Esoteric N-05XD Network DAC Preamplifier
What We Think,
"The N-05XD boasts an exceptional DAC, inherited from Esoteric's flagship models, a high-quality streamer, and a headphone amplifier capable of driving all headphones and IEMs. Combined with its well-crafted preamplifier, it's no surprise the N-05XD has been acclaimed as the product of the year by many. "
Introduction to the Esoteric N-05XD
As Esoteric’s first-ever network DAC/preamp, the Esoteric N-05XD Network DAC Preamplifier was meticulously engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality from compact system configurations. Pair it with your preferred power amplifier, speakers, and headphones for an unparalleled auditory experience. The N-05XD integrates fully balanced circuitry derived from Esoteric’s flagship series, featuring a dedicated linear power supply and an in-house designed discrete DAC. This combination ensures the preamplifier and headphone amplifier can accurately reproduce the full sound of a recording’s original master.
Features
- Fully Balanced Circuitry: Derived from Esoteric’s flagship series for ultimate sound quality.
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Master Sound Discrete DAC: Superior dynamics and energy reproduction.
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Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) Modulator: Supports 64-bit/512Fs audio frequency sampling.
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High-End Network Audio Engine: Dedicated linear power supply and high-end components.
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High-Precision Volume Control: Ball-bearing mechanism for ultra-smooth operation.
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Dual Mono Headphone Amplifier: Fully balanced, 1500mW power output, dual outputs (4-pin XLR and 6.3mm stereo).
- Discrete Components: Carefully selected and rigorously tested for optimal performance.
Ultimate Sound Quality
Esoteric has seamlessly integrated the essence of their premium audio standards into the N-05XD, refining it to embody ultimate sound quality. The touch of its volume knob reveals this superior quality in its most exquisite form, offering the fullest enjoyment of Esoteric’s pure signature sound. The N-05XD eliminates the need to sacrifice sound quality for a simplified high-end audio system.
Master Sound Discrete DAC
Esoteric’s primary objective with the N-05XD was to combine rigorously tested discrete components into a circuit that perfectly reproduces the dynamics and energy of recorded music. Ordinary integrated chips can't match this level of performance. Esoteric’s top engineering teams designed and produced a sound quality only attainable with their Master Sound Discrete DAC.
Advanced Digital Processing
The N-05XD features Esoteric’s exclusive Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) modulator, supporting 64-bit/512Fs audio frequency sampling. Separate FPGA digital processing algorithms were developed for each step in the D/A conversion process, optimizing sound quality from all digital sources.
High-End Network Audio Engine
As a source component, the N-05XD includes a high-end network audio engine supporting DSD 22.5MHz playback. A dedicated linear power supply powers this engine, featuring components equivalent to Esoteric’s top N-01XD model. Large toroidal transformers, high-capacity filter capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and high-end super capacitors contribute to a sound rich with analog-like realism.
Robust and Flexible Chassis Construction for Vibration Control
The N-05XD's semi-floating top panel enhances the sense of free, unencumbered sound output. Its bottom chassis features high-precision laser-cut slits on the power supply transformer mounts to effectively control vibration. Esoteric's proprietary pinpoint feet (Patent No. 4075477, No. 3778108) further mitigate vibration, channeling it away from the unit.
High-Precision Volume Control
The N-05XD’s volume control employs the same ball-bearing support mechanism used in Esoteric’s premier Grandioso line. The precision-machined aluminum volume knob provides an ultra-smooth analog feel.
Fully Balanced Dual Mono Headphone Amplifier
The N-05XD includes Esoteric’s first fully balanced dual mono headphone amplifier, delivering high-end audio performance in a personal listening space. It features advanced circuitry, dual-mono design, and two outputs: a balanced 4-pin XLR and an unbalanced 6.3mm stereo audio jack. With fully balanced power output of 1500mW, it drives high impedance headphones with ample headroom. Unbalanced output features active ground potential driving for clear channel separation and superb musical expressiveness.
Intuitive Remote Control Design
The N-05XD's remote control features an ergonomic aluminum body that fits comfortably in the hand, with buttons conveniently placed on both sides for intuitive operation from your listening position. It provides straightforward control of the preamplifier and network playback and can also operate the Esoteric Super Audio CD player and transport.
Specification
| Frequency response: | |
| S/N ratio: | |
| Distortion: | |
| Digital audio inputs | |
| XLR: | 1 |
| Input Level: | 5.0Vp-p |
| Input Impedance: | 110Ω |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (AES/EBU format) |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz (ES-LINK1, ES-LINK2, DoP format) |
| RCA: | 2 |
| Input Level: | 0.5Vp-p |
| Input Impedance: | 75Ω |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format) |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz (DoP format) |
| Optical: | 2 |
| Input Level: | –24.0 to –14.5dBm peak |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 32k to 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit (IEC60958 format) |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz (DoP format) |
| USB: | 1 (USB B connector) |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz |
| ETHERNET: | 1 (1000BASE-T) |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo) • Only integer format file supported |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (stereo) |
| Supported file formats: | |
| PCM Lossless: | FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA |
| DSD Lossless: | DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP |
| Compressed audio: | MP3, AAC (m4a container) |
| USB DRIVE: | 2 (Front, Rear) |
| Supported file system: | FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, Single partition, USB2.0 or later recommended |
| Maximum power supply: | 0.5A |
| Input signal formats: | |
| Linear PCM: | 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo) • Only integer format file supported at 32bit |
| DSD: | 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.5MHz (stereo) |
| Supported file formats | |
| PCM Lossless: | FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC) , WAV, AIFF, MQA |
| DSD Lossless: | DSF, DSDIFF (DFF) , DoP |
| Compressed audio: | MP3, AAC (m4a container) |
| Analog audio inputs: | |
| XLR: | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Input Impedance: | 50kΩ |
| Maximum Input Voltage: | 8Vrms |
| RCA: | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Input Impedance: | 25kΩ |
| Maximum Input Voltage: | 4Vrms |
| Analog audio outputs: | |
| XLR/ESL-A: | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Output Impedance; | 220Ω |
| Maximum Output Level: | 5.0Vrms (PCM Full-scale signal input, Analog output level setting: FIX) |
| ESL-A PRE-OUT: | 1 pair (L/R) |
| RCA: | 1 pair (L/R) |
| Output Impedance: | 60Ω |
| Maximum Output Level: | 2.5Vrms (PCM Full-scale signal input, Analog output level setting: FIX) |
| Bluetooth® section: | |
| Version: | 4.0 |
| Supported profile: | A2DP, AVRCP |
| Supported A2DP codec: | LDAC, LHDC, aptX™ HD audio, aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC |
| Headphone out section: | |
| Balanced: | 4-pin XLR × 1 |
| Output Power: | 1500mW + 1500mW (at 32Ω load) |
| Compatible Impedance: | 16 to 600Ω |
| Unbalanced: | ¼" (6.3mm) Standard Phone jack × 1 |
| Output Power: | 750mW + 750mW (at 32Ω load) |
| Compatible Impedance: | 16 to 600Ω |
| Clock sync section: | |
| Clock Input: | BNC × 1 |
| Input frequency: | 10MHz (±10ppm) |
| Input impedance: | 50Ω |
| Input level: | |
| Rectangular wave: | TTL level or equivalent |
| Sine wave: | 0.5 to 1.0Vrms |
| External control section: | |
| RS-232C: | × 1 |
| Trigger In: | ⅛" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack × 1 |
| Input level: | |
| Trigger Out: | ⅛" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack × 1 |
| Output level: | |
| General: | |
| Power: | |
| AC 120V, 60Hz | |
| AC 220 - 240V, 50Hz | |
| Power consumption: | 38W |
| Overall dimensions: (W×H×D) | 445 × 131 × 377mm |
| Weight: | 13.8kg |
| Included accessories: | Power cord × 1 Remote control unit (RC-1334) × 1 AA batteries × 2 Felt mats × 3 Owner's manual × 1 |
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