Esoteric K-05XD Reference CD/SACD Player/DAC

Super Audio CD/CD Player K-05XD Showcases Flagship VRDS Technology

Super Audio CD/CD Player K-05XD is engineered with Esoteric’s signature VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System), a transport technology that has defined the brand since its inception. By securely clamping the disc to a turntable of equal diameter, vibrations are suppressed at the source, and servo current is minimised through precise correction of disc warpage. This ensures the optical pickup aligns perfectly with the disc pit surface, reducing read errors and elevating playback fidelity to the highest standards of high-end digital audio.

K-05XD Features VRDS-ATLAS "ATLAS 05" Transport Mechanism

K-05XD introduces the newly developed VRDS-ATLAS “ATLAS 05,” derived from the VRDS-Reference mechanism in the Grandioso series. This advanced platform combines the mass and stability required for precision with a design rooted in Esoteric’s 15-year heritage of the 05 Series. The hybrid turntable employs aluminium and polycarbonate, with the latter matching the disc’s material to achieve tonal neutrality. A reinforced bridge of machined aluminium ensures superior rigidity, while its wider base suppresses resonance and rotation noise, advancing mechanical integrity and stability beyond earlier VRDS-NEO designs.

ATLAS 05 Delivers Low-Profile, Vibration-Controlled Performance

ATLAS 05 within the K-05XD benefits from mechanical grounding technology that lowers the centre of gravity and disperses vibration efficiently. The motor sits beneath the turntable, shortening the vibration path and minimising mechanical noise. The tray structure uses hollowing techniques to boost rigidity, complemented by a rubber stopper that suppresses resonance when stored. This wide, low construction brings mechanical silence that translates directly into purity of sound.

K-05XD Employs Dual-Layer Chassis with Optimised Layout

The K-05XD adopts a completely re-engineered chassis to accommodate the expanded ATLAS transport and advanced circuitry. A dual-layer construction replaces the previous single-slim design, placing the transport mechanism at the centre, mounted on a 5 mm steel base plate supported by patented three-point footers. The separation of digital, analogue, and power circuitry into distinct layers reduces interference, magnetic leakage, and unwanted vibration. Laser-cut dispersion slits further suppress resonance, ensuring every detail in the signal chain contributes to natural sound reproduction.

K-05XD Integrates Master Sound Discrete DAC for High-Resolution Playback

Master Sound Discrete DAC technology defines the digital heart of the K-05XD. Designed in-house and first implemented in the flagship Grandioso D1X, the DAC utilises 16 discrete elements per channel, each comprising individual logic circuits, clock drivers, resistors, and capacitors. This discrete approach ensures maximum vibrancy and musical energy, eliminating compromises found in integrated solutions. The DAC is complemented by FPGA-based digital processing, supporting DSD playback up to 22.5 MHz and PCM with dedicated algorithms that refine both accuracy and expression.

K-05XD Maintains Sound Purity Through Esoteric-HCLD Output and ES-Link Analog

The K-05XD employs Esoteric’s HCLD (High Current Line Driver) output buffer, delivering a slew rate of 2,000V/μs to guarantee unmatched speed and current transmission in the analogue stage. Alongside traditional RCA and XLR connections, the player features ES-Link Analog, a proprietary current transmission system that transfers up to 100 times more current than conventional voltage systems. This method maintains signal integrity across interconnects and allows music’s full dynamic energy to reach compatible amplifiers.

K-05XD Enhances Musical Depth with Refined Power Supply

Power delivery in the K-05XD is reinforced with two high-capacity toroidal transformers dedicated to digital and analogue circuits, alongside a separate EI core transformer for control functions. The discrete low-feedback DC regulator preserves openness and dynamics, while sixteen supercapacitors with a combined capacitance of 250,000μF enrich the low-frequency resolution and tonal depth. The result is greater punch, dimensionality, and fluidity across the full frequency spectrum.

K-05XD Extends Digital Versatility with USB Audio and MQA Support

K-05XD functions as a full-featured D/A converter with digital inputs including asynchronous USB capable of handling DSD 22.5MHz. Support for MQA decoding enables playback of MQA-CDs as well as high-resolution MQA files and streams, ensuring faithful reproduction of the original master studio recording. This integration allows the unit to serve as both a disc player and a versatile hub for modern high-resolution sources.

K-05XD Implements Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Playback Precision

The K-05XD benefits from the Master Sound Discrete Clock first introduced in the Grandioso G1X. This proprietary oscillator eschews general-purpose IC modules in favour of a fully discrete circuit using carefully selected components and a large crystal oscillator. The design minimises jitter and enhances musical expression, unlocking tonal nuance and time-domain accuracy. In addition, external synchronisation to a 10 MHz master clock generator enables audiophiles to elevate the K-05XD’s performance even further.