Esoteric X-03 SE

The audiophile community is up in arms over the new “3 Series” digital players from Esoteric. Never has this level of design, construction, parts quality and sound reproduction ever been available at these prices. Start with the new VRDS-NEO, no one on the planet has such a technologically advanced transport. If you do not get the information off the disc properly with the lowest amount of error, it cannot be recovered downstream. Then take a look inside at the internal “three-chassis” design with a separate isolated section for the transport and digital section, the power supplies and the crucial analog output stage. The X-03 SE is the latest update to this fabulous player, please read the PDF above for the low-down on all the upgrades. Unlike its big brother, the X-01 Limited, the X-03 SE is set up for two-channel only audiophile use. Access to any multi-channel information can be done through the i.Link interface. But most audiophiles we speak to wish to have a reference two-channel system at a better price; and here it is! By far and away the best sounding, best-built digital player anywhere for under $10,000! SPECS: System - Super Audio CD, and CD Power Supply - AC 120V, 60Hz Power Consumption - 30W Weight - 23.3kg (51.4 lbs) External Dimensions (WxHxD): 17-3/8"x6"x13-7/8" Audio Output (Analog Audio) Jacks XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1, RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1 Maximum output level (1kHz, full scale) RCA: 2.5Vms (47 kOhms) XLR: 2.5 Vrms (600 ohms) Nominal Output level (1kHz, full scale -20dB) RCA: 250 mVrms (47 kOhms) XLR: 250 mVrms (600 ohms) Frequency response: 5Hz - 58 kHz (Super Audio CD) Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): 112 dB (Super Audio CD 1kHz) Dynamic range: 106 dB (Super Audio CD, 1kHz) Total harmonic distortion: 0.001% (Super Audio CD, 1kHz) Audio output (Digital Audio) Optical: Optical digital jack x1, -15 to -21dBm Coaxial: RCA jack x1, 0.5Vp-p/75 ohms iLink: IEEE1394 jack x1 Word synchronization input format Jack: BNC x1