Esoteric has brought a number of highly original innovations to the world of high-end audio, including the legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits; it is no exaggeration to say that Esoteric’s history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.

Finally, the SE versions of the K-01XD and K-03XD are now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analog circuitry in the DAC. We are proud of our brand and always strive for the best sound.

The SE models we are releasing this time reflect every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was introduced to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE models.
 
K-03XD SE key features  (New features of the SE model are shown with icon)
“VRDS-ATLAS (ATLAS 03)” Super Audio CD transport mechanism with 18 mm turntable bridge
“Master Sound Discrete DAC” – In-house developed ladder DAC with unique FPGA, 64bit/512Fs Delta-Sigma modulator
Up-graded DAC board with premium grade parts
Super high slew-rate, “Esoteric-HCLD” high current line driver (2,000V/μs)
“ES-Link Analog” current signal transmission output
“Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” – in-house developed discrete clock module
Clock sync function
Two independent toroidal power supply transformers (for digital and analog circuits)
Low-feedback discrete DC regulators
26 × EDLC* super capacitors (total capacitance: 650,000μF＝0.65F)
Up-sampling function (x2/x4/x8/x16, max. 768kHz), PCM to DSD (22.5MHz) convert function
USB Type-B port supporting 22.5MHz DSD and asynchronous transmission
RC-1333 double-face remote controller that can also control Esoteric amplifiers.
* EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor): A special capacitor with tremendous large capacitance compared to conventional electrolytic capacitors for audio equipment. A special capacitor that boasts an astonishingly large capacitance compared to ordinary audio electrolytic capacitors.
 
VRDS Technology
VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) is a core technology of Esoteric’s CD/Super Audio CD transport mechanisms that has been a focus of the brand since its inception. The system firmly clamps the disc to a platter of the same diameter, eliminating both the rotational vibration of the disc itself and the effects of any extraneous mechanical vibration. Any latent disc warpage is also corrected by the turntable to significantly improve the relative optical axis accuracy of the optical pickup and the disc pit surface, while also minimizing servo current. This all combines to significantly reduce disc read errors and further enable breathtaking sound quality.
 
VRDS-ATLAS
The VRDS mechanism has undergone continuous development and improvement for over 30 years. During its long and illustrious history, one of the most important highlights was the introduction of the VRDS-ATLAS platform, which represents the pinnacle of perfection and sound quality. The K-03XD is equipped with VRDS-ATLAS mechanisms that have been specially adapted for this model, in order to inherit all the qualities of the VRDS-ATLAS reference mechanism used in our flagship models, the Grandioso P1X SE and the K1X SE.
 
ATLAS 03
The K-03XD SE’s new ATLAS 03 disc transport features an 18mm SS400 steel bridge. The mechanism features ultra-high rigidity and a heavy-duty design to dampen any vibrations that could affect sound quality. The transport's duralumin platter also has a well-deserved reputation for excellent sound quality, and its solid steel bridge is larger than that of the VRDS-NEO, and it uses a single-point spindle bearing design that minimizes friction and rotational noise through its point-contact thrust bearing system, the same design as the high-end models.
 
Wide Design with a Low Center of Gravity
As the quietest and most elegant transport in VRDS history, Esoteric’s impressive VRDS-ATLAS epitomizes the company's resolute focus on mechanical grounding technology to more effectively reduce vibration.
 
Large-Scale Power Circuitry, the Key to Sound Quality
The key to the sound quality of the K Series, which boasts a powerful, sculpted, three-dimensional sound, lies in its powerful power supply. In the SE model, the power supply section has also been brushed up, adding even more depth to the tone. The K-03XD SE has a total of two large toroidal power transformers that supply power to the digital and analog circuits independently.
 
Luxurious Materials for Pure Performance
The Master Sound Discrete DAC was first introduced in the Grandioso D1X as the most innovative DAC in Esoteric’s history, and its stunningly realistic sound quality has consistently garnered rave reviews for making listeners feel as if they are actually at a live performance. The version found in the K-03XD SE uses a simpler circuit configuration that captures the essence of the K1X SE to take the 03 Series to new heights. Consisting of 32 elements per channel, each DAC element contains a clock driver, logic circuit, capacitor, resistor, etc., and all 32 elements are kept isolated from each other to maintain maximum processing precision. In keeping with the D1X SE design philosophy, these DACs are packed with a luxurious selection of state-of-the-art components to ensure the pure, effortless output of boundless musical energy.
 
Advanced Digital Processing
The K-03XD SE’s independently developed delta-sigma (Δ∑) modulator supports 64-bit/512Fs and the latest high-end digital formats, including 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz PCM signals. The FPGA’s dedicated digital processing algorithm has been developed exclusively for the Master Sound Discrete DAC and is fully optimized for superior reproduction of both DSD and PCM digital audio data.
 
Upgraded with Premium Quality Parts
The analog circuitry on the DAC board is a critical circuit that plays a key role in the final sound quality of a digital player. In the new SE models, the amplification elements, analog filter resistors, and capacitors have been upgraded to premium components with even higher sound quality, resulting in more vivid live sound, improved audible dynamics, and a more organic texture.

The “Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player” used in the new SE model applies the basic design concept of G1X's in-house manufactured OCXO module to the internal clock of the digital player models. The unique circuit design using carefully selected discrete components, such as a large crystal oscillator, achieves high sound quality that reflects Esoteric’s philosophy in every detail, which cannot be achieved with an off-the-shelf clock module. The new SE model can also be connected to the Esoteric G series external master clock generator to improve sound quality by synchronizing the internal SE clock circuitry to an even more accurate 10 MHz clock.