ESOTERIC releases the K-01, the flagship 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 and derived from our award winning P-01/D-01 series separates. It has been seven years since the debut of the original X-01, with its high-precision and high-rigidity VRDS-NEO SACD/CD transport mechanism. The X-01/X-03 series, which have stayed at the top of ESOTERIC's all-in-one SACD/CD player lineup, have
been completely updated and make their debut as the all-new "K" series in November 2010.
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 including DAC implementation, 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-03 is equipped with our new VRDS-NEO "VMK-3.5-10" mechanism, which has further advanced substantially beyond existing VRDS models, and a dual mono configuration of 32-bit monaural D/A converters with four parallel/differential DAC circuits per channel. The analog audio circuit has a separate power transformer. 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.
| Compatible disc types | Super Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW compatible) | |
| Analog audio output | Jacks | XLR jacks (2 channel) x 1 RCA jacks (2 channel) x 1 |
| Output impedance | XLR: 100 ohms RCA: 47 ohms |
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| Maximum output level (1 kHz, full scale, 10 k ohms) |
XLR (Gain: 0 dB): 2.45 Vrms RCA: 2.45 Vrms |
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| Frequency response | 5 Hz to 55 kHz ( 3 dB) | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) | 115 dB | |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.0015% (1 kHz) | |
| Digital audio output | Coaxial RCA jack x 1 | 0.5 Vp-p/75 ohms |
| Digital audio input | Coaxial RCA terminal x 1 | (input impedance 75 ohms) |
| Optical digital terminal x 1 | 24.0 to 14.5 dBm peak | |
| USB port B connector | USB 2.0 / 192 kHz-24 bit async. | |
| Word synchronization input format | Jack | BNC |
| Input impedance | 75 ohms | |
| Input level | Rectangle wave: equivalent to TTL levels Sine wave: 0.5 to 1.0 Vrms/50 to 75 ohms |
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| The K-03 can accept and synchronize to the following frequencies received from external clock devices: 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 10 MHz (the accuracy of locking range limited within ±15 ppm) |
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| D/A Converter | K-03 | 32bit AK4399 x4 DACs / per channel |
| General | Power supply | AC 230 V, 50 Hz AC 120 V, 60 Hz AC 220 V, 60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 27 W | |
| External dimensions | (W x H x D) 445 x 162 x 438 mm (17 1/4" x 6" 3/8 x 13 1/4") (including protrusions) |
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| Weight | 28 kg (61 3/4 lbs) | |
| Accessories | Remote control unit (RC-1156) x 1 Batteries (AA) x 2 Power cord set x 1 Felt pads x 3 Owner's manual x 1 Warranty card x 1 |
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