Esoteric Grandioso C1X Preamplifier

Construction without compromise

2 chassis dual monoblock design

Semi-floating pre-amplifier module non-screwed with chassis for further unbound sense of the sound

DC power supply design with dual AC inputs and dual DC outputs

Total 5 power supply transformers, including four large-capacity Toroidal-core transformers and one R core transformer

All-new circuitry design that totally renovates the Grandioso C1

Newly developed “Ultra Fidelity Attenuator System” that achieves prodigious resolution of 0.1dB/1,120 steps and smooth curve with Stepped Resistors Attenuator

Unique integrated discrete amplifier module, the “IDM-01” exclusively designed for the C1X, for excellent sound quality by selecting parts and circuitry by ourselves in the same manner of discrete circuity

Input selector with FET elements that eliminate affects from mechanical contacts and achieve excellent sound

Unique current transmission format ES-LINK Analog supported on three inputs and two outputs*

Excellent S/N performance by fully balanced circuit design

The ESOTERIC-QVCS volume control that consists of four circuits on each channel for dual-mono and fully balanced design

Ultra low noise logic control design

The ESOTERIC-HCLD, an enforced current output buffer circuitry (2,000V/μs)

Stabilized power supply circuit for buffer amplifiers (EDLC Suer Capacitor Array)

Other features

Selector Knob and Volume Knob employing high-precision ball bearing for excellent operational feeling

Input gain control: ±18dB (0.1dB step), L/R balance control: ±6dB (0.1dB step)

Supports AV THRU setting that allows coexistence of AV amplifiers, in addition to conventional LINE inputs. (on all inputs)

A high-grade double-faced aluminum remote control that controls ESOTERIC Super Audio CD players, network players, and DACs, as well as the Grandioso C1X. (RC-1334)

Specifications

Analog audio inputs

XLR/ESL-A 3 pairs

Input impedance 50kΩ

Input sensitivity 500mV (at reted output)

Maximum input level 12V

RCA 2 pairs

Input impedance 68kΩ

Input sensitvity 500mV (at rate output)

Maximum input level 12V

Analog audio outputs

XLR 2 pairs

Output impedance 30Ω

Rate output 2V

Maximum output level 17V

ESL-A 2 pairs * Option: Changing the ESL-A terminals with RCA terminals.

Output impedance 30Ω

External Control

RS-232C

Terminal D-sub 9-pin × 1

TRIGGER IN

Terminal 3.5mm Monaural Mini jack × 1

Input Level 12V, 2mA

TRIGGER OUT

Terminal 3.5mm Monaural Mini jack × 2

Output Level 12V, 100mA (total)

General

Power supply

AC 120V, 60Hz

AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz

Power consumption 15W (L), 15W (R)

External dimensions (W×H×D)

Main unit 445 × 132 × 449mm

17-⅝" × 5-¼" × 17-⅝" (including protrusions)

Power unit 445 × 132 × 452mm

17-⅝" × 5-¼" × 17-⅞" (including protrusions)

Weight

Main unit 20.2kg / 44.6 lb

Power unit 29.0kg / 64 lb

Included accessories Power cords × 2

DC power connection cords × 2

Remote control (RC-1334) × 1

AA batteries × 2

Felt pads × 8

Owner's manual × 1

Warranty card × 1

Audio performance

Frequency response 1Hz to 150kHz (–3dB, XLR IN, XLR OUT)

S/N ratio 120dB (2V input, A weight, XLR IN, XLR OUT)

Total harmonic distortion 0.00035% (XLR IN, XLR OUT)

Gain +12dB (XLR IN, XLR OUT)