Esoteric Grandioso N1 Network Streamer/DAC

The Grandioso N1 is equipped with the 4th generation Esoteric Network Engine G4, a top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship network streamer / DAC. The G4 engine features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections.
The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is a concentrated embodiment of the design philosophy unique to high-end products. It boasts a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply, ensuring signal purity. Each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings. Moving beyond conventional switching power supplies, Esoteric incorporates premium components such as a large toroidal transformer, custom capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and other oversized parts. This meticulous engineering results in a sound that is smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed.

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is equipped with a built-in network switch function and has two network interfaces: an Ethernet RJ45 connector and an SFP port.
By connecting the Grandioso N1 to an external network switch using an SFP module and fiber optic cable, you can isolate the signal from network noise, achieving unparalleled purity in playback. Alternatively, a metal cable connection using a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) can simplify the network signal path by reducing the number of circuits involved. For maximum flexibility, both the RJ45 and SFP ports can be used simultaneously, tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements.

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is a fully in-house-designed, FPGA-based, multi-level ΔΣ (delta-sigma) D/A converter built with meticulously selected discrete components. The ultimate goal of this unique architecture is to effortlessly reproduce the true dynamics and power of music, far surpassing the limitations of conventional DAC IC chips. Its large-scale circuit design comprises 32 elements per channel and features completely independent key components, including clock drivers, logic circuits, capacitors, and resistors. Breathtakingly powerful, dynamic, and musical, this architecture delivers the ultimate pure listening experience, without compromise.

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 supports the latest high-resolution digital formats, including 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz PCM signals. To achieve D/A conversion that fully matches the unique characteristics of both DSD and PCM, dedicated FPGA* digital processing algorithms have been independently developed for each format. This ensures the finest sonic performance from any type of digital source.
*FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array

The second-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is the result of our commitment to achieving new heights in sound quality.

The DAC circuit’s core resistor elements employ industrial-grade, ultra-high-precision MELF resistors to maximize processing accuracy. In addition, the analog filter section incorporates Esoteric’s proprietary IDM-01 amplification element. The IDM-01, meticulously designed by Esoteric engineers, was developed through rigorous evaluation of materials, circuit patterns, and layout – much like a discrete amplifier. It amplifies music both dynamically and delicately. By integrating the IDM-01 with other carefully selected discrete components, the N1 achieves sound quality marked by vivid live presence, superb dynamics, and an organic, natural texture.

In a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked to processing precision, highly advanced quality control is essential in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards. Esoteric’s in-house factory employs some of the world’s most advanced board-mounting technologies, including soldering performed in an oxygen-free furnace located within a clean room maintained at hospital operating-room levels of cleanliness. The technologies cultivated through the production of circuit boards for the audio, medical, aerospace, and defense industries ensure the exceptional manufacturing quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.

In addition to line connections (XLR, RCA), ES-Link Analog, Esoteric’s proprietary current transmission system, is employed for connection to an amplifier. ES-Link Analog is the ideal method for audio signal transmission. Compared to the conventional voltage transmission, it transmits approximately 100 times more current, sending the full energy of the music to the amplifier. Also, it is not affected by the impedance of the interconnects running between the source and amplifier, so it maintains a perfect integrity between the output signal of the source and the input signal to the amplifier.

The Grandioso N1’s robust power supply design is central to its powerful, three-dimensional sound and lifelike sound. Following the design philosophy of the flagship Grandioso series, this stereo unit features a true dual-mono configuration with independent power transformers for the left and right DACs.
In total, the system incorporates five transformers: one each for the left and right DACs, one for the network engine, one for the digital circuitry, and one for the microcontroller circuitry. Driving each section with a dedicated linear power supply produces a smooth, realistic sound reminiscent of vinyl playback. Each power supply section employs a Low-Feedback DC Regulator with a discrete configuration that eliminates the use of integrated circuits. By minimizing feedback, the N1 achieves a powerful, open, and natural sound.

_{Internal construction (top)}

_{Internal construction (bottom)}

Specially designed as a high-performance external power supply for the Grandioso N1/K1X SE’s analog circuits (D/A converter module), the Grandioso PS1 is equipped with four powerful independent power transformers. In the standard Grandioso N1, the analog front (D/A section) and rear (buffer amplifier section) circuits are each driven by a single transformer per channel. When the PS1 is connected, however, the D/A section and buffer amplifier section are separated, with two transformers per channel – an enhanced high-performance design.
This separation provides clearer distinction between analog and digital signals, effectively eliminating mutual interference. The doubled power supply circuitry also ensures an ample supply of DC power, resulting in richer tonal quality and a noticeable improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

_{Grandioso N1 + Grandioso PS1}

It is no exaggeration to say that the clock circuitry is the biggest key to high sound quality in digital music reproduction. For its flagship master clock generator Grandioso G1X, Esoteric has perfected its own in-house manufactured OCXO clock module, the Master Sound Discrete Clock. The Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player used in the Grandioso N1 applies the basic design concept of G1X’s in-house manufactured OCXO module to the internal clock of the digital player models. The unique circuit design using carefully selected discrete components, such as a large crystal oscillator, achieves high sound quality that reflects Esoteric’s philosophy in every detail, which cannot be achieved with an off-the-shelf clock module.

The Grandioso N1 can be connected to the Grandioso G1X external master clock generator, enhancing sound quality by synchronizing its internal circuitry to an even more precise 10MHz reference clock.

_{Grandioso N1 + Grandioso G1X}

In addition to coaxial and optical inputs, the Grandioso N1 features an asynchronous USB-B port supporting DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 384kHz/32-bit resolution. All digital inputs to the DACs are routed through isolator circuits to eliminate noise interference. The Grandioso N1 also includes a digital filter switching function (ES-Link5 input: Rdot/off; other inputs: Fir/Rdot/off) and a PCM-to-DSD conversion function. These features allow users to customize sound quality according to their preferences.

The Grandioso N1 supports Esoteric’s proprietary ES-Link 5 ultra-wideband digital transmission standard and can connect to Esoteric’s Super Audio CD transport models using either two HDMI cables or a single XLR cable.

_{Grandioso P1X SE + Grandioso N1}