developed without conventional off-the-shelf DAC chips. Its 32 independent elements per channel and proprietary 64-bit/512Fs digital processing are designed to preserve the dynamics, texture and energy of the original recording. For the SE model, the analogue circuitry has been upgraded with carefully selected components, including Esoteric’s proprietary IDM-01 amplifier modules.

Timing is controlled by the Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player, derived from the technology developed for the Grandioso G1X master clock generator. Four independent toroidal transformers provide dedicated power for key sections of the player, while 76 high-capacity EDLC super capacitors help deliver excellent low-frequency definition, dynamic scale and effortless control.

As well as offering outstanding SACD and CD playback, the K1X SE can serve as a reference-quality standalone DAC. USB, coaxial and optical inputs allow computers, streamers and other digital sources to benefit from its advanced conversion and analogue output stages. With its substantial 35kg construction and exquisite finish, the Grandioso K1X SE is a true statement digital source.

Key Features

  • Flagship VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism
  • Same-diameter duralumin disc-clamping turntable
  • Ultra-rigid 20mm steel turntable bridge
  • Master Sound Discrete DAC with 32 independent elements per channel
  • Proprietary 64-bit/512Fs digital processing
  • Upgraded SE analogue circuitry with premium-grade components
  • Esoteric IDM-01 proprietary amplifier modules
  • Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player
  • SACD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback
  • USB DAC supporting PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD up to 22.5MHz
  • PCM upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion
  • Four independent toroidal power transformers
  • 76 EDLC super capacitors with a combined capacity of 2,050,000μF
  • Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
  • Esoteric-HCLD high-current analogue output stage
  • Balanced XLR, RCA and ES-Link Analog outputs
  • Coaxial, optical and USB digital inputs
  • AES/EBU and coaxial digital outputs
  • 10MHz external master-clock input
  • High-rigidity, double-layer chassis construction
  • Semi-floating top panel and redesigned Pinpoint feet
  • Compatible with the optional Grandioso PS1 external power supply

Why Choose the Esoteric Grandioso K1X SE?

For the listener who wants the finest integrated digital player Esoteric produces, the Grandioso K1X SE is an uncompromising choice. Its flagship transport, discrete DAC and advanced clocking work together to reveal exceptional detail, depth and atmosphere while retaining the natural flow and emotional impact of the performance.

It also provides a superb foundation for a complete digital system. Its comprehensive inputs allow streamed and file-based music to benefit from the same reference-level conversion, power supplies and analogue output circuitry used for disc playback.

The Grandioso K1X SE represents the full expression of Esoteric’s digital engineering in a single chassis. Combining extraordinary mechanical construction, advanced proprietary technology and exceptional versatility, it is designed to be the definitive source at the heart of a world-class audio system.