Grandioso P1X SE

The Esoteric Grandioso P1X SE is a Super Audio CD transport using the ATLAS mechanism, a complete re-engineering of the VRDS-NEO platform first introduced in 2003. After 16 years of development, Esoteric replaced the NEO design with a new mechanical platform focused on structural refinement and audio fidelity.

The ATLAS mechanism uses larger SS400 steel side panels and a bridge, giving it a 27% increase in weight over NEO. The mechanism unit weighs 6.6kg, rising to 13.5kg including the base. This construction increases rigidity and helps damp vibrations that could affect audio quality. Its turntable is machined from solid duralumin, while a newly designed thrust bearing system supports the spindle. The friction-free, one-point spindle support allows smooth, quiet turntable rotation.

The wide, low-profile design gives the mechanism a low centre of gravity. Mechanical grounding technology is used to dissipate vibration, while the drive system has also been revised. The motor is positioned below the turntable rather than above the bridge, shortening the route taken by grounding vibration and reducing mechanical noise.

The tray is shaped to minimise resonance by reducing hollow sections. It opens and closes smoothly with very little play, and its use of vibration-damping elastomer resin limits tray resonance during playback.

ES-Link5 is Esoteric’s digital interface, using HDMI cables to carry the signal. In the P1X SE and D1X SE, the interface has been upgraded to Ver. 5 and supports formats up to 22.5MHz DSD and 768kHz/48-bit PCM. HDMI’s multi-conductor structure allows fully balanced transmission of audio data, LR clock and bit clock signals. Unlike regular digital transmission, ES-Link5 does not require signal modulation at the sender or demodulation at the receiver. This reduces the digital processing load on the DAC and supports direct digital transmission.

The P1X SE uses a dual-chassis construction with a separate power supply. Since the first version of the design, the power supply has been housed as a separate but integral unit because it is a source of vibration. This arrangement is intended to reduce vibration during disc reading and support audio quality.

Its power supply contains 4 independent toroidal transformers, allowing each circuit to receive a clean and powerful electricity supply. The P1X SE and D1X SE also use low-feedback discrete DC regulators. Reducing the feedback level supports an energetic presentation with a sense of openness.

EDLC super capacitors are used throughout the power supply circuitry in both the P1X SE and D1X SE. The P1X SE contains 38 EDLCs with a combined capacity of 1,400,00μF or 1.4F. The D1X uses 50 EDLCs with a combined capacity of 1,300,000μF or 1.3F for the pair. The increased power supply capacity is designed to improve low-frequency resolution and audio quality.

EDLC means Electric Double-Layer Capacitor. These capacitors were developed as next-generation power devices for the electric vehicle industry and have attracted attention because of their high capacitance.

The P1X SE is designed to work with Esoteric’s Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player technology. Esoteric manufactures the OCXO clock module in-house for its Grandioso G1X master clock generator. The G1X uses discrete clock circuitry developed to provide musical expression alongside its technical performance.