Esoteric D-02X: Completely redesigned digital-to-analog converter

The new Esoteric D-02X digital-to-analog converter has been completely redesigned compared to its predecessor, the Esoteric D-02. The engineers managed to shrink the design of the top-end Grandioso D1 DAC, consisting of two mono chassis, into a single “dual mono” unit, without any compromises. Having retained the original configuration of the Esoteric D-02 DAC with independent power supplies with four toroidal transformers (for digital circuits, a clock generator, and the left and right channels of the analog path), the designers significantly improved all the components and the topology of each circuit.

The DAC circuit uses as many as 16 chips per channel, operating in differential mode (i.e. 32 outputs) – twice as many as in the previous model, while maintaining the impressive scale of sound, for which the top-end Esoteric D1 is famous.

Other highlights of the DAC include the new ES-LINK4 input interface, 36-bit D/A conversion and the same HCLD linear buffer amplification technology as in the renowned Grandioso C1 preamplifier. Serious enhancements have been made to support playback of high-resolution recordings, including 11.2 MHz DSD, for an even more soulful musical experience.  The Esoteric D-02X uses 32 (16 + 16) AK4490 D/A converter chips from Asahi Kasei Microdevices to achieve extremely low noise and phenomenal linearity.

In addition to directly processing DSD signals, the new 36-bit D/A conversion algorithm performs PCM signal conversion with 36-bit accuracy, which ensures smooth and detailed playback of high-resolution recordings.  High-speed current transfer capability is the most important factor for the analog output circuits to transmit the widest dynamic range of musical signals without loss. Extensive resources invested in the HCLD (High Current Line Driver) circuit of the Esoteric D-02X output buffer amplifier have expanded its capabilities as a driver.

Delivering high currents, it boasts an exceptionally fast slew rate of up to 2,000 V/µs, which is an indicator of remarkable response speed. The top configuration of buffer circuits in the D-02X has four RCA outputs and two circuits for each of the contacts of the balanced XLR output (hot and cold).

Maximizing the ability to instantly deliver high current, the Esoteric D-02X reproduces the full dynamic range of music with breathtaking realism.  In addition to reproducing signals at their original sampling rate, the Esoteric D-02X can upsample PCM by 2x, 4x, and 8x, and also convert PCM and DSD formats using a proprietary algorithm that allows you to get an 11.2 MHz DSD stream from PCM signals.  The Esoteric D-02X’s coaxial and optical inputs support PCM signals with a resolution of up to 24-bit/192 kHz and 2.8 MHz DSD (DoP).

Two XLR inputs support 48-bit/192 kHz (ES-LINK3), 24-bit/384 kHz (Dual AES 8Fs), and 5.6 MHz DSD (DoP and Dual XLR mode).  D.A.P. The Esoteric D-02X also features a USB input that supports asynchronous transmission and playback of native 2.8/5.6/11.2MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM. Using Esoteric’s proprietary PC driver in combination with the proprietary free HR Audio Player software, the D-02X enables playback of high-resolution files even in studio master quality. The  output signal phase can be contactlessly inverted in the digital domain, so the owner can select Hot 2 or Hot 3 on the XLR outputs without any loss of audio quality.