Esoteric Grandioso PS1XE Power Supply

The Grandioso PS1XE is a high-performance external power supply specially designed for the analog circuits (D/A converter module) of the Grandioso K1XE and N1. It features four powerful independent power transformers.
In the standard configuration of the Grandioso K1XE and Grandioso N1, the D/A converter section and buffer amplifier section are powered by a single transformer for each channel. When the PS1XE is connected, the power supplies for the D/A converter and buffer amplifier sections are separated, with two independent transformers dedicated to each channel.
This enhanced power supply architecture minimizes mutual interference between circuit sections while providing an abundant and stable supply of DC power. The result is richer tonal expression and a significant improvement in signal-to-noise performance.

The benefits of connecting the PS1XE extend beyond simply expanding the analog power supply architecture from two transformers to four. When the PS1XE is connected, the two corresponding analog power transformers inside the main unit are disabled, significantly reducing the influence of transformer-induced vibration and magnetic flux leakage on the analog circuitry. This further enhances signal purity and contributes to even greater sound quality.

When the Grandioso PS1XE is connected to the Grandioso K1XE or Grandioso N1, the two internal transformers that normally supply power to the analog circuitry are disabled, while the remaining transformers dedicated to the digital circuitry and transport/network sections continue to operate.
As a result, the digital and analog power supplies are effectively separated: high-quality DC power for the analog circuitry is supplied by the external PS1XE, while the main unit’s internal power supply remains dedicated to its digital circuitry and associated functions. This enhanced separation minimizes mutual interference between the digital and analog circuit sections, contributing to greater signal purity, transparency, and overall sound quality.

Power transformers inherently generate mechanical vibration during operation. Because the PS1XE incorporates four powerful power transformers, particular attention has been paid to its mechanical design and chassis construction to effectively suppress vibration and preserve exceptional sound quality.
The lower chassis, on which the major electrical components are mounted, employs a multi-layer structure that positions the power transformers and other circuit components on separate layers. This construction minimizes both mechanical and electrical interference between components.
The high-rigidity enclosure is constructed from thick, heavyweight aluminum panels that effectively suppress micro-vibrations that could adversely affect sound quality. The top panel employs a screwless, semi-floating structure that further contributes to an open, natural, and dynamic sound.

Esoteric’s unique patented isolation foot, which integrates a spike and spike pad, has been further refined and developed. Suspended from the lower chassis, the top of the foot connects to the lower chassis under the weight of the unit when placed. The top of the foot has been tapered to a conical shape to minimize the contact area between the chassis and the foot. The bottom of the foot (integral spike pad) is also concave in a ring shape so that it touches the floor only at the edges, with added slots to disperse resonant modes. By minimizing the contact area between the chassis and the foot, as well as between the spike pad and the floor, vibration control has been optimized, resulting in sharper focus and a more open sound.