Esoteric P-03  

Esoteric's CD/Super Audio CD system features PCM to DSD conversion functionality in addition to a PCM up-convert function. Highly rigid integrated one-piece body style containing separate power supply and transport compartments The integrated separate-chassis construction is based on the same design concept of the P-01. 

The ESOTERIC flagship P-01 transport features an external power supply unit which provides ideal high-purity DC power with ample reserves. The power supply unit within the new model P-03 is based on the same design concept of the P-01, featuring a separate power supply unit integrated into a one-piece chassis design. The transport unit features a highly rigid internal chassis to support the high-mass mechanism. The isolated power supply unit features two transformers; one for the mechanism/motor drive and the other for all signal processing. The transformer for mechanism/motor drive is a WB transformer, providing excellent instantaneous current power to the system. The transformer for signal processing is an R-core type which has very low magnetic flux leakage and vibration.  

Thick aluminum front panel, side panels, top panels and front-corner rounded block covers complete the integrated chassis which is supported by a 5 mm-thick steel bottom chassis and three pinpoint isolation feet (patent pending), made of quenched steel. The approx. 30 kg (66 lb.), highest mass design ESOTERIC has ever produced, offers highly precise mechanical mounting and highly rigid / non resonant chassis construction. 

CD digital audio output features DSD conversion function in addition to PCM signal up-conversion. The P-03 can output up-converted digital audio signals and a high precision crystal clock oscillator reduces jitter within the signal path. The up-convert function offers maximum fs 176.4 kHz digital signal transmission. (DSD/1 bit 64 fs signal for Super Audio CD is directly transmitted without up-conversion.) In addition to this function, the P-03 features an all new PCM to DSD signal conversion mode for standard CD playback. You can choose the most suitable digital conversion from a wide range of options to match your personal taste, the variances in the recording source, the category of music and to your other components' response characteristics.  

Digital signal transferring of Super Audio CD DSD - equipped with i.LINK interface in addition to ESOTERIC's proprietary ES-LINK format.

Super Audio CD DSD format signal is output from the XLR terminals by ESOTERIC's proprietary ES-LINK format or output from i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface. The unit outputs a DSD signal automatically by ES-LINK when the unit is set to XLR DUAL output mode. ES-LINK-capable D/A converters are the ESOTERIC D-03 and D-01 only. 

Word Synchronization

The new P-03 transport features a WORD SYNC input terminal to synchronize it's operation to the D/A converter, by use of the incoming external WORD clock signal. The P-03 can operate with 44.1/88.2/176.4/or 100 kHz clock signals. The P-03 can operate using the ESOTERIC original 100 kHz Universal Clock signal. The incoming ultra-stable clock signal produced by external components such as the G-0s Rubidium master clock, effectively reduces jitter and prevents signal phase shifting. Selected high-grade parts and internal wiring.  

High purity 6N (99.9999%) copper wire strands are used for main internal wiring. This feature contributes to the detailed and beautiful sonically textured sound expression of the P-03. 

The RCA digital output connector features pure copper + a gold plated WBT "Nextgen," socket for greater sound purity and true 75 Ohm characteristic impedance. 

High quality AC power inlet features a Rhodium plated pure copper terminal with ultra low temperature treatment. Super Audio CD's play area can be switched from a front panel button. Switching between the CD layer and Super Audio CD layer is accessible from a front panel button in addition to the remote control.