Preamplifiers — Esoteric Grandioso C1X solo

The Grandioso C1X solo is a preamplifier from Esoteric, sharing the Grandioso C1X's flagship-tier electrical performance in a single-chassis format without the separate power supply. The Grandioso C1X solo brings Esoteric's most storied engineering heritage to a more compact flagship-tier format.

Key specs that matter

Three balanced XLR inputs and two single-ended inputs are provided, with two balanced outputs, matching the dual-chassis Grandioso C1X. Gain is 12dBu, also matching. Input impedance is 50,000 ohms balanced or a substantial 500,000 ohms single-ended - considerably higher single-ended impedance than the dual-chassis version's 68,000 ohms. Output impedance is 30 ohms balanced, matching. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds an exceptional 120dB unweighted, also matching, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at a near-immeasurable 0.00035%, also matching. At 445 x 132 x 449mm and 27.5kg, the Grandioso C1X solo consolidates the dual-chassis design into one more compact single-chassis format.

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, matching the dual-chassis Grandioso C1X's flagship-tier measured performance in a single, more compact chassis.

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 dual-chassis Grandioso C1X offers a version with a separate power supply within the same broader Grandioso catalogue.