ESOTERIC K-05 LETTORE CD/SACD CONVERTITORE AK 4399

ESOTERIC releases the K-05, a new 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 derived from our award winning K-01 SACD palyer. 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 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-05 is equipped with VRDS-NEO “VMK-5” mechanism, and a dual mono 32-bit D/A converters with two parallel/differential DAC circuits per channel. The on-board high-precision clocking circuit has also been advanced. Three sets of 192 kHz/24-bit digital inputs supporting the most advanced high-sampling digital sources are also built-in. USB driver software supports 192 kHz/24-bit asynchronous transmission for connecting with a PC. The K-05 is a high performance model that follows the philosophy of the top-end all-in-one K-01 digital source, 2-channel playback device. VRDS-NEO “VMK-5” transport mechanism  ESOTERIC's proprietary VRDS-NEO transport mechanism VMK-5, incorporated in this new model, improves the accuracy of data acquisition by using a high-precision turntable that corrects disc surface shake during disc rotation.This hybrid turntable is made from high-precision aluminum and polycarbonate material helping to minimize rotational inertia. A hybrid structure, combining high rigidity BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) and steel is used for the turntable bridge which significantly attenuates rotational vibration. The spindle motor improves the accuracy of reading signals through advanced servo control using motor speed feedback loop circuit. ESOTERIC's proprietary technology, the differential gear system is used for mechanical operations from tray opening and closing to disc clamping. This gear system provides exceptionally smooth disc loading operation (Patent No.2861798 owned by TEAC Corporation.). Axial sliding pick-up designed to prevent optical axis tilting  The same axial sliding pick-up assembly, used in the flagship "K" series model K-01, is incorporated in the heart of the data acquisition section. As the lens moves, the laser optical axis is always positioned in a vertical direction, ensuring a highly accurate reading of the recorded material. Dual mono D/A converters based on the concept of the K-01  The analog output circuit of the D/A converter has both high end resolution as well as natural and musical texture. Asahi Kasei's top-end 32-bit DAC device "AK4399" is used. This component provides the heart that drives the expressive power of ESOTERIC's "K" series products. A parallel/differential output where two circuits combine per channel provides high linearity and low noise. The converters and analog output circuits, which make up a fully dual mono configuration, are located on the left and right hand sides of the board, completely separated from the digital signal processing circuit. This layout allows for excellent channel separation and high-quality playback with rich localization and sonic depth.AK4399 is the Audio4pro™ and is a branded product of ASAHI KASEI MICRODEVICES CORPORATION that is designed for professional studio and digital audio applications. High-quality discrete buffer circuit with a high voltage power supply  For the final stage of analog audio output (buffer amplifier), New JRC's high end audio operational amplifier MUSES is used. These buffer circuits are laid out symmetrically for each of the hot/cold signal lines to construct a fully balanced configuration. When the RCA audio output is selected, the buffer amplifier is switched to parallel configuration. These enhancements provide the best sound quality for each of the balanced and unbalanced audio signal outputs. Four types of digital filters and digital filter “Off” mode  The K-05 features Digital Filter Off mode recommended by ESOTERIC, which is characterized by a smooth and subtle sound quality. The model also features four types of digital filters for PCM signal processing. In addition to two types of FIR (Finite Impulse Response) digital filters, two types of short delay digital filters (Referred to as "apodizing" filters) are installed. These filters eliminate the pre-echo in the impulse waveform to reproduce audio signal as a more natural and precise sound. 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. VCXO high-precision clock A high-precision VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator) of +/- 3 ppm (*) is used for the internal clock circuit. A dedicated power supply circuit improves the stability of the clock. The high precision audio clock signal, generated by the VCXO, is directly delivered to the dual mono D/A converter. This enables higher quality reproduction, substantially reducing jitter. Compatible disc types (playback) Super Audio CD, CD (including CD-R and CD-RW) Analog audiooutputs Connectors XLR connector (2ch) x 1 RCA connector (2ch) x 1 Output impedance XLR: 100 Ω RCA: 25 Ω Maximum output level (1 kHz, full-scale, into 10 kΩ) RCA: 2.45 Vrms XLR (set to 0dB): 2.45 Vrms Frequency response 5 Hz to 55 kHz (- 3 dB) S/N ratio 115dB Total harmonic distortion 0.0015% (1 kHz) Digital audio output RCA connector x 1 0.5 Vp-p (into 75 Ω) Optical digital connector x 1 -15 to -21 dBm Digital audio input RCA connector x 1 (input impedance 75 Ω) 0.5 Vp-p Optical digital connector x 1 -24.0 to -14.5 dBm peak USB-B connector USB2.0 standard Clock sync input format Connector BNC Supported input frequencies (±15 ppm) CD/SACD:44.1, 88.2, 176.4 kHz, 10/22.5792 MHz USB (HS_2) input:44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz, 10, 22.5792, 24.576 MHz Input impedance 75 Ω Input level Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels,Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms (50 to 75 Ω) General Power supply AC 230 V, 50 HzAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 220 V, 60 Hz Power consumption 13W External dimensions (W x H x D, including protrusions) 445 mm x 131 mm x 358 mm(17 1/2" x 5 1/8" x 14 1/8") Weight approx. 14 kg (30 7/8 lb) Included accessories Power cord set x 1Remote control (RC-1251) x 1 Batteries for remote control (AA) x 2Owner's manual x 1Warranty card x 1