CD / SACD players and transports — Esoteric K-03XD SE

Esoteric's K-03XD SE is a K series disc player for SACD and CD, designed with a high balanced output voltage to drive a preamplifier firmly. It sits below the K-01XD SE in the range and shares most of that model's measured performance, while its balanced output level is clearly higher.

Key specs that matter

For SACD, frequency response runs from 5 Hz to 30 kHz, signal-to-noise reaches 113 dB and distortion plus noise is 0.0007%. The balanced output delivers 5 V and the single-ended output 2.5 V. Output impedance matches the K-01XD SE, at 114 ohms balanced and 34 ohms single-ended. The chassis measures 445 x 162 x 438 mm, and at 28 kg the player weighs less than the K-01XD SE.

Pairing

The 5 V balanced output is well suited to a passive preamplifier or to an active one with modest gain, and the high level also helps where a long interconnect run separates the player from the amplifier.

Alternatives

The Esoteric K-05XD is the next SACD and CD player down in the K series.