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Esoteric Stereo Linestage Preamplifier

At a Glance

Reproduce the beautiful sounds of audio as accurately as they were recorded. The C-03X preamplifier as the embodiment of ESOTERIC technologies, enriches the musical experience of your system to a dramatic extent.

Proposition 65 Warning for California Residents

At the heart of every fine system, it is the preamplifier that determines one's ideal sound. Applying Esoteric's wealth of knowledge and technology, the C-03Xs carries forward in continuous succession the Grandioso lineage of high fidelity and breathtaking powers of musical expression, drawing on the refined sensitivities of musicians and engineers alike to transcend the boundaries of sound reproduction quality.

Fully balanced / Dual mono architecture

Esoteric-QVCS (quad volume control system)

Esoteric-HCLD (High Current-capacity Line Driver) output buffer

Esoteric-EDLC Super Capacitor Array

Independent Dual Mono Design

The C-03Xs' DC power supply features a fully independent dual mono design that completely eliminates inter-channel interference. Its dedicated array of power transformers for each channel also blocks noise from the power line, enabling a pure, naturally amplified sound. Grandioso technology reveals itself in such detailed new design refinements as its independent left and right channel power rectifier circuits and its carefully laid out power supply circuit boards, which further contribute to the C-03Xs' superb sound quality.

Fully-Balanced Configuration Provides Excellent S/N Ratio

The preamplifier's source signal is first received by dedicated buffer amplifiers integrated with each input, from which the circuit configuration is balanced at each stage. Through the elimination of common-mode noise and reductions in circuit impedance, a pure, noise-free signal is fed to the gain amplifiers via the shortest path possible, for an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio.

Esoteric-QVCS

Esoteric-QVCS (Quad Volume Control System) is a volume control system, which takes full advantage of unit's pure signal paths. By turning the volume knob, the gain variable volume of all the four circuits – right and left channels, positive and negative powers – are activated. In this way, this system keeps audio signals independent (from right to left and from positive to negative), so that sounds are reproduced clearly with good channel separation and accurate phase characteristics. Furthermore, the deletion of cabling from the audio board to the volume device radically shortens the audio signal path and minimizes sound deterioration. As a result, the C-03X can now reproduce sounds that are perfectly suitable for a high-end preamplifier.

Ultra–Low-Noise Logic Control

Built into the front panel, the logic control section is totally isolated, both physically and electronically, from the preamplifier module by way of an optocoupler. To assure low-noise operation, it also shuts completely down when not in actual operation, thus eliminating all possible influence on the C-03Xs' audio circuitry.

Highly Responsive Low-Noise, Low-Impedance Power Circuit

Three independent high-capacity power transformers, coupled with large banks of reservoir capacitors, provide power supply circuits that have exceptionally low output impedances and very clean and stable outputs. High-speed rectifier circuits further enhance resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio for significant improvements in sound quality.

Esoteric-HCLD (High Current-capacity Line Driver) Esoteric's Output Buffer Boosts Current with Fortified Current Transmission Enhances the Driving Performance of the Power Amplifier

As a line driver, the preamplifier must be able to fully drive the power amplifiers and faithfully convey the music signal's wide dynamic range. The key to achieving this is a circuit that provides both high current drive capability and high speed. The C-03Xs' output buffer circuitry delivers an exceptionally high current drive coupled with a high slew rate of 2,000V/µs for sharp response. Independent buffer circuits for each output and symmetrical circuitry for both the hot and cold phases of the XLR outputs maximize instantaneous output current capability. Located closest to the output buffer circuitry, the EDLC* Super Capacitor array, originally developed for the Grandioso C1, was adapted as a highly stable power source. Its compact physical size belies the extraordinary 100,000µF (0.1F) capacity it provides each channel, for high levels of instantaneous output power and strong, steady bass reproduction. Integrating these two technologies, the C-03Xs preserves musical dynamics that would otherwise be lost if smaller current transmission levels were employed between the pre and power amplifiers, allowing it to reproduce a breathtaking level of audio reality.

High-Precision Ball Bearing Controls

The C-03Xs' elegant volume and input selector knobs are machined from solid blocks of aluminum. Like the Grandioso C1 and the C-02X, their control shafts use a VRDS drive mechanism bearing system for precise rotation with no mechanical play. Rotational torque has also been fine-tuned to provide a luxurious analog control feel in keeping with this high-end preamplifier.