Product Description
The Esoteric N-05XE is a superb streamer/dac which also operates as a preamp and headphone amp. Connect this directly into a stereo power amp for a fantastic 2-box system, or expand as needed! A great match with the Esoteric S-05XE.
N-05XE System Configuration
- D/A Converter: Equipped with a wide range of digital inputs
- Network Streamer: Designed for streaming and music file playback
- Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Preamplifier
- Dual-Mono, Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier
- Fully Dual-Mono Construction: All analog and power supply circuits are completely L/R independent
Master Sound Discrete DAC G2
- *Next Generation “G2” DAC: With richer musicality, incorporating the Grandioso N1 technologies
- Highly Advanced Multilevel ΔΣ D/A Converter: Powered by 64-bit/512Fs ΔΣ modulator
- FPGA-Based Discrete Circuit Configuration: Without using an off-the-shelf DAC IC
- Two Independent FPGA Digital Processing Algorithms: Optimised separately for PCM and DSD formats
- *Low-Noise New Register Network: Provides cleaner imaging and lower noise
- High Precision MELF Resistor Elements: Ensures ultra-high D to A conversion accuracy
- Fully Dual-Mono Configuration: Left/right independent analog and power supply circuits
- *“Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player”: Esoteric’s proprietary high-precision clock circuit
ESOTERIC Network Engine G4
- *Next Generation Network Streaming Engine: Supports optical network connections via SFP port
- Dedicated Large Linear Power Supply: Contributes to smooth, vinyl-like, and richly detailed sound
- Native DSD 22.5 MHz Playback Support
- Music Server Function: Supports connection of up to two USB drives
- Wide Range of Supported File Formats: DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, MP3, AAC
- Esoteric Sound Stream App: Provides extremely comfortable operation on smartphone/tablet
- OpenHome Compliant: Can be controlled using compatible OpenHome applications
- Support for Multiple Streaming Services: Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, QQ Music
Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Preamplifier
- High-Fidelity Dual-Mono, Dual Balanced Circuit: Consists of 8 circuits (L/R, hot/cold independent)
- *Dedicated Attenuator Power Supply: Contributes to pure volume control
- HCLD High-Current Buffer Amplifier: Powerfully drives downstream equipment with no sound quality difference regardless of preamp output, line output, or headphone output
- ES-Link Analog: Esoteric’s proprietary current signal link with amplifier, provides super authentic sound
- *ES-Link Analog input ×1
Dual-Mono, Parallel Single-Ended Headphone Amplifier
- *Completely New Circuit Design: Developed for even higher sound quality
- *Dual-Mono Parallel Single-Ended Amplification: Provides excellent drive capability and control
- 1,200 mW + 1,200 mW Output (32 Ω Load)
- 4-Pin XLR and ¼ (6.3mm) Stereo Phone Headphone Outputs
Other Features
- *Front USB Type-C Port: Functions as a DAC input for smartphones and DAPs
- ES-Link (XLR) Input: Provides digital connectivity to Esoteric SACD transport models
- 10 MHz Clock Input: Enables connection to the G-05 external master clock for further sound quality enhancement
- Bluetooth® Receiver: Supports various high definition codecs; LDAC, LHDC, Qualcomm®aptX ™ HD audio, Qualcomm®aptX ™ audio, AAC, SBC
- Fixed Line Output Mode / Signal Pass-Through Output Mode
- High-Rigidity Chassis Construction: Optimised for effective vibration control
- Semi-Floating Top Panel: Enhances sonic openness and spatial expression
- Patented Pinpoint Isolation Feet: Deliver focused imaging and an open soundstage
- Proudly Made in Tokyo
TIDAL / TIDAL Connect
Begin your encounters with new music through TIDAL, a high-end music streaming service that has officially partnered with Esoteric. TIDAL’s lossless music distribution service operates on a fixed rate basis. Offering instant access to its enormous sound library, TIDAL enables users to enjoy their favorite music online with excellent sound quality. Esoteric also supports TIDAL Connect playback.
Learn more here: TIDAL
Qobuz / Qobuz Connect
Founded in 2007 and a pioneer of high quality sound, Qobuz is the French music streaming and download platform for those who want to live and share their passion for music. Available in 26 countries (as of 2024) around the world, in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Japan, Qobuz offers an exceptional range of exclusive editorial content written by a team of experts. With its catalog of more than 100 million tracks, Qobuz also has the richest choice of high-resolution (Hi-Res) titles. Esoteric also supports Qobuz Connect playback.
Learn more here: Qobuz
Roon Ready
Roon is the most engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music. Being Roon Ready means that Esoteric network players transparently discover and connect to Roon, with no network configuration, with bitperfect delivery of audio to your dac. Together, Roon and Esoteric deliver the power, flexibility, and performance benefits of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.
Learn more here: Roon Labs
RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport) Dedicated Mode
The N-05XE is equipped with a dedicated RAAT mode that reduces the CPU processing load by disabling all network functions except those required for RAAT, thereby improving playback quality when using Roon.
Spotify
Spotify is an on-line music streaming service delivering over 40 million music. Two types of services are provided, a basic service called “Spotify Free” for free, and on-demand and high-quality sound subscription service called “Spotify Premium” at flat rate.
Learn more here: Spotify
QQ Music
QQMusic is the largest music streaming service in mainland China and is a joint venture between Tencent and Spotify. It supports high resolution music streaming if you are a paid VIP tier user. With support for QPlay, you can choose Esoteric as a playback device from within the QQMusic App.
Learn more here: QQ Music
MQA
MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers master quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. Using pioneering scientific research into how people hear, MQA captures and authenticates the sound of the original studio performance.
Learn more here: MQA