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Reproducing the full sound quality of the original masters.
The N-05XD represents a new frontier in network DAC/preamps.
As Esoteric’s first-ever network DAC/preamp, the N-05XD was specifically designed to deliver superior sound quality from the smallest system configurations combining your favorite power amplifier, speakers, and headphones. Integrating fully balanced circuitry directly derived from Esoteric’s flagship series, the N-05XD’s network engine is equipped with a pure, dedicated linear power supply and an in-house designed discrete DAC that ensures that its preamplifier and headphone amplifier are capable of clearly reproducing the full sound of a recording’s original master.
Seamless integration of the most Esoteric-like essences, the N-05XD has been thoroughly refined under the guiding principles of ultimate sound quality. Just a touch of its volume knob clearly reveals this quality in its most exquisite form and promises the fullest and most satisfying enjoyment of Esoteric’s pure signature sound. No longer must superior sound quality be sacrificed in the pursuit of a simplified high-end audio system.
Preamplifier functions
The ESOTERIC-QVCS attenuator system achieves operability and sound quality
The ESOTERIC-QVCS attenuator system establishes L/R and positive/negative independence refined by ESOTERIC's successive preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers while expressing the passion for music regardless of volume level.
The ESOTERIC-HCLD buffer circuit delivers every single allurement of music
Employing the ESOTERIC-HCLD circuit as an output buffer circuit that pursues the current transmission capacity and speed, crucial for analog output circuits. These high-speed elements with 2,000V/μs of response speed in through rate achieve the dynamism of music with breathtaking reality.
Balanced Headphone outputs
A 4-pin XLR connector for balanced headphones
Accommodating an L/R independent and fully balanced headphone amplifier with an exclusive ESOTERIC-HCLD buffer circuit that firmly grips high-end headphones with 600Ω impedance.
External Clock sync function
Allowing the N-05XD to synchronize with high precision 10MHz Master Clock.
Large capacity power supply units build the ESOTERIC sound
Accommodating dedicated toroidal-core power transformers including 4-inch diameter one employed on the N-01XD for Network section and DAC/Audio section. And, an extra power supply for the Control/Display sections consolidates independence from audio processing.
Robust and flexible chassis construction that manages vibrations
Semi-floating top panel
Slits processed on the bottom chassis
ESOTERIC pin-point feet
Complimentary network audio app with look-and-feel user interface, the ESOTERIC Sound Stream (for iOS/Android)
Built-in Bluetooth® receiver
Spec description
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 (EI60959 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, 11.2 MHz, 22.5MHz
Ethernet:
Input Signal formats
Linear PCM- 44.1k to 384kHz, 16bit / 24bit / 32bit (stereo)
DSD- 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz (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)
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 sections:
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 x 1
Output Power- 1500mW+1500mW (at 32Ω load)
Compatible Impedance- 16 to 600Ω
Unbalanced- 1/4" (6.3mm) Standard Phone jack x 1
Output Power- 750mW + 750mW (at 32Ω load)
Compatible Impedance- 16 to 600Ω
Clock sync section:
Clock Input- BNC x 1
Input frequency- 10MHz(10±ppm)
Input impedance- 50Ω
Input level
Rectangular wave- TTL level or equivalent
Sine wave- 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms
External control section
RS-232C- x 1
Trigger In- 1/8" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack x 1
Input level
Trigger Out- 1/8" (3.5mm) Monaural mini jack x 1
Output level
General
Power-
AC 120V, 60Hz
AC 220-240V, 50Hz
Power consumption- 38W
Overall Dimensions (WxHxD)- 445 x 131 x 377mm / 17 5/8" x 5 1/4" x 14 7/8" (including protrusions)
Weight- 13.8kg / 30.5 lb.
Included accessories-
Power cord x1
Remote control unit (RC-1334) x1
AA batteries x2
Felt mats x3
Owner's manual x1
Audio Performance
Frequency response 5Hz to 75kHz (-3dB)
S/N ratio- 105dB
Distortion- 0.0015% (1kHz)