Esoteric K-01 User manual

New Product Information
INTRODUCTION
ESOTERIC releases the K-01, the flagship model of our all-in-one advanced D/A converter and Super Audio CD/CD player series,
capitalizing on ESOTERIC’s state-of-the-art technology and derived from our award winning P-01/D-01 series separates. It has been
seven years since the debut of the original X-01, with its high-precision and high-rigidity VRDS-NEO SACD/CD transport mechanism.
The X-01/X-03 series, which have stayed at the top of ESOTERIC’s all-in-one SACD/CD player lineup, have been completely updated
and make their debut as the all-new “K” series in November 2010.
The design concept of the K series is extremely clear and simple -- a 2-channel D/A converter and stereo player that gives a stress-free
musical experience, without adding or removing anything from the original source material. All aspects of the design and engineering
process for the K series had extremely tough requirements to further advance ESOTERIC's top technology. Design and engineering
was completed applying all of ESOTERIC’s know-how in mechatronics technology, state-of-the-art audio technology, and evolutionary
materials including DAC implementation, for which cost was not a consideration. The K series is committed to advancing the “state of
the art” for the 2 channel audio purist, for both high resolution audio files and disc based audio playback applications.
The K-01 is equipped with our new VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S” mechanism, which has advanced substantially beyond existing VRDS
models. The K-01 follows the philosophy of the D-01, and has two 32-bit monaural D/A converters with eight parallel/differential DAC
circuits used per channel, as well as separate L/R power supplies. The on-board, high-precision clocking circuit has also been
advanced. The power supply for each circuit block has been optimized by using four on-board power transformers. Three sets of 192
kHz/24-bit digital inputs, supporting the most advanced high-sampling-rate digital sources are also built-in. USB driver
software supports 192 kHz/24-bit asynchronous transmission for connecting with a PC.
The K-01 responds to the stringent demands of music lovers and audio purists, for a top-of-the-line
digital source, 2-channel playback device.
K-01
Digital Source Device
VRDS-NEO, 8-DAC (32BIT)/CH, 192/24 HIGH-REZ INPUTS, ADVANCED CLOCKING

FEATURES
V
RDS-NEO “VM
K
-3.5-20S” transport mechanism
ESOTERIC’s proprietary
VRDS-NEO transport
mechanism uses a
high-precision turntable for
spinning Super Audio CD/CD
discs, improving read precision
by mechanically correcting for
surface run-out.
This is a comprehensive
compilation of ESOTERIC’s high-end mechatronics technology.
The K-01 uses an evolutionary version of the mechanism
configuration adopted for the P-03 SACD/CD transport and now
includes the VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S.” This new VRDS
mechanism includes further refinements in the design of the driver
circuit. In addition, the disc tray loader now includes a shutter
mechanism, designed to reduce extraneous noise and airborne
contaminants from entering or degrading the electromechanical
operation of the system.
The VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S” is a new high-quality mechanism
using a set of ceramic ball spindle bearings. A duralumin turntable
with micron-level accuracy and a 20 mm steel turntable bridge are
used, resulting in a total weight of 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs). Additionally,
the proven features of the VRDS-NEO, such as the strong
neodymium-magnet-driven coreless three-phase brushless spindle
motor, the thread feed control, (which has evolved from the
philosophy of the P-0), and the shaft-sliding type pickup, where the
laser beam consistently illuminates the disk perpendicularly, are all
inherited by the K-01.
New VS-DD spindle servo driver circuit
The driver circuit of the
transport mechanism was
newly designed specifically for
audio playback, to accomplish
smoother and higher-accuracy
servo control. The VS-DD
(VRDS Spindle Discrete
Driver), a newly designed
discrete amplifier circuit,
is used to drive the spindle motor, which is the core of the
VRDS-NEO”VMK-3.5-20S”.
Special proprietary toroidal transformers are also used in the
power supply. The discrete amplifier circuit optimizes the power
supply output to the motors, to realize a smoother and more
refined spindle drive. Additionally, a separate power supply is used
for each power-consuming spindle motor, to eliminate any impact
on the audio circuit and to achieve outstanding performance. This
level of performance approaches the quality of a separate
transport and DAC reference system.
Dual mono D/A converters based on the philosophy of the
fully monaural D-01
The K-01’s D/A converter circuits are based on the circuitry of
ESOTERIC’s high-end monaural D-01 D/A converter, providing a
parallel/differential output with eight circuits per channel. This
achieves overwhelming linearity and an ultra low distortion factor.
For the D/A converter devices used, ASAHI KASEI Microdevices
Corporation’s top-end 32-bit AK4399 (*1) was adopted, after
extended repetitive audio and system reliability auditions.
The 32-bit AKM D/A converters, with eight circuits per channel, are
mounted on a separate analog audio board for each of the left and
right channels. All components, including the power circuit and
power transformer, are separated for right and left channels, to
make a fully dual mono configuration with the same layout for each
of the two channels. One cabinet contains two monaural 32-bit D/A
converters, which evolved from the circuitry and philosophy of the
D-01. They boast an ideal power supply capacity and excellent
channel separation by using a power configuration separated into
right and left channels. This is only possible with a monaural
configuration, to enable high-quality playback with rich localization
and sonic depth.
High-quality discrete buffer circuit with a high voltage power
supply
A discrete buffer output circuit with a high voltage power supply of
+/- 22 V has been deployed for the analog audio output, following
the technology used in the D-01. Full use is made of the
exceedingly high drive capability and slew rate to provide a
stress-free playback capability for various signals, from miniscule
signals to high-power output. These powerful discrete buffer output
circuits are laid out symmetrically for each of the hot/cold signal
lines to construct a rich and fully balanced configuration for XLR
audio outputs. Additionally, a parallel buffer output configuration is
implemented to switch the buffer amplifier to a parallel
configuration, when RCA audio outputs are used. These
enhancements provide advanced circuitry with the best sound
quality for each of the balanced and unbalanced signal outputs.
Wide variety of D/D conversion functions that support many
source types
A wide variety of D/D conversion functions are implemented to
match to your favorite source or to your personal sound quality
preference. These functions include a mode to convert DSD and
PCM formats directly into analog signals, as well as PCM
up-conversion to x 2 (64/88.2/96 kHz) or x 4 (128/176.4/192 kHz),
from the original sampling frequency, and even a PCM to DSD
conversion function is available.
1. PCM signals from CD and/or external digital devices:
- Original Fs (32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz)
- x 2 (64/88.2/96 kHz) / x 4 (128/176.4/192 kHz) up-conversion
- PCM to DSD conversion
2. SACD DSD signals:
- DSD native playback
Four types of digital filters and digital filter “Off” mode
The K-01 features four types of digital filters for PCM signal
processing. In addition to two types of FIR digital filters that have a
reputation for outstanding sound quality, two types of short delay
digital filters are featured. These filters, often referred to as
apodizing filters, eliminate the pre-echo and ringing effects in the
impulse waveform to reproduce the audio signal as a more nature
and precise sound, void of the artifacts often associated with CD
recording. The Digital Filter Off mode, which bypasses all 4 of the
digital filters, is also provided. You can select any of the digital
filters or the off mode according to your preference.
Three digital input systems to support a high sampling rate
Even when you use the K-01 as a discrete D/A converter for a
high-sampling-rate source, the K-01 makes the most of the
astonishing quality of its 32-bit dual mono D/A converters.
The K-01 features three systems of input (USB, coaxial and
optical), and these digital inputs support high-sampling-rate
sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz.
USB input supporting asynchronous transmission and 24
bit/192 kHz sources enables high-quality reproduction of
music stored on a PC
High-sampling-rate sources
of studio master quality can
be input at their original
resolution, by connecting
the K-01 to your PC through
a USB port. To ensure a
precise high-end design for
the USB connection,
ESOTERIC developed
proprietary driver software
(the driver software can be downloaded from the ESOTERIC web
site). The USB input supports high-quality asynchronous
transmission and the input of high-sampling-rate sources to 24 bit /
192 kHz. Three transmission modes, including two types of
high-speed transmission (including asynchronous transmission),
and the standard full-speed mode, are also provided to enhance
compatibility with a wide variety of PCs and operating systems.
Additionally, an Esoteric USB isolator, isolates the power and
signal paths from the USB input system. This isolator eliminates
interference from external devices, including the PC, to clearly
reproduce high-resolution music files without loss of fidelity.
* Note: Reproducible formats depend on the music player
capabilities installed on the PC.
(*1) AK4399 is the Audio4pro™ and is a branded product of ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORPORATION that is designed for professional studio and digital audio applications.

V
CXO high-precision clock
A newly designed
high-precision clock is
implemented to achieve the
highest level of sound quality
for an all-in-one digital player. A
VCXO (voltage controlled
crystal oscillator) of +/- 0.5 ppm
(*2) that uses a large crystal is
deployed in the K-01, which is
very advantageous for advanced sound quality.
Additionally, a stabilized power supply circuit improves the stability
of clock circuit operation. When using the K-01 without using an
external WORD clock, the high precision audio clock sync signal
generated by the VCXO is directly delivered to the D/A converter,
without passing through the PLL circuit. This enables
higher-quality reproduction that is a step ahead of standard
designs. This also substantially reduces any audible jitter when
transmitting audio signals to achieve high-speed and high-quality
reproduction inclusive of a very dramatic presence and acoustic
delicacy.
(*2) Factory setting
WORD sync function enabling synchronization with external
devices
The K-01 has a WORD sync function to synchronize with an
external WORD clock. This allows upgrading to a higher-quality
sound system by connecting the unit to a high-precision master
clock generator, such as the G-0Rb rubidium master clock. As for
supported clock sync frequencies, 10 MHz is newly supported in
addition to 44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz.
32-bit precision digital attenuator function
This function enables 32-bit digital processing and a high-precision
volume control, capitalizing on the 32-bit D/A devices. 32 bits gives
an allowance of 8 bits over the standard 24 bits, and enables
control of volume with no degradation of sound quality due to
dropouts.
Excellent usability
The output voltage of the XLR audio outputs can be switched
according to the input sensitivity of the amplifier that you connect to
the K-01 (0dB/ +6dB). You can also choose Hot 2 or Hot 3 for the
XLR pin assignment. Additionally, you can switch the analog
output between RCA, XLR and OFF, as desired based on
connected components. The K-01 features one coaxial digital
output to support digital output of CDs, and a pass-thru output for
an externally input signal; however, digital outputs for SACDs
(DSD data streams), and the signal after the D/D conversion are
not supported. For noise reduction purposes, it is possible to
switch the circuit off when not using the digital output.
Chassis construction with a separate compartment for each
circuit block
A chassis construction with separate circuit block compartments
packs the design concept of separate SACD/CD transports and
D/A converters into an all-in-one unit. This helps to eliminate cross
contamination between adjoining circuits. The large-mass
VRDS-NEO transport mechanism is positioned in the center of the
unit, directly attached to the 5 mm steel bottom chassis, and
supported at three points by ESOTERIC’s proprietary pinpoint feet
(Patent No. 4075477). This 3 point system effectively suppresses
the vibration of the rotation mechanism with large inertia to ensure
a highly solid base, free from vibrations and resonance.
The interior of the K-01 chassis has a double-decker structure with
five compartments. Each circuit block is contained within its own
compartment to minimize conflicts between circuits. Two separate
audio boards for each channel are mounted on the rear part of the
upper compartment, which is nearest to the rear terminals, to
ensure the shortest signal path. The audio power circuit and
power transformers are isolated from the audio board by an
internal steel chassis plate, and hung inside the compartment on
the bottom of the audio board. Such a three-dimensional layout
allows the shortest wiring possible for the power supply, and
minimizes any impact of magnetic flux leakage and vibration.
The K-01 features four large-capacity toroidal transformers,
including two for the built-in monaural D/A converters, one for the
digital circuit, and one for the VS-DD spindle servo driver circuit.
This design provides dedicated power supply capability to all circuit
blocks without interference.
The K-01’s large mass of approximately 31 kg (68.4 lbs), is the
result of ESOTERIC’s commitment to the highest quality for
component isolation and compartmentalizing. These designs
virtually eliminate resonance and vibrations from adjacent
electrical and mechanical components.
Beautiful rounded form
The K-01 inherits its appearance from the design of ESOTERIC’s
flagship line of separate digital players and DACs, with the
front/side/top panels made of thick aluminum and a rounded form
with no screws on the top panel and corners. This form is sure to
give you a feel of elegance and pleasure of ownership, in addition
to eliminating any unwanted vibrations that are well known from
top and corner screw designs.
Feel the high-end touch with a leather finished remote control
The K-01 comes with a remote control unit that is finished in
leather and has an aluminum body with just the right weight.
The ease of use and accuracy associated with this remote control
is also based on ESOTERIC's "P series" system designs.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Compatible disc types Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible)
XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1Jacks
RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1
XLR: 100 ohmsOutput impedance
RCA: 47 ohms
Maximum output level XLR (Gain: 0 dB): 2.45 Vrms
(1 kHz, full scale, 10 k ohms) RCA: 2.45 Vrms
Frequency response 5 Hz to 55 kHz ( 3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 115 dB
Analog audio output
Total harmonic distortion 0.0015% (1 kHz)
Digital audio output Coaxial RCA jack x 1 0.5 Vp-p/75 ohms
Coaxial RCA terminal x 1 (input impedance 75 ohms)
Optical digital terminal x 1 24.0 to 14.5 dBm peak
Digital audio input
USB port B connector USB 2.0 / 192 kHz-24 bit async.
Jack BNC
Input impedance 75 ohms
Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levelsInput level
Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms/50 to 75 ohms
Word synchronization input
format
The K-01 can accept and synchronize to the following frequencies received from external clock devices: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz,
10 MHz (the accuracy of locking range limited within ±15 ppm)
D/A Converter K-01 32bit AK4399 x8 DACs / per channel
AC 230 V, 50 Hz
AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power supply
AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption 33 W
External dimensions (W x H x D) 445 x 162 x 438 mm (17 1/4" x 6" 3/8 x 13 1/4") (including protrusions)
Weight 31 kg (68 3/8 lbs)
Remote control unit (RC-1156) x 1
Batteries (AA) x 2
Power cord set x 1
Felt pads x 3
Owner’s manual x 1
General
Accessories
Warranty card x 1
- This product is available in three different power supply variations shown in the chart above. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.
- The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.
ESOTERIC COMPANY
47 Ochiai 1-chome, Tama-shi,
Tokyo 206-8530, Japan
Fax: [phone] www.esoteric.jp/
www.teac.com/esoteric/
Please note that ESOTERIC products are available at limited retailers in respective countries. “ESOTERIC“ is a trademark of the TEAC Corporation. All
other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ©2010 TEAC Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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These materials shall not directly or indirectly be published, reproduced, modified or distributed in any medium. Design and specifications are subject to
change without notice.