Spearit Sound

Esoteric X-01 SACD/CD Player

The X-01 has all the features one would expect in a high-end SACD/CD player, including a speaker configuration function that computes and adjusts the 5.1- channel surround sound installation environment. In addition, a Word Sync input port is provided for inputting an ultra-precise clock from the G-0s master clock generator. 44.1kHz (up to 176.4 kHz) is supported for CD/SACD playback. The X-01 itself uses a high precision crystal clock that generates 3ppm of accuracy. 

Audio Output

To further improve the quality of analog audio reconstruction on the DAC circuit board, the X-01 employs a specially designed DAC transformer to remove all noise generated from the transport mechanism and digital circuitry. This structure enables a completely pure audio signal. Burr-Brown 24- bit DACs are used as the audio DACs on all channels. To further improve the purity of the sound, a four-chip-per-channel differential configuration is used on the front L/R channels for improved linearity and common noise rejection. In addition, the left and right channels are isolated onto separate circuit boards suppressing mutual interference between the channels. A crystal oscillator, precise to +/-3ppm, is placed directly on the audio DAC board to suppress jitter, helping to ensure highly precise D/A conversion.

 


CD Damping Clamp

Esoteric UX-1 Universal Player

The UX-1 component devices, circuit configuration, and parts layout were all determined through a painstaking process aimed at maximizing the potential of the ultra-precise, highly rigid VRDS mechanism to provide a universal player with the world’s best image and sound quality. The UX-1 has all the features one would expect in a high-end universal player, including the ability to decode DTS96/24 format as well as Dolby Digital/DTS; a lip-sync function which corrects mistiming between audio and video; and a speaker configuration function which computes and adjusts the 5.1-channel surround sound installation environment. In addition, a Word Sync input port is provided for inputting an ultraprecise clock from the G-0s master clock generator. 44.1 kHz (up to 176.4 kHz) is supported for CD/SACD playback, and 48 kHz (up to 196 kHz) is supported for DVD playback. A TEAC proprietary universal clock (100 kHz) can be input so the video can also be controlled by an ultra-precise clock.

Audio output

A Burr-Brown 24-bit D/A converter is used as the audio D/A converter on all channels. In addition, a two-chip-per-channel differential configuration is used on the front L/R channels for improved linearity. A crystal oscillator is placed on the audio DAC board to suppress jitter, helping to ensure highly precise D/A conversion. Further jitter reduction is made possible by using the UX-1’s master clock input with the Esoteric G-0s Rubidium master clock.

Video output

Usually, during progressive playback of a DVD video, there is an increased tendency for unnatural “jaggies,” or jagged image edges, to appear. To address this issue, the UX-1 incorporates a Faroudja chip for I/P conversion, using DCDi technology to enable capture of smooth, beautiful progressive video. The video D/A converter is the latest from Analog Devices-- 14-bit/216 MHz ADV7314. Audio sampling is done at 8x (interlaced) or 4x (progressive) to provide the highest quality in D/A conversion. This converter, combined with an NSV process that shifts noise components to unneeded bands to achieve a high S/N ratio, provides extremely high-resolution video images that are like finely detailed pictures.

 

Construction & Design
(Common for both X-01/UX-1)

Because the VRDS-NEO mechanism is significantly heavier than the mechanisms used in ordinary players, a three-part chassis design is used to support it. The mechanism is centered within the chassis for stability. The chassis is supported by three pinpoint feet (patent pending) made of quenched steel; this allows the unit to be mechanically isolated from its environment. Thick aluminum is used on the top panel and side panels in addition to the front panel to block vibrations. The front panel is designed to be simple yet elegant, with a brushed finish. The beautifully engraved logo, illuminated buttons with lit peripheries, and other features all contribute to the sense of quality found only in high-end audiophile equipment.