The Esoteric K-05X player is a versatile addition. It is an improved version of the Esoteric X-05 player, but with new features. In addition to playing Audio CDs and Super Audio CDs, the Esoteric K-05X can also function as a digital-to-analog converter and USB player. Its hallmark is the reference VRDS transport mechanism in its VMK-5 modification. A carefully selected component base, chosen after extensive testing, perfect separation of the digital and analog components, as well as the right and left analog channels to eliminate mutual interference, a meticulously designed printed circuit board layout, internal wiring with high-quality cable, and a powerful toroidal transformer – everything is created according to high-end standards. The USB port deserves special attention; it can operate in synchronous and asynchronous modes. For this purpose, the circuit includes its own clock generator, which allows for the incoming signal to be converted with better quality than that of the device from which the digital stream is transmitted. On the back of the player there are digital optical, coaxial and USB inputs, a BNC sync connector, optical and coaxial digital outputs and linear RCA and XLR.
The Esoteric K-05X sits squarely in the middle of the lineup, so it’s no surprise that some components, particularly the VMK-5 transport, are found in cheaper models. However, the digital core, based on AK4390 chips in parallel-differential configuration (two chips per channel), is similar to that used in the K-01X and K-03X players. Naturally, there are also digital inputs, including USB, capable of operating in standard and high-speed synchronous or asynchronous modes (the latter two require a special driver). The sync input allows for more accurate data transfer from external digital sources. A built-in volume control saves on the cost of a preamplifier. Unlike many luxury devices, the Esoteric K-05X is aimed at experienced users who can navigate the nuances of settings that aren’t always optimal by default. In particular, when listening to CDs, you’ll get a clearer sound if you enable quadruple oversampling in combination with a high-cutoff filter (80 kHz). When using balanced outputs, be sure to check the polarity—our unit was set to “reverse,” which resulted in phase inversion with “normal” equipment, resulting in a less clear and natural sound.
A key difference from most high-end players, the Esoteric K-05X features a variety of filter settings, allowing you to flexibly customize the player to achieve the desired results.
Features
The K-05X’s disc drive mechanism is VRDS-NEO (VMK-5) Grandioso technology used in all electronic circuits Super-linear, low-distortion DAC (4 DAC chips operating in parallel in a differential configuration with 8 outputs) Power supply with EDLC (Electric Double-layer Capacitor) supercapacitors with a total capacity of 500,000 μF for each channel of the DAC circuit 34-bit D/A conversion algorithm that provides 1024 times higher resolution compared to 24-bit processing High-end AK4490 DAC chipset from AKM (Asahi Kasei Microdevices) Two balanced output buffer stages of ESOTERIC-HCLD Type 2 (High Current Line Driver) Large custom toroidal power transformer (K-05X) Precision oscillator VCXO based clock signal input (BNC x 1) for G-02 Master Clock type clock generator. (10 MHz / 22 MHz compatibility) 2x / 4x / 8x oversampling capability, PCM to DSD conversion Possibility of selecting one of 4 types of digital filters (FIR x 2 types, Short Delay x 2 types, and OFF mode) Coaxial and optical inputs for high-resolution PCM signals 192 kHz / 24-bit and DSD 2.8, (Coax x 1, Opt x 1) USB input for high-resolution PCM signals 352 kHz / 32-bit and DSD 2.8 / 5.6 / 11.2 (with asynchronous signal transmission) For PC and Mac, there is an application – a software player for high-resolution files ESOTERIC HR Audio Player App.
Specifications:
- Playback: Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R / CD-RW compatible)
- Analog audio outputs: XLR × 1, RCA × 1
- Frequency range: 5 Hz – 70 kHz (−3 dB)
- S/N ratio: 117 dB
- THD distortion: 0.0007% (1 kHz)
- Digital audio outputs: RCA × 1, Optical (OPT) × 1
- Digital audio inputs: RCA × 1, Optical (OPT) × 1, USB 2.0 × 1
- Word sync input: BNC × 1
- Supported sync frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 10 MHz, 22.5792 MHz, 24.576 MHz (accuracy ±15 ppm)
- Power consumption: 230 V, 50 Hz, 23 W
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 445 × 131 × 355 mm
- Weight: 14 kg
