Esoteric Grandioso K1XE – Flagship SACD Player with Discrete DAC

Japanese manufacturer Esoteric has expanded its premium Grandioso series with the introduction of the K1XE SACD player and its accompanying PS1XE external power supply. The new model combines the high-precision VRDS-ATLAS optical disc transport with the latest Master Sound Discrete DAC G2, developed in-house by Esoteric engineers. Its design incorporates technologies typically found in high-end separate audio components, including independent power supply circuits and a fully discrete analog stage. International sales of both products are scheduled to begin in November 2026.

The Esoteric Grandioso K1XE features the proprietary VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism, which secures the disc against a massive full-size platter. This design minimizes vibrations and ensures stable data retrieval even when the disc exhibits minor physical irregularities. The mechanism incorporates SS400 steel and duralumin components, while its low center of gravity provides additional mechanical stability. The transport assembly, including its base, weighs 13.5 kg, while the entire player weighs an impressive 34.3 kg. Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2, featuring a multi-level delta-sigma architecture, FPGA processing, and proprietary 64-bit modulation operating at 512Fs. Dedicated PCM and DSD processing algorithms are complemented by analog circuits incorporating precision MELF resistors, IDM-01 amplifier modules, and four high-current buffer stages per channel.

The Grandioso K1XE employs a dual-mono architecture with completely independent signal paths for the left and right channels. Five linear power supplies independently deliver power to the disc transport, DAC, digital electronics, and control circuits. For integration into a multi-component audio system, the player features the ES-Link 5 digital interface, allowing connection to the Grandioso N1T network transport, as well as a BNC input for external 10 MHz clock synchronization. The specified frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 30 kHz at –3 dB, while the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 113 dB and total harmonic distortion at 1 kHz does not exceed 0.001%.

Esoteric also offers the Grandioso PS1XE external power supply, equipped with four transformers that independently power the DACs and output stages of both stereo channels. When the external unit is connected, the corresponding internal transformers in the player are disabled, reducing electromagnetic interference and mechanical vibrations. The PS1XE features dedicated filtering circuits optimized for the G2-generation DAC, a multi-layer chassis, a vibration-isolated top panel, and anti-resonance feet. In addition to the K1XE, the power supply is compatible with the Grandioso N1, K1X SE, and K1X. The Esoteric Grandioso K1XE SACD player is priced at $45,000 or €44,000, while the Grandioso PS1XE external power supply carries a price tag of $19,000 or €19,000.