Esoteric is proud to announce the release of the K-01XD SE and K-03XD SE models, SE versions of the brand’s iconic K-01XD and K-03XD Super Audio CD players, featuring new discrete clock technology and an upgraded analog section in the DAC circuitry. These new SE models will have their world premiere at HIGH END Munich 2024, the international audio show taking place May 9-12, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Products will be available for shipment in June.

New SE models

Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high quality sound reproduction. The Esoteric brand is known for its outstanding acoustic engineering that has sustained its reputation and prestige, its massive investment without regard to cost, its “museum quality” craftsmanship, and its beautiful designs worthy of music reproduction.

Esoteric has brought a number of highly original innovations to the world of high-end audio, including the legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits; it is no exaggeration to say that Esoteric's history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.

Finally, the SE versions of the K-01XD and K-03XD are now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analog circuitry in the DAC. We are proud of our brand and always strive for the best sound.
The SE models we are releasing this time reflect every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.

K-01XD SE, K-03XD SE

Since the introduction of the original K Series models “K-01” and “K-03” in 2010, they have been highly acclaimed for their exceptional music reproduction capabilities and have established themselves as the reference digital players around the world.
The K-01XD SE, the latest SE model, is equipped with the “ATLAS 01” VRDS mechanism with a 20 mm thick platter bridge, which is the same as that used in the Grandioso K1X SE, and the Master Sound Discrete DAC is also equipped with more premium components, including “IDM-01” amplification elements. The K-01XD SE features a total of four independent power transformers with dedicated power supply sections for the left and right DACs. The K-03XD SE uses the “ATLAS 03” VRDS mechanism with 18 mm bridge thickness, Master Sound Discrete DAC and a total of two independent power transformers.
The new SE models will feature the “Master Sound Discrete Clock” used in the Grandioso SE models, and by updating the analog circuitry of the DAC, listeners can enjoy even more advanced presence, dynamics and musicality in the texture of the sounds.

K-01XD SE key features

• “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 01)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 20 mm turntable bridge
• “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
• Up-graded DAC board with specially selected premium grade parts including IDM-01
• Super high slew-rate, “Esoteric-HCLD” high current line driver (2,000V/μs)
• “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
• “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
• Clock sync function
• Four independent toroidal power supply transformers (incl. two for left and right DACs)
• Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
• 71 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 1,850,000μF＝1.85F)
• Up-sampling function (x2/x4/x8/x16, max. 768kHz), PCM to DSD (22.5MHz) convert function
• USB Type-B port supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission
• RC-1333 double-face remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.

* EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): A special capacitor with tremendous large capacitance compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors for audio equipment. A special capacitor that boasts an astonishingly large capacitance compared to ordinary audio electrolytic capacitors.

K-03XD SE key features

• “VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 03)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 18 mm turntable bridge
• “Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
• Up-graded DAC board with premium grade parts
• Super high slew-rate, “Esoteric-HCLD” high current line driver (2,000V/μs)
• “ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
• “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
• Clock sync function
• Two independent toroidal power supply transformers (for digital and analog circuits)
• Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
• 26 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF＝0.65F)
• Up-sampling function (x2/x4/x8/x16, max. 768kHz), PCM to DSD (22.5MHz) convert function
• USB Type-B port supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission
• RC-1333 double-face remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.

* EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): A special capacitor with tremendous large capacitance compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors for audio equipment. A special capacitor that boasts an astonishingly large capacitance compared to ordinary audio electrolytic capacitors.

Key Specifications

• Analog Audio Outputs: XLR/ES-Link Analog × 1, RCA × 1
• Digital Audio Outputs: XLR × 1, RCA × 1
• Digital audio inputs: RCA × 1, Optical × 1, USB B × 1
• Clock Input: BNC × 1 (10MHz)
• Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz / 220V, 60Hz / 230V, 50Hz
• Power Consumption: 26W (K-01XD SE), 25W (K-03XD SE)
• Frequency Response (–3dB): 5Hz to 30kHz
• S/N Ratio (IHF-A): 113dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (1kHz): 0.0007%
• Overall Dimensions (W×H×D): 445 ×162 × 438mm
• Weight: 31kg (K-01XD SE), 28kg (K-03XD SE)