Equipped with 4th Generation Esoteric Network Engine G4

The Grandioso N1 is equipped with the 4th generation Esoteric Network Engine G4, a top-of-the-line engine with the processing power worthy of a flagship network streamer / DAC. The G4 engine features large-capacity RAM, a powerful CPU, and an SFP port for optical network connections. The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is a concentrated embodiment of the design philosophy unique to high-end products. It boasts a dedicated linear power supply that is completely independent of the audio power supply, ensuring signal purity. Each component of the engine is independently powered through separate transformer windings. Moving beyond conventional switching power supplies, Esoteric incorporates premium components such as a large toroidal transformer, custom capacitors, Schottky barrier diodes, and other oversized parts. This meticulous engineering results in a sound that is smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed.

SFP Port

The Esoteric Network Engine G4 is equipped with a built-in network switch function and has two network interfaces: an Ethernet RJ45 connector and an SFP port.
By connecting the Grandioso N1 to an external network switch using an SFP module and fiber optic cable, you can isolate the signal from network noise, achieving unparalleled purity in playback. Alternatively, a metal cable connection using a Direct Attach Cable (DAC) can simplify the network signal path by reducing the number of circuits involved. For maximum flexibility, both the RJ45 and SFP ports can be used simultaneously, tailoring the setup to your preferences and requirements.

1. Standard Wiring Configuration

2. High Quality Network Wiring with Optical Switch

3. High Quality Network Wiring with Fiber Media Converter

Music Server Function

The Grandioso N1 is equipped with USB ports (USB-A ×1, USB-C ×1) and can function as a music server/NAS by connecting up to two USB storage devices, such as flash drives or HDD/SSD units.

Extensive Noise Isolation

The connection between the network engine and the digital audio circuit is routed through isolator circuits that effectively eliminate potential network-generated noise. Thanks to this design, the Grandioso N1 delivers clear, beautifully immersive sound, befitting its status as a flagship Network Streamer / DAC.

Bringing Out All the Dynamics and Energy of Music

Master Sound Discrete DAC G2

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is a fully in-house-designed, FPGA-based, multi-level ΔΣ (delta-sigma) D/A converter built with meticulously selected discrete components. The ultimate goal of this unique architecture is to effortlessly reproduce the true dynamics and power of music, far surpassing the limitations of conventional DAC IC chips. Its large-scale circuit design comprises 32 elements per channel and features completely independent key components, including clock drivers, logic circuits, capacitors, and resistors. Breathtakingly powerful, dynamic, and musical, this architecture delivers the ultimate pure listening experience, without compromise.

Advanced Digital Processing

Esoteric Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 supports the latest high-resolution digital formats, including 22.5 MHz DSD and 768 kHz PCM signals. To achieve D/A conversion that fully matches the unique characteristics of both DSD and PCM, dedicated FPGA* digital processing algorithms have been independently developed for each format. This ensures the finest sonic performance from any type of digital source. *FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array

Evolution to G2 (Generation 2)

The second-generation Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 is the result of our commitment to achieving new heights in sound quality.

Extensive Use of Ultra-High-Quality Components
Ultra-High-Precision MELF Resistors / IDM-01 Amplifier Elements

The DAC circuit’s core resistor elements employ industrial-grade, ultra-high-precision MELF resistors to maximize processing accuracy. In addition, the analog filter section incorporates Esoteric’s proprietary IDM-01 amplification element. The IDM-01, meticulously designed by Esoteric engineers, was developed through rigorous evaluation of materials, circuit patterns, and layout – much like a discrete amplifier. It amplifies music both dynamically and delicately. By integrating the IDM-01 with other carefully selected discrete components, the N1 achieves sound quality marked by vivid live presence, superb dynamics, and an organic, natural texture.

Advanced Quality Control

In a discrete DAC, where component tolerances are directly linked to processing precision, highly advanced quality control is essential in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards. Esoteric’s in-house factory employs some of the world’s most advanced board-mounting technologies, including soldering performed in an oxygen-free furnace located within a clean room maintained at hospital operating-room levels of cleanliness. The technologies cultivated through the production of circuit boards for the audio, medical, aerospace, and defense industries ensure the exceptional manufacturing quality of the Master Sound Discrete DAC G2.

ES-Link Analog – Esoteric’s Proprietary Current Transmission

In addition to line connections (XLR, RCA), ES-Link Analog, Esoteric’s proprietary current transmission system, is employed for connection to an amplifier. ES-Link Analog is the ideal method for audio signal transmission. Compared to the conventional voltage transmission, it transmits approximately 100 times more current, sending the full energy of the music to the amplifier. Also, it is not affected by the impedance of the interconnects running between the source and amplifier, so it maintains a perfect integrity between the output signal of the source and the input signal to the amplifier.

Robust Power Supply Circuit

The Grandioso N1’s robust power supply design is central to its powerful, three-dimensional sound and lifelike sound. Following the design philosophy of the flagship Grandioso series, this stereo unit features a true dual-mono configuration with independent power transformers for the left and right DACs.
In total, the system incorporates five transformers: one each for the left and right DACs, one for the network engine, one for the digital circuitry, and one for the microcontroller circuitry. Driving each section with a dedicated linear power supply produces a smooth, realistic sound reminiscent of vinyl playback. Each power supply section employs a Low-Feedback DC Regulator with a discrete configuration that eliminates the use of integrated circuits. By minimizing feedback, the N1 achieves a powerful, open, and natural sound.

Grandioso PS1: The Ultimate Power Supply Companion

Specially designed as a high-performance external power supply for the Grandioso N1/K1X SE’s analog circuits (D/A converter module), the Grandioso PS1 is equipped with four powerful independent power transformers. In the standard Grandioso N1, the analog front (D/A section) and rear (buffer amplifier section) circuits are each driven by a single transformer per channel. When the PS1 is connected, however, the D/A section and buffer amplifier section are separated, with two transformers per channel – an enhanced high-performance design. This separation provides clearer distinction between analog and digital signals, effectively eliminating mutual interference. The doubled power supply circuitry also ensures an ample supply of DC power, resulting in richer tonal quality and a noticeable improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player

It is no exaggeration to say that the clock circuitry is the biggest key to high sound quality in digital music reproduction. For its flagship master clock generator Grandioso G1X, Esoteric has perfected its own in-house manufactured OCXO clock module, the Master Sound Discrete Clock. The Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player used in the Grandioso N1 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.

Connectivity to Various Digital Devices

In addition to coaxial and optical inputs, the Grandioso N1 features an asynchronous USB-B port supporting DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 384kHz/32-bit resolution. All digital inputs to the DACs are routed through isolator circuits to eliminate noise interference. The Grandioso N1 also includes a digital filter switching function (ES-Link5 input: Rdot/off; other inputs: Fir/Rdot/off) and a PCM-to-DSD conversion function. These features allow users to customize sound quality according to their preferences.

Grandioso P1X SE: Super Audio CD Transport Connectivity

The Grandioso N1 supports Esoteric’s proprietary ES-Link 5 ultra-wideband digital transmission standard and can connect to Esoteric’s Super Audio CD transport models using either two HDMI cables or a single XLR cable.

ES-Link 5

ES-Link 5 is an ultra-wideband digital interface developed exclusively by Esoteric. The ES-Link 5 supports up to 22.5MHz DSD or 768kHz/48-bit PCM using two HDMI cables. The HDMI multi-cable configuration is used for the transmission of fully balanced audio data, LR clock and bit clock signals. Unlike conventional digital transmission, no processing is required for signal modulation at the sending end or for demodulation at the receiving end, thus significantly reducing the digital processing load on the DAC to achieve pure digital transmission.

Support for Various Network Sources

The Grandioso N1 supports a wide range of formats for network playback, including DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, and MQA. It handles playback up to DSD 22.5MHz and PCM 768kHz/32-bit, and also supports the 32-bit float format commonly used in the professional audio industry. The Grandioso N1 provides gapless playback for all lossless formats.
* Downconverted to 384kHz for playback.

Esoteric Sound Stream – Intuitive Control Meets Audio Quality

The Esoteric Sound Stream app, available for both Apple iOS and Android devices, is designed to combine exceptional sound quality with effortless usability. Tailored for smartphones and tablets, this innovative app allows users to easily browse, manage, and customize their music playback experience with just a few taps. With its intuitive interface, creating and managing playlists becomes seamless. All screens are thoughtfully designed for straightforward navigation, ensuring that music libraries and playlists are easily accessible to users of any experience level. At the same time, the app offers a suite of advanced features to satisfy even the most seasoned audiophiles.

Compatible with a Wide Selection of Audio Codecs and Streaming Services

Esoteric has partnered with a wide array of streaming service and audio codec providers, and preparations are currently underway to provide compatibility with newer services.
* Information on newly supported services will be released on Esoteric’s website.
* Please note that regional restrictions may be applied on some services.

Chassis Construction

To achieve the singular design goal of “reproducing the master sound” the Grandioso N1 chassis optimally controls all vibrations that affect sound quality. The mechanical engineering of the chassis is comparable to that of a Formula 1 car, with the balance between rigidity and flexibility pushed to the limit. The sleek and clean shape of the chassis is a testament to its high level of perfection. The cabinet, which requires rigidity, extensively utilizes heavyweight aluminum blocks to ensure no resonance, while the top panel features a semi-floating structure for a more open sound.