CD / SACD players and transports — Esoteric Grandioso N1

The Grandioso N1 is a flagship-tier network audio player and DAC from Esoteric, built around the proprietary Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 based on an FPGA with a multi-level architecture, supporting DSD decoding up to 22.5MHz and PCM decoding up to 768kHz. The Grandioso N1 brings Esoteric's most storied Japanese engineering to a serious, discrete-conversion network-source format.

Key specs that matter

Full SACD support is included alongside comprehensive digital-source functionality. Rated response on both CD and SACD spans 5Hz to 30,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level reaches 5V balanced or 2.5V single-ended. Input impedance is 110 ohms balanced or 75 ohms single-ended, with output impedance at 50 ohms balanced or 18 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio on CD reaches an excellent 113dB, matched on SACD. At 445 x 162 x 447mm and 2.78kg, the Grandioso N1 uses MELF resistors and proprietary IDM-01 amplifying elements throughout the discrete conversion path.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, discrete-architecture conversion reflecting the FPGA-based Master Sound Discrete DAC G2's multi-level design, with the MELF resistors and IDM-01 amplifying elements delivering the meticulous component-level engineering Esoteric's Grandioso range is celebrated for.

Pairing

Esoteric's own preamplifier and power-amplifier catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings within the flagship Grandioso range.

Alternatives

Esoteric's own broader Grandioso series offers related separates alternatives within the same considered flagship engineering philosophy.