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Esoteric Network Audio Player

At a Glance

The N-01 is ESOTERIC's flagship network audio player, newly developed with a premium DAC module designed for use with our Grandioso K1 super audio CD player.

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The DAC chipset is equipped with the AK4497, the highest performing DAC in the history of AKM (as of June 2017), and the DAC module features a luxurious differential 8-circuit independent power regulator design for each channel that is unique to the K1/N-01 models.

Flexible Network Interface with tablet control

Roon Ready and MQA Certified

8 32-bit (AK4497) DAC circuits for 35-bit res

ES-Link Analog output.

USB Support for upto 22.5 MHz DSD and up to 786/32-bit PCM

Additionally, the highly acclaimed four independent power supply construction of the K series Super Audio CD players, superb component selection and design concepts are incorporated as standard in the N-01.

We have poured more than 30-years' worth of digital player development know-how into every detail of the N-01, incorporating our proprietary "ES-LINK Analog" transmission method, 35-bit D/A processing algorithm, and HCLD buffer amplifier equipped with 125,000μF super capacitors.

This combination of our prestigious audio circuitry, highly advanced network audio module and playback applications create a cutting-edge device that is incredibly easy to use, generating an entirely new standard for network playback.

Network Audio

Imagine choosing and playing back your favorite music with outstanding sound quality without leaving the comfort of your listening seat. ESOTERIC's N-01 Network Audio Player makes this a reality

The N-01 enables you to enjoy the vivid musical experience of DSD master sound sources. You can quickly and easily access your digital music library, or actively seek out new encounters in music with streaming services available in your area. Simply make effective use of your home network environment to bring your relationship with music even closer.

In addition to your home audio components, all you need are a standard domestic LAN connection (with wireless router) and a tablet or smartphone. You can also incorporate an NAS (Network Attached Storage) device to hold your entire music library. It's that simple! Just make these changes to discover a whole new level of high-quality musical enjoyment without compromise.

Compatible with a Variety of Audio Sources

The N-01 is fully equipped with a wide range of select high-end specifications to ensure it delivers superb network audio playback quality. Compatible with 5.6MHz DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM playback (The N-01 down-converts signals to 192kHz/24-bit while playing back 384kHz/32-bit PCM signals when in network mode.) and a host of other formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC), gapless playback capability is also offered in all lossless formats, delivering full enjoyment of live or opera recordings with no interruptions between musical tracks.

ESOTERIC Sound Stream

ESOTERIC Sound Stream is an Apple iOS/Android application for tablets and smartphones designed with an emphasis on both sound quality and intuitive operability for network playback. Simply select musical tracks using the tablet/smartphone to create a customized playlist and then play the playlist. All screens are intuitively designed for easy operation and access to playlists and libraries, making it easier for anyone to use. Yet it also has a wide range of refined features that meet the demands of even the most experienced users.

Key to this achievement is the excellent search and retrieval function that fully utilizes tag information. Images are also stored in the app, enabling you to instantly scroll through album artwork and libraries according to categories such as artist, year of recording, composer or category. This use of tag information even allows tracks that have the same name but different formats to be easily identified on the screen.

"ES-LINK Analog" Method for High Quality Current Transmission

In addition to regular line connections (XLR and RCA), the N-01 features ESOTERIC's new "ES-LINK Analog" transmission method. This is a current transmission method that utilizes the high performance of the HCLD buffer circuit and its enhanced ability to supply high-speed current. This is the ideal analog audio transmission as it is free from signal route impedance, thus fully maximizing the system's potential when connected to a compatible device.

4 Powerful Independent Power Sources

The N-01 is equipped with four large toroidal transformers, with two dedicated to the built-in monaural D/A converters, one for the digital circuit board and one for the network module, creating the ideal power supply for each circuit block. The 100,000μF high capacitance EDLC super capacitor array installed in the network module dedicated power supply is selected specifically for use in our flagship model network audio players to provide incredible improvements in sound quality.

Music Server Function

The N-01 can also be used as a simplified music server that integrates both player and library by connecting large-capacity storage devices to two USB ports on the front and rear of the unit.

Newly Designed Integrated Dual Monaural D/A Converters for the Ultimate in Sound Quality

The D/A converters of the K1/N-01 feature the lavish specifications you would expect of a premium all-in-one model. This completely new design utilizes the finest possible materials and circuit technology available in the world today. The circuit incorporates the premium 32-bit AK4497 DAC chipset from AKM (Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation) in conjunction with the high-end MUSES03 operational amplifier from New Japan Radio Co., Ltd.

Eight parallel/differential circuits drive each channel to achieve outstanding linearity and low distortion. The D/A converter features separate left and right power transformers and eight power supply regulators for each channel, which are located directly next to each circuit to ensure a clean and highly stable power supply. The isolation of the digital circuits and analog circuits has also been improved to give listeners a vivid musical reproduction that is both pure and carries a superior image and depth.

35-bit D/A Processing for Outstanding Musical Expression

The N-01 combines multiple 32-bit DAC chipsets and utilizes a 35-bit D/A processing algorithm to convert the PCM signal to analog at a high 35-bit resolution. 35-bit processing achieves an astounding resolution that is fully 2,048 times that of 24-bit processing. In the digital range, high-bit data gradation is fully utilized to minimize arithmetic errors and provide faithful conversion to analog, attaining outstanding musical expression even with extremely small music signals.

ESOTERIC-HCLD : ESOTERIC's Proprietary High Current Output Buffer Circuit

The ability to produce comparatively large currents and high slew rates are two of the most important factors that enable an analog output circuit to accurately transmit the wide dynamic range of a music signal without degradation. The N-01 offers the ultimate performance as a line driver by adopting high-performance elements with a high current output and exceptionally fast slew rate (2,000V/μs) for excellent response speed. Two of these buffer circuits are employed per channel. The available instantaneous output current is maximized by configuring them differentially to drive the XLR outputs and in parallel to drive the RCA outputs. Furthermore, an EDLC super capacitor array is utilized as the power source of the buffer circuits. Its amazingly high capacitance of 125,000μF for each channel provides unwavering low-frequency ranges, and enables the reproduction of musical dynamism with breathtaking reality.

Highly Rigid Chassis Design

The N-01 features the same highly-acclaimed 2-layer thick aluminum and steel rigid chassis design as K-series models. The chassis interior has a double-decker construction that both reduces interference between circuits and shortens the power supply paths to further improve sound quality. Each slot in every part of the chassis is precisely machined using laser technology to effectively reduce vibration. The entire bottom chassis is supported on 5mm-thick steel by our proprietary pinpoint feet (patent No;JP4075477) to create a complete mechanical grounding that protects against vibration.