Grandioso K1X SE

The Esoteric Grandioso K1X SE is a CD and Super Audio CD player with a VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism and built-in D/A converter.

VRDS Technology

Esoteric’s VRDS, or Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System, clamps the disc to a turntable of the same diameter. This reduces rotational vibration from the disc and unwanted vibration from the mechanism itself. The system also corrects disc warpage, improving the alignment between the optical pickup and the disc pit layer while reducing servo current. These measures reduce disc read error.

VRDS-ATLAS Construction

The VRDS-ATLAS mechanism weighs 6.6kg on its own and 13.5kg including its base, making it 127% heavier than previous versions. Its larger side panels and bridge are formed from SS400 steel, while the turntable is made from duralumin. A newly designed thrust bearing provides friction-free, one-point spindle support for smooth, quiet turntable rotation.

The mechanism uses a wide, low-profile layout to lower its centre of gravity. The turntable motor is positioned below the turntable rather than above the bridge, shortening the route used to ground vibration and reduce mechanical noise. The tray has minimal hollowing to increase rigidity, while vibration-absorbing elastomer stoppers reduce resonance when the tray is stored.

Power Supply

The Grandioso K1X SE uses 4 independent toroidal power supply transformers, including separate transformers for the left and right channels of the built-in D/A converter. Its low-feedback DC power supply regulator uses a discrete circuit configuration developed through the Grandioso P1X/D1X project.

A total of 76 EDLC supercapacitors provide a combined capacity of 2,050,000μF, or 2.05F. This increased power supply capacity supports resolution in the lower frequency ranges.

Chassis Construction and Parts Layout

The centrally mounted VRDS-ATLAS transport is fixed to a 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and supported by 4 proprietary pinpoint feet, covered by patent nos. 4075477 and 3778108. This arrangement isolates the rotational mechanism from vibration. A double-deck internal structure places the audio boards on the upper level, with the power supply circuits and transformers below. The layout reduces magnetic flux leakage and vibration, while shortening the power supply wiring.

Semi-Floating Top Panel

The enclosure uses a screwless, semi-floating top panel structure to support an open and expansive presentation.