Esoteric Grandioso C1X Solo Preamplifier

It brings out the best in each piece of equipment that makes up the system, bringing an exceptional experience that eliminates the existence of the audio system in a pleasant sense of unity with the music, – It is the most important role of the preamplifier as the command center of the audio system.

The C1X is the flagship model of ESOTERIC's preamplifiers. It bears the proud ESOTERIC trademark "Grandioso". The Grandioso C1X is a reference standard for the next generation, featuring a carefully designed dual balanced circuit, a complete dual mono configuration, a powerful buffer amplifier and power supply circuit to drive the power amplifiers, and ES-LINK Analog current transmission that challenges the limits of fidelity. It is a flagship preamplifier that incorporates all of ESOTERIC's wisdom and numerous technological innovations.

The Grandioso C1X "solo" edition is housed in an integrated chassis without changing the internal circuit configuration of the original C1X, as well as its five independent power transformer configurations for each circuit block, achieving an elegant and beautiful size form factor while maintaining the C1X’s signature sound.

Features

Full dual monoblock configuration in a one-piece chassis

Dual-balanced configuration with 4 circuits per channel for thorough low noise

"Ultra-Fidelity Attenuator System" with 1,120 steps @ 0.1dB intervals

Discrete amplifier module "IDM-01"

3 inputs and 2 outputs of ES-LINK Analog, a unique and proprietary current transmission system

2,000V/µs slew rate current transmission enhanced output buffer circuit

ESOTERIC-HCLD (High Current Line Driver)

2 XLR outputs and 2 ES-LINK Analog outputs for a multi-power amplifier system

5 transformers: 4 large-capacity toroidal transformers for audio system and 1 R-core transformer for control system

Input switching circuit with FET elements eliminates coloration of sound quality by relays

Smooth feeling control knob with high precision ball bearings

Gain adjustment per input: ±18dB (0.1dB step), and L/R balance adjustment: ±6dB (0.1dB step)

AV-thru function that allows the coexistence of AV surround and pure 2-channel (selectable input terminals)

Editable source device names on the readout

Various functions such as dimmer function, mute function, automatic display OFF setting, etc.

Large volume font for better visibility

RS-232C terminal for external control

DC Trigger input/output for system Power ON/OFF including power amplifier

Double-face remote control to operate ESOTERIC source devices (RC-1334)

Specifications

Analog Audio Inputs

XLR/ES-Link Analog × 3 pairs

Input Impedance 50kΩ

Input Sensitvity 500mV (at rated output)

Maximum Input Level 11.7V

RCA × 2 pairs

Input Impedance 500kΩ

Input Sensitvity 500mV (at rated output)

Analog Audio Outputs

XLR × 2 pairs

Output Inpedance 30Ω

Rated Output 2V

Maximum Output level 17V (1kHz, 0.003%)

ES-Link Analog × 2 pairs

Output Impedance 30Ω

Extrenal Control

RS-232C

Connector S-sub 9pin × 1

Trigger Input

Connector 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 1

Input Level 12V, 2mA

Trigger Output

Connector 3.5mm Monaural mini jack × 2

Output Level 12V, Total 100mA maximum

General

Power

AC 120V, 60Hz

AC 220-240V, 50Hz

Power Consumption 22W

Standby Power 0.3W when RS-232C Remote control is disabled, 1.0W when enabled

Overall Dimensions (W×H×D) 445 × 132 × 449mm (including protrusions)

Weight 27.5kg

Included Accessories Power cord × 1

Remote control (RC-1334) × 1

AA batteries × 2

Felt pads × 4

Owner's manual × 1

Warranty card × 1

Audio performance

Frequency Response 1Hz to 150kHz (–3dB, XLR)

S/N Ratio 120dB (2V input, IHF-A, XLR)

Total Harmonic Distortion 0.00035%

Gain +12dB