{"product_id":"esoteric-k-03xd-se-super-audio-cd-cd-player","title":"ESOTERIC K-03XD SE Super Audio CD\/CD Player","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eESOTERIC K-03XD SE Super Audio CD\/CD Player\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReference Digital Playback, Refined\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESOTERIC K-03XD SE\u003c\/strong\u003e combines the brand’s renowned \u003cstrong\u003eVRDS-ATLAS SACD transport\u003c\/strong\u003e with its proprietary \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Sound Discrete DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e, bringing advanced digital engineering, precision mechanics, and high-current analog output design into one reference-grade player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SE version further improves the platform with a newly developed discrete clock, upgraded analog components, and refined power-supply engineering for greater presence, dynamics, resolution, and musical texture. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVRDS-ATLAS ATLAS 03 Transport\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the K-03XD SE is ESOTERIC’s \u003cstrong\u003eVRDS-ATLAS ATLAS 03\u003c\/strong\u003e transport mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe system clamps the disc to a same-diameter platter to suppress rotational vibration and help correct disc warpage, improving optical pickup accuracy and reducing read errors. The ATLAS 03 uses an \u003cstrong\u003e18 mm SS400 steel bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, a duralumin platter, and a single-point spindle bearing system for exceptional rigidity, smooth rotation, and low mechanical noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/www.esoteric.jp\/images\/products\/_esoteric\/k-03xd\/k-03xd_vrds_mecha.jpg\" alt=\"K-03XD SE\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaster Sound Discrete DAC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-03XD SE uses ESOTERIC’s in-house \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Sound Discrete DAC\u003c\/strong\u003e, derived from technologies first developed for the Grandioso D1X.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts architecture incorporates \u003cstrong\u003e32 discrete elements per channel\u003c\/strong\u003e, with key components kept isolated to maintain precision and preserve musical energy. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced FPGA-based Delta-Sigma processing supports:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e64-bit \/ 512Fs processing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to \u003cstrong\u003e22.5 MHz DSD\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to \u003cstrong\u003e768 kHz PCM\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUpgraded SE Analog Circuitry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the SE model, ESOTERIC upgraded critical DAC-board components including the amplification elements, analog filter resistors, and capacitors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese premium parts are selected to improve dynamics, immediacy, tonal richness, and the organic character of the reproduced music. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaster Sound Discrete Clock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-03XD SE incorporates ESOTERIC’s \u003cstrong\u003eMaster Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player\u003c\/strong\u003e, based on concepts developed for the flagship Grandioso G1X master clock generator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can also synchronize with a compatible ESOTERIC external clock using a highly accurate \u003cstrong\u003e10 MHz reference signal\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh-Current Analog Output\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESOTERIC’s \u003cstrong\u003eHCLD High Current Line Driver\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers an extremely fast \u003cstrong\u003e2,000 V\/μs slew rate\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping the analog output stage respond quickly and preserve musical dynamics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-03XD SE also supports \u003cstrong\u003eES-Link Analog\u003c\/strong\u003e, ESOTERIC’s proprietary current-transmission system, alongside conventional XLR and RCA outputs. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Transformer Power Supply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K-03XD SE uses \u003cstrong\u003etwo large toroidal power transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing independent power supplies for the digital and analog sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts low-feedback discrete regulator architecture is supported by \u003cstrong\u003e26 EDLC super capacitors\u003c\/strong\u003e with a combined capacitance of \u003cstrong\u003e0.65 F (650,000 μF)\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping improve low-frequency resolution and overall power stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/www.esoteric.jp\/images\/products\/_esoteric\/k-03xd\/gallery\/k-03xd_rear.jpg\" alt=\"K-03XD SE\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStandalone DAC Capability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to SACD and CD playback, the K-03XD SE can be used as a high-performance standalone DAC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDigital inputs include coaxial, optical, and \u003cstrong\u003eUSB Type-B\u003c\/strong\u003e, with support for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to \u003cstrong\u003e22.5 MHz DSD\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCM upsampling at 2× \/ 4× \/ 8× \/ 16×\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum PCM rate of \u003cstrong\u003e768 kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCM-to-DSD conversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReference Chassis Construction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VRDS-ATLAS mechanism is mounted to a \u003cstrong\u003e5 mm-thick steel base plate\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the internal chassis uses a double-deck structure to separate audio circuitry from power supplies and transformers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESOTERIC’s proprietary Pinpoint Feet and a \u003cstrong\u003esemi-floating top panel\u003c\/strong\u003e further reduce vibration and mechanical stress. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVRDS-ATLAS ATLAS 03 SACD\/CD transport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 mm SS400 steel transport bridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaster Sound Discrete DAC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e32 discrete DAC elements per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e64-bit \/ 512Fs Delta-Sigma processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 22.5 MHz DSD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 768 kHz PCM\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpgraded SE analog circuitry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaster Sound Discrete Clock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal 10 MHz clock synchronization\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHCLD 2,000 V\/μs output stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eES-Link Analog output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLR and RCA analog outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo independent toroidal transformers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26 EDLC super capacitors \/ 0.65 F total capacity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandalone DAC capability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCM upsampling and PCM-to-DSD conversion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-floating top panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRC-1333 double-face remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Grid HiFi Recommendation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eESOTERIC K-03XD SE\u003c\/strong\u003e is an outstanding choice for listeners who want reference-level SACD\/CD playback and a high-resolution DAC in a single premium component, while staying below the Grandioso and K-01XD SE level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact The Grid HiFi for availability, system-matching advice, and recommendations on pairing the K-03XD SE with ESOTERIC amplification, external clocks, cabling, and reference loudspeakers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esoteric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54696370766161,"sku":null,"price":18500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1047\/7178\/0945\/files\/esoteric-k-03xd-se-shopify-2048x2048.jpg?v=1787765720","url":"https:\/\/gridhifi.com\/products\/esoteric-k-03xd-se-super-audio-cd-cd-player","provider":"The Grid","version":"1.0","type":"link"}