The Grandioso K1 Super Audio CD player stands at the pinnacle of Esoteric’s Grandioso series, distinguished as the premier all-in-one device. It features a high-precision VRDS-NEO VMK-3.5-20S drive and a newly engineered DAC that includes separate power supplies for both left and right channels, utilizing cutting-edge AK4497 chips from AKM along with a 35-bit digital-to-analog conversion algorithm. Additionally, Esoteric has introduced ES-LINK Analog, a proprietary data transfer technology designed for seamless communication with the Grandioso F1 integrated amplifier, which incorporates an HCLD buffer amplifier with 125,000 μF super capacitors and a precision clock generator. Crafted from the highest quality materials, the Grandioso K1 redefines the possibilities of digital audio playback.
The VRDS-NEO disc transport represents the pinnacle of Esoteric’s cutting-edge mechatronics technologies, delivering notable enhancements in data reading precision. This is achieved through meticulously engineered drive mechanics tailored for both CD and Super Audio CD formats, along with advanced correction capabilities for disc surface irregularities. The VRDS-NEO VMK-3.5-20S features a pair of specially chosen steel ball bearings, a duralumin carrier platter crafted to micron-level precision, and a robust drive bridge constructed from 20 mm thick steel, weighing 5.2 kg (or 12 kg when including the sturdy steel base).
This drive integrates the company’s established technologies, such as a three-phase brushless high-flux density motor derived from the renowned Esoteric P-0 CD transport. It also includes an innovative head feed control system and guide slide, which ensures that the laser beam consistently targets the disc at the optimal angle. The VS-DD (VRDS Spindle Discrete Driver) spindle servo, utilized in the P-02X, serves as the core component of the VRDS-NEO drive mechanics. By employing a 3-channel amplifier constructed from discrete elements, the VS-DD circuit refines the current shapes delivered to the motors, effectively minimizing vibrations and guaranteeing smooth operation alongside precise servo control. Additionally, the Grandioso K1 is outfitted with a proprietary power supply featuring a toroidal transformer, which effectively isolates other circuits from drive-related noise.
The VRDS-NEO drive mechanism is centrally positioned within the chassis and is secured to a robust 5 mm steel plate, which is supported by four proprietary point feet (patent No. 4075477). This design effectively minimizes vibrations generated by the disk rotation mechanism. Internally, the chassis features a dual-tier configuration, with the audio board situated on the upper level and the power circuits and transformers located on the lower level. This arrangement mitigates the effects of magnetic leakage and vibrations while also reducing the length of the power supply buses. The Grandioso K1 is outfitted with four high-power toroidal transformers dedicated to two mono DACs, digital circuits, and the “VS-DD” spindle servo, ensuring optimal power distribution to each circuit block.
The DAC employs a “dual mono” architecture, utilizing four of the latest 32-bit Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) AK4497 chips for each channel. These represent the pinnacle of DAC technology from AKM. The incorporation of multiple chips enables the K1 to implement a digital-to-analog conversion algorithm capable of processing PCM signals at a resolution of 35 bits—2048 times greater than the standard 24-bit processing. (The only model surpassing this is the Mono Grandioso D1, which achieves a resolution of 36 bits.) Once the DAC chips convert the signal to analog, it is further amplified by MUSES 03 operational amplifiers—two for each channel. These amplifiers, produced by New Japan Radio Co., Ltd., are meticulously selected by ear to ensure the highest sound quality.
The Esoteric Grandioso K1 features four powerful toroidal transformers: one for the spindle motor, one for the left channel, one for the right channel, and a fourth for additional circuits, including the front panel display, disc tray drive, and clock generator. Each channel is powered by an array of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC), first introduced in the Grandioso C1, which includes Nichicon capacitors with an impressive total capacitance of 1 farad (1,000,000 µF).
The player features three digital inputs—USB, coaxial, and optical—enabling connections to a diverse range of sources. Both the coaxial and optical inputs are compatible with DSD 2.8 MHz (DoP) and PCM formats, supporting resolutions of up to 192 kHz/24-bit. The Grandioso K1 includes a USB port for computer connectivity, and users can download the ESOTERIC HR Audio Player driver and software free from the company’s website. The USB input of the K1 facilitates asynchronous data transfer and can handle DSD streams up to 11.2 MHz, as well as PCM sources with studio master quality reaching 384 kHz/32-bit. Additionally, it allows for playback of DSD files at their original resolution.
Esoteric Grandioso K1 specifications:
- Playback:
- Super Audio CD
- CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)
- Analog Audio Outputs:
- XLR (2 channels) × 1 pair
- RCA (2 channels) × 1 pair
- Output Impedance:
- XLR: 20 Ohm
- RCA: 23.5 Ohm
- Super Audio CD Playback (XLR Output):
- Frequency Range: 5 Hz – 55 kHz (−3 dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120 dB
- Distortion (THD): 0.0008% (1 kHz)
- Digital Audio Outputs:
- XLR
- RCA
- Digital Audio Inputs:
- RCA × 1 (75 Ohm, 0.5 Vp-p)
- Optical Connector: −24.0 −14.5 dBm peak
- USB-B Port (USB2.0 Standard)
- Sync Signals:
- BNC, Frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 10 MHz, 22.5792 MHz, 24.576 MHz
- Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Input Level:
- IN TTL
- 10 MHz IN Sine: 0.5 – 1.0 Vrms
- Power Supply:
- AC 230V 50Hz
- AC 120V 60Hz
- AC 220V 60Hz
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 162 x 448 mm
- Weight: 33 kg
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