Esoteric Grandioso PS1 Power Supply

Specially designed as a high-performance external power supply for the Grandioso K1X’s analog circuits (D/A converter module), the Grandioso PS1 features four powerful independent power transformers. Normally, the K1X’s analog front (D/A section) and rear (buffer amplifier section) circuits are driven by one power transformer for each channel. However, when the PS1 is connected, the power transformers for the D/A section and buffer amplifier section are separated for an enhanced high-performance design that features two transformers per channel. This provides clearer separation between analog and digital signals that eliminates mutual interference. The virtual doubling of the power supply circuit also ensures an ample supply of DC power for richer tone quality and noticeable improvements in the signal-to-noise level.

The benefits of connecting the PS1 to the K1X extend beyond a mere increase in the scale of the analog circuit (D/A converter module) power supply from two transformers to four. By shutting down the K1X’s two analog circuit power transformers, the influence of transformer vibration and magnetic flux leakage on the analog circuits is also greatly reduced, thus enabling further improvements to overall sound quality.

When the PS1 is connected to the K1X, the two transformers that normally power the K1X’s analog circuits shut down. However, its two remaining transformers (powering the K1X’s digital circuits and mechanical components) continue to operate. In other words, the digital and analog power supplies are effectively separated by supplying high-quality analog DC power from a separate unit and using the K1X’s internal power supply to drive its digital circuits alone. This enables more complete isolation of the analog circuits, resulting in vastly improved sound quality.

As components, power transformers inherently tend to generate significant amounts of vibration. Because the PS1 has four built-in transformers, special emphasis was placed on its design and chassis construction in order to both minimize vibration and maintain the highest possible sound quality. The enclosure’s lower chassis, into which all its major electrical components are installed, utilizes a dual-layer structure that positions the power transformers and other components on separate, isolated layers to minimize electrical and vibration-related interference between components. Furthermore, its high-rigidity enclosure is constructed of thick, heavyweight aluminum panels, and combines with ESOTERIC’s proprietary pinpoint feet (patent numbers JP4075477 and JP3778108) to minimize, if not eliminate, micro-vibrations that can adversely affect sound quality.

The PS1’s independent left and right outputs include large, highly reliable die-cast aluminum connectors like those currently in use in the DC power supplies for the P1X, D1X, C1X and other fine ESOTERIC products, and one pair of ultra-thick DC cables (1.0m × 2) for the ultimate in sound quality.

Spec description