Стримеры — Esoteric Grandioso N1T

The Grandioso N1T is a network audio transport from Esoteric and the first streaming transport in the Grandioso series, which the brand launched in 2013. It became available in March 2025. The unit contains no digital-to-analogue converter at all - it fetches files and streams and hands them in digital form to an outboard DAC, such as the Grandioso D1X SE monoblocks or the converter inside the Grandioso K1X SE disc player.

Key specs that matter

Network playback covers PCM from 44.1 to 768 kHz at 16, 24 or 32 bit, including 32-bit floating-point files, and DSD at 2.8, 5.6, 11.2 and 22.5 MHz. Supported formats are FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, DSF, DSDIFF, DoP, MP3 and AAC, with gapless playback for every lossless type. Digital outputs are ES-Link5 over two HDMI cables, a USB-A audio port rated for DSD 22.5 MHz and PCM 768 kHz at 32 bit, AES/EBU on XLR at 110 ohm and coaxial RCA at 75 ohm, the last two limited to PCM 192 kHz at 24 bit and DSD 2.8 MHz via DoP. The network section has a gigabit Ethernet port and an SFP port that takes single-mode and multi-mode fibre modules. A BNC clock input takes a 10 MHz reference at 50 ohm, and a 3.5 mm jack accepts a 12 V trigger. The unit draws 37 W, or 0.3 to 0.35 W on standby, measures 445 x 132 x 448 mm and weighs 23.1 kg.

Engineering and use context

The fourth-generation Esoteric Network Engine G4 pairs large-capacity RAM with a powerful CPU and a built-in switch function, so the RJ45 and SFP ports work simultaneously - for example a NAS on copper and the wider network on fibre. The audio circuit is a separate block from the network engine and connects to it through a large isolator. Three independent linear supplies, fed from separate transformer windings, serve the network engine, the audio circuit and the control circuit, and each has its own discrete low-feedback DC regulator. Its clock circuit, built from discrete parts around a large crystal, follows the OCXO module of the Grandioso G1X master clock. USB-A and USB-C ports let two storage drives turn the N1T into a music server. The chassis uses heavy aluminium blocks, stacked steel layers, a semi-floating top panel and patented pinpoint isolation feet.

Pairing

Two D1X SE mono DACs connected through ES-Link5 make a three-chassis streamer with seven independent power supplies. When the N1T feeds a DAC over USB the link is asynchronous, so the G1X clock goes to the converter instead. Tidal, Qobuz, Roon and Spotify are supported, the Esoteric Sound Stream app controls playback, and two HDMI cables come in the box.

Alternatives

The Esoteric Grandioso N1 streamer keeps the same G4 engine but adds a built-in discrete DAC, the source of the G2 converter in later models, for owners who prefer one chassis.