CD / SACD players and transports — Esoteric Grandioso P1X SE

The Grandioso P1X SE is a flagship CD/SACD transport from Esoteric, a Japanese manufacturer with a considerable reputation for uncompromising digital source engineering, built with a substantial two-chassis design separating transport from dedicated power supply. The Grandioso P1X SE represents Esoteric's most ambitious current statement in disc-transport engineering.

Key specs that matter

Output impedance is 50 ohms on both balanced and single-ended connections. The transport chassis measures 445 x 162 x 449mm at 29kg, with a separate power supply unit at 445 x 132 x 452mm and 24kg - a substantial combined weight of 53kg reflecting Esoteric's uncompromising approach to isolating sensitive transport mechanics from power-supply-related noise.

Sound and use context

Expect the cleanest, lowest-jitter digital output within Esoteric's transport range, reflecting the genuine benefit of physically separating the transport mechanism from its power supply - this two-chassis architecture specifically targets eliminating interference from reaching the sensitive transport section.

Pairing

Esoteric's own Grandioso amplifier and DAC catalogue, sharing the brand's uncompromising engineering philosophy, forms a natural partner for this flagship transport within a fully Esoteric-based system.

Alternatives

Esoteric's broader digital source catalogue offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different combination of transport and processing technology within the same uncompromising Japanese engineering philosophy.