Preamplifiers — Esoteric Grandioso C1X

The Grandioso C1X is Esoteric's flagship-tier dual-chassis preamplifier, built with a separate power-supply chassis and an exceptional signal-to-noise figure. The Grandioso C1X represents Esoteric's most ambitious current statement in preamplifier engineering.

Key specs that matter

Three balanced XLR inputs and two single-ended inputs are provided, with two balanced outputs. Gain is 12dBu. Input sensitivity is 500mV, with input impedance at 50,000 ohms balanced or 68,000 ohms single-ended. Output impedance is 30 ohms balanced. Maximum output level is a substantial 17dBu balanced. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 1Hz to 150,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds an exceptional 120dB unweighted, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at a near-immeasurable 0.00035%. The preamplifier chassis measures 445 x 132 x 449mm at 20.2kg, with a separate power-supply chassis at 445 x 132 x 452mm weighing 29kg.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, transparent signal handling reflecting the exceptional 120dB signal-to-noise figure and near-immeasurable 0.00035% distortion figure, with the distinctive separate power-supply chassis reflecting Esoteric's uncompromising approach to isolating noise-sensitive circuitry.

Pairing

Esoteric's own Grandioso power amplifier catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings for a coherently voiced, entirely Esoteric-based flagship system.

Alternatives

Esoteric's own Grandioso C1X solo offers a single-chassis version without the separate power supply within the same broader Grandioso catalogue.