Features - Esoteric D-03 Owner's Manual

This independent D/A converter explores new musical
frontiers in a manner only possible to Esoteric, the
acknowledged leader in Super Audio CD/CD playback.
The D-03 delivers high-quality reproduction of DSD stream
signals, 192 kHz/24-bit high-sampling PCM signals and other
data-rich formats without data loss.
It has been specifically developed to reproduce the ambience
and resonance that is found on Super Audio CDs.
DAC "AD1955" with DSD input
The DAC device features "AD1955" supporting DSD and
PCM signal input in a differential configuration.
It can fully express the presence and smooth frequency
response that the Super Audio CD format delivers and can
elicit superior performance also from regular CDs.
The D-03 inherits the monaural specifications and
strengths of the D-01
D-01 know-how is used throughout.
• Right and left analog power transformers, analog power
supplies and analog audio circuits are completely independent
while using the exact same components and the same layout
pattern.
• The analog output units employ discrete circuits with high-
voltage power.
• The power transformers comprise a total of three high-
efficiency audio R core transformers: one digital and two
analog transformers.
The analog power supply uses discrete power stability circuits.
• A digital filter OFF function is provided.
Straight signal transmission
A straightforward PCB layout of both the digital and analog
circuitry prevents loss of tonal clarity.
A RAM-link without data processing capability eliminates
jitter. The provided digital filter has an off setting.
The usual analog filter in the Fs/2 region has been dispensed
with and there are no switching or adjusting circuits. Filtering
elements and transmission circuits in the power supply and
elsewhere have been optimized.
Versatile interface that handles a variety of input formats
In addition to S/PDIF, AES, i.LINK and other formats, the D-03
can be connected to CD, Super Audio CD as well as DVD
audio devices.
• All input terminals can handle 192 kHz/24-bit input.
• DSD signals from Super Audio CD are input either via ES-
LINK, a proprietary Esoteric format, or i.LINK.
• Two XLR terminals handle Dual AES and ES-LINK format
inputs in which case left and right channels are independently
transferred.
• CH_SEL selects audio channel when multi-channel signals are
input via i.LINK.
Word sync for synchronizing with external equipment
The Word sync feature provides an OUT mode for outputting
a word clock and an IN mode for allowing the unit to lock to
an external clock.
The large and highly accurate VCXO crystal oscillator has
been specially designed for the D-03. This stable and high-
precision clock provides the audio clock signal used for D/A
4

Features

conversion as well as the highly accurate synchronization for
the transport unit.
Further, the Word sync input is optimized to input the ultra-
precise G-0s master clock generator. The D-03 can thus
handle 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 48, 96, 192 and 100 kHz word
clock input and output specifications.
RAM-Link upgraded to process DSD data
RAM-Link (Refined Asynchronous Memory Link) circuit, now
RAM-Link III, has been upgraded to also process DSD data.
The Word sync mode automatically engages RAM-Link to
eliminate jitter up to the previous stage before inputting the
signal to a DAC device.
6N pure copper for internal wiring to realize higher quality
sound
• An essential link in high-quality sound reproduction, the main
internal wiring in the D-03 uses 6N pure copper cable for
greater purity of sound and better resolution.
• RCA jacks use the very best materials such as pure copper and
gold plating. The D-03 has WBT nextgen sockets for 75 ohm
digital inputs and WBT-0201 sockets for analog outputs.
• Our high-end power inlets made with rhodium plated pure
copper go through a super cryogenic process.
Highly rigid chassis completely eliminates internal and
external vibrations preventing sound and quality
deterioration
Thick aluminum is used in the top, side and front panels as
well as in the corner sections while a solid 5 mm thick steel
plate with quenched steel pinpoint legs (patent pending)
support the entire structure. For greater strength, the internal
chassis has a compartmentalized design that adds rigidity,
suppresses vibration and effectively removes all electrical
interference. The top panel features an 8 mm thick aluminum
plate to obliterate any concern for the impact of speaker
sound pressure that normally affects conventional designs.
The solid aluminum front and side panels with their brushed
finish, the top panel with its beautifully crafted logo and the
curved corner design that increases rigidity and reduces
vibration all contribute to the sense of quality found only in 2-
channel D/A converters designed for the ultimate Super Audio
CD/CD system.
The output jacks are not mounted on the PCBs but on the
rear panel to protect analog PCBs and the jacks from physical
stress and complex vibration modes. Securing the analog
PCBs to the internal chassis and the output jacks to the rear
panel prevents impairment of sound quality from a failure in
the mechanism.