Esoteric C-03 User manual

M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s
Amplifier Series

2008
Finally you can hear the true sound of the original master tapes!

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier
C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s
Introducing the C-03 Linestage Preamp!
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
It is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
You can see the sound, feel the sound, and experience the sound.
That’s the quality of Master Sound Works amplification from ESOTERIC

M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
Outline 1 - Simple with the highest quality!
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Intelligent volume control preamp (dual mono)
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Shortest signal path (no EQ, REC out, etc.)
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5 inputs
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RCA x3 / XLR x2
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3 outputs
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RCA x2 / XLR x1
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8N Copper connection between input/output stages
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Electrical isolation between music signal and
control signal
ESOTERIC 8N Cu
Cable
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s
Outline 2 - “03” concept implementation
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Highly rigid non-resonant chassis construction (22kg/48.5lbs)
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Multi-compartment inner chassis isolation for better signal clarity
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Dual mono power supply / circuitry / vol. control amplifier
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High quality discrete input / output buffer (= D-01 output buffer)
P-03 D-03 C-03

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High rigid chassis construction (22 kg/48.5 lbs)
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Advanced multi-compartment inner chassis
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Dual mono circuit layout
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Channel exclusive rich power supply
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Large toroidal transformer (core size: 200VA x2)
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

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Optimum input / output stage layout for the shortest signal path
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High quality discrete input buffer circuit
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High quality discrete output buffer circuit driven by high voltage
power supply (+/- 38 V) for extremely fast signal response (Same output
buffer circuit design as our reference DAC, model D-01)
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

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Channel exclusive volume control amplifier circuit (on output stage)
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Digital control signal isolated from music signal for ultimate clarity
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High quality audiophile grade parts selection process
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Source name can be preset and displayed on LCD (i.e. “P-03”)
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XLR input phase invert
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RCA dual output provides bi-amp capability
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Highly rigid chassis
The design and construction of the C-03
is massive, following the footsteps of the
highly acclaimed P-03/D-03 components
The approx. 22 kg/48.5 lb high mass
design, provides a highly rigid, low noise
and non-resonant chassis.
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
Dual Mono
All circuits are designed in dual mono
configuration.
-Input stage / Output stage
- Power supply
- Volume control amplifier device
Following the design steps of the
P-03/D-03, this implementation
achieves an ultimate level of
channel separation and signal clarity!
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
Dual Mono
The dual mono power supply circuits
feature large toroidal transformers
(core size: 200VA), for maximum
power supply capability. This circuit
design achieves an ultra-fast signal
throughput response.
(Almost half the space of the chassis
compartment is allocated for these
rich power supply circuits!)
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Separate input / output stage
– the shortest signal path
Input stage and output stage are
separated and vertically housed in each
compartment, then connected with high
purity 8N (99.999999%) Copper cable.
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Discrete input / output buffer
The input / output stage has a very
carefully designed discrete buffer circuit.
The output buffer is driven by a +/- 38V
high voltage power supply, achieving
ultra-fast signal throughput response.
(The same design as used in the D-01
mono-block DAC output board).
An ultimate level of “liveliness.” superb
dynamics and ultra-fast response results!
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Dual mono volume control
amplifier device
The volume control amplifier is directly
positioned into the output stage in a dual
mono configuration to achieve:
- Ultimate channel separation
- Shortest signal path
- Ultra low noise interference
- Elimination of output level variations
between channels
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Dual mono volume control
amplifier device
External volume knob works as a “touch
sensor,” and rotational movement is
converted to a digital signal by an internal
A/D converter. These signals are then
transmitted directly to the volume control
amplifier to control output levels.
This provides smoother user operation while
also lowering the noise floor associated with
typical (analog), volume control signals.
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Dual mono volume control
amplifier device
Volume control amplifier device features
the following “intelligent” functions;
- Input gain control (+/- 18dB, 0.5dB steps)
- L/R channel balance ( +/- 3dB)
- RCA 3 / Signal through selection
1 device per channel does it all! Very
useful functions but still providing the
shortest and quietest signal path.
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s

Dual mono volume control
amplifier device
Carefully designed operational feeling
achieves a very user friendly, low noise
and fully functional volume control.
Additional benefits include:
- No “wheel” or “spin” motion
- Visibly identifiable indicator on the knob
- Ergonomically curved shape
- Desirable “torque feeling”
- Motor driven control by remote (For
integrated mode operation).
Stereo Linestage Preamplifier C-03
M a s t e r S o u n d W o r k s