Esoteric C-03Xs Stereo Preamp

Description

A Legacy of Consummate Purity and Perfection.

Esoteric’s new C-03Xs Preamplifier and S-03 Power Amplifier carry on the refinement of the 02 Series’ superb qualities of musical reproduction, which stand as a Grandioso legacy.

Their minimalist approach to the consummate purity of sound returns to the very source of audio component design to give birth to a rich new range of musical experience. Hand-assembled one-by-one in Esoteric’s Tokyo factory, each unit combines the most advanced technologies with an unprecedented level of craftsmanship to give life to a preeminent philosophy of sound appreciation, from which a timeless new standard is born.

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.

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 C03Xs’ 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

The C-03Xs’ Esoteric-QVCS* volume control employs four precision switched resistor ladder networks, which change in unison as the volume knob is rotated. This arrangement allows the signal paths for the left and right channels and their positive and negative phases to be kept totally independent and as short as possible. Consequently the sound has superb clarity, excellent channel separation and highly accurate phase characteristics. The elimination of audio board wiring to the volume control further contributes to a reduced signal path, while preventing degradation of sound quality and helping to maintain the low distortion one would expect of a reference model.

* QVCS = Quad Volume Control System

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* Output Buffer Boosts Current Transmission While EDLC* Power Supply Ensures High Stability

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.

*HCLD = High Current Line Driver *EDLC = Electric Double-Layer Capacitor

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.

Other Important Features

• Five preset volume curves permit selection of the most comfortable operating feel.
• Individual input gain adjustability helps minimize differences in source volumes. (Range: ±18dB; 0.5dB steps)
• Adjustable left and right channel volume balance control. (Range: ±6dB; 0.5dB steps)
• Selectable phase inversion can be individually set for each source.
• RCA2 terminals permit switching between normal line output and AV-througho utput for systems operated in both AV surround and pure two-channel modes.
• Remote controller features high-quality aluminum finish. Can also be used to operate any of Esoteric’s superb line of SACD players.
• Source component name displays can be programmed using the remote controller.
• Also equipped with dimmer, mute, and auto-display-off functions.
• Highly Rigid 5-Cell Chassis Construction Inherited from the C-02X

Chassis construction plays a vital role in quality sound reproduction, and the C-03Xs is built on a 02 Series chassis that is larger and more robust than any 03 Series preamplifier’s chassis till now. Its optimized design utilizes a 2-layer 5-cell configuration that houses each circuit block in its own compartment. This provides more space for the layout of components than available in previous 03 Series preamplifiers, realizing a shorter signal path that helps minimize inter-circuit interference. The chassis’ 5mm-thick steel bottom plate and thick aluminum exterior panels are supported at 4 points by milled steel isolation feet, which enhance chassis rigidity while effectively suppressing resonant vibration.